Should You Engage the Handbrake or Shift to Neutral First After Stopping in Driving Test Part 3?
2 Answers
After stopping in Driving Test Part 3, the safest practice is to first shift the gear to neutral, then engage the handbrake. Shifting to neutral first offers certain advantages. If you suddenly realize that the test vehicle is over 50 centimeters from the road edge line after shifting to neutral—which clearly violates test requirements—you still have a chance to adjust by simply shifting back to first gear and maneuvering again. Additionally, with the gear in neutral, if your left foot accidentally releases the clutch, the vehicle won't lurch forward, significantly reducing the likelihood of failing the test. Important Notes: If you engage the handbrake first, subsequent actions can no longer be performed. Moreover, many students subconsciously release the clutch immediately after engaging the handbrake, causing the test vehicle to jerk forward. Once the system detects this, it will result in an automatic failure. Therefore, the optimal sequence is to shift to neutral first, then engage the handbrake. After turning off the engine, unfasten the seatbelt, check for oncoming traffic by looking over your shoulder, and only open the door and exit when it's safe. About Driving Test Part 3: Driving Test Part 3, which includes the road driving skills test and the safety and civilized driving knowledge test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It is the abbreviated term for the road driving skills and safety and civilized driving knowledge test in the motor vehicle driver's examination. The content of the road driving skills test varies depending on the type of vehicle being licensed for.
I remember during driving school, the instructor always emphasized pulling the handbrake first before shifting to neutral after parking. Now, as I teach new students, I better understand the importance of this sequence. After the car comes to a complete stop, engaging the handbrake prevents it from rolling or sliding, especially on slopes where safety risks are high. Then, shifting to neutral protects the transmission by avoiding engine load fluctuations that could cause jerking. During the driving test (Subject 3), this sequence is a core scoring point—missing a step results in immediate point deduction. Making this a habit in daily driving reduces accidents, like stopping at a traffic light: shifting to neutral first without the handbrake could lead to the car rolling backward and hitting others. During practice, I have students repeatedly simulate parking scenarios—their first move after stopping must be pulling the handbrake to build muscle memory. Safe driving lies in the details; this habit is priceless for both exams and real-life situations.
