Should You Engage the Handbrake or First Gear First in Subject Two?
3 Answers
When starting the vehicle, you should engage the gear first, then release the handbrake. The reason for engaging the gear before releasing the handbrake during startup is to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward. If the handbrake is released first, the vehicle will be in neutral for a period before the gear is engaged. In neutral, the car may roll backward, potentially causing an accident. Below are some related tips: The key to a smooth start lies in mastering the timing of the clutch's semi-engagement and coordinating it closely with the accelerator pedal. When releasing the clutch pedal, start quickly at first. As you approach the point where the engine sound changes and the car body slightly vibrates, pause the clutch pedal at this position, gradually press the accelerator pedal, and then slowly lift your left foot until it is completely released. Notes for parking: When parking, after bringing the vehicle to a complete stop, you should first engage the handbrake, then shift to neutral. This maximizes the assurance that the vehicle will not move. This is because many people tend to release the clutch and brake immediately after shifting to neutral. If the gear is not correctly shifted to neutral or if the parking spot is on a slope, the vehicle may move. However, for automatic transmission cars, you can directly shift to P (Park) and then engage the handbrake when parking.
As a driving instructor with twenty years of experience, it's crucial to memorize the starting sequence for Subject 2. After stopping at the designated spot on the slope during the test, you must shift into first gear before releasing the handbrake—this sequence is critical for safety scoring. Once the car is fully stopped, keep the clutch and brake pedals depressed, quickly shift into first gear with your right hand, and only release the handbrake after confirming the gear is fully engaged. Releasing the handbrake first can cause the car to roll back more than 30 cm on the slope, resulting in an immediate failure. I've witnessed many trainees roll back due to reversing this sequence, especially those who panic after stalling during reverse parking or exiting the garage. Remember the slight jolt when slowly lifting the clutch to the semi-engaged point—this is the safest moment to release the brake. Mastering this entire procedure will prepare you for all test course terrains.
Having just passed the second driving test last week, I deeply relate to this. Messing up the starting sequence is an easy way to fail. The instructor repeatedly emphasized that you must press the brake, shift into first gear, and then release the handbrake—otherwise, the computer system detects rollback and deducts 100 points immediately. During a mock test, I once released the handbrake too quickly on a hill start, causing the car to roll back half a meter, and the safety officer stopped me right away. Nowadays, exam vehicles are equipped with electronic sensors, so relying on luck is not an option. The key is to practice completing the gear shift and handbrake release within three seconds after stopping—this is especially crucial when restarting during reverse parking. Remember, coordination between hands and feet matters more than speed; following the steps methodically prevents mistakes under exam pressure.
