Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift Gears First When Practicing Driving?
3 Answers
When practicing driving, shift gears first and then engage the handbrake. Introduction to the Handbrake: The parking brake, commonly known as the handbrake, functions to provide resistance to the car when parked, preventing it from rolling. The parking brake, whether it's the handbrake or the parking gear in an automatic transmission, locks the drive shaft or rear wheels. The force applied by the parking brake is much weaker compared to the service brake; it only needs to prevent the car from rolling when parked on a slope. Precautions for Using the Handbrake: Do not pull the handbrake to the highest setting, as the handbrake mechanism includes not only steel cables but also nylon ropes. If the handbrake is always pulled to the highest setting, the nylon ropes will quickly experience material fatigue.
When I first started learning to drive, this issue also confused me quite a bit. The instructor said that when parking, you should first shift to neutral or P gear, then pull the handbrake; when starting, you need to shift into gear first, such as D gear or 1st gear, and then release the handbrake. The key to doing this is safety first—if you pull the handbrake without shifting into gear, the car might suddenly roll, especially when practicing on a slope, which can be dangerous. I made a mistake during hill start once, forgetting to shift into gear and releasing the handbrake directly, causing the car to almost roll backward—luckily, I stepped on the brake in time. Automatic transmission cars are simpler, while manual transmission cars require attention to clutch coordination. In short, messing up the sequence can easily damage the transmission or brake system. Practicing driving requires forming good habits—think through the steps before each operation, and it will become natural over time. Safe driving isn't just about skill; it's also about attentiveness. Take your time, start practicing on flat ground first.
I've taught many people how to drive, and their common misconceptions often lie in the sequence of starting and stopping the vehicle. When parking, you should first shift the gear into position, such as P (Park) or Neutral, and then engage the handbrake; when starting, you should first confirm the gear is correct, then release the handbrake. Why emphasize this sequence? Because shifting the gear locks the vehicle's transmission system, and then engaging the handbrake provides double insurance against accidental movement. I remember once when a student was practicing on a slope, they pulled the handbrake without properly shifting the gear, resulting in the car rolling back and hitting an obstacle. Manual and automatic transmissions operate similarly, but manual transmissions require more frequent gear changes during startup, requiring coordination between the clutch and accelerator. When practicing, don’t rush—start with the basics and follow each step for every stop and start. Though the wrong sequence may seem minor, the hidden risks are significant. For example, neglecting this could lead to excessive brake wear or electronic system failures. Long-term peace of mind comes from paying attention to small details.
