Should You Press the Brake or the Clutch First in Subject 2?
2 Answers
When stopping in Subject 2, you generally press the clutch first. Here are the relevant details: Speed and Gear Matching: The speed must match the gear. When the vehicle shakes due to decreasing speed, you must downshift promptly. No Coasting in Neutral: Subject 3 does not allow coasting in neutral. While coasting in neutral and braking is sometimes used in regular driving to avoid stalling, it is strictly prohibited during the test. Whether to press the clutch or the brake first depends on the driving speed and operational goals. Trainees should pay extra attention during practice to master the skill and achieve proper control. Avoid Directly Pressing the Brake: You should fully depress the clutch and then quickly press the brake. If the vehicle rolls back or stalls during hill starts, you can press the brake firmly directly.
I just passed the Subject 2 test, and my instructor repeatedly emphasized that the sequence of operations is crucial. When needing to stop or slow down, such as during reverse parking or hill-start parking, my approach is to first press the brake to reduce speed, controlling the vehicle to prevent it from sliding out of control. Only when the speed is very low and almost stopping do I press the clutch to come to a complete stop, which helps avoid stalling the engine. Stalling during the Subject 2 test results in point deductions. When I first started practicing, I got the sequence wrong, leading to an embarrassing stall and rollback on a slope. Remember, this sequence is not only important for the test but also ensures safety in real driving. Once it becomes a habit, the operation will be smooth. Practice more in simulated test scenarios, like braking precisely to the right spot during parallel parking before pressing the clutch to stop, ensuring smooth movements that satisfy the examiner. Stay calm during the test, take it step by step without rushing—safety should always come first.
