Should the handbrake be released or the gear engaged first in Subject 2?
2 Answers
In Subject 2, you should engage the gear first and then release the handbrake. When the vehicle is parked, the road surface is not completely flat and may have a slope. If you release the handbrake before engaging the gear, the vehicle may roll backward. The starting procedure for a manual transmission in Subject 2 is as follows: first press the clutch and the brake, then engage first gear, release the handbrake, gradually lift the clutch, and slowly release the brake to start the vehicle gently. Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and refers to the field driving skills test. The test items for small vehicles C1 and C2 include five mandatory tests: reversing into a garage, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving through curves (commonly known as S-turns). Some regions also have a sixth item: high-speed toll card collection.
I always teach my students that when starting the vehicle for Subject 2 (Parking Test), they should engage the gear first before releasing the handbrake. This sequence is crucial because if you release the handbrake without engaging the gear, the vehicle may roll freely, potentially hitting obstacles during reverse parking or parallel parking, resulting in immediate point deductions during the exam. I remember one student failed because they got the sequence wrong, and only passed after repeated practice to develop the habit. Safety first is a fundamental principle of driving, and cultivating this habit can prevent rollaway accidents in daily driving. During practice, after starting the engine, press the clutch, engage the forward or reverse gear, and then release the handbrake to ensure a stable power connection. Subject 2 exams focus on details, and examiners will check for standardized operations, so it’s essential to stick to this procedure in every practice session. Train muscle memory to make the movements natural and smooth, ensuring fewer mistakes and a higher chance of passing the exam.
