Should You Press the Brake Simultaneously When Engaging the Clutch in Subject Two?
2 Answers
Before starting, you need to press the brake. Press the clutch all the way down with your left foot, press the foot brake with your right foot, shift into first gear, release the handbrake, slowly release the clutch until you feel a noticeable vibration in the car body, then release the foot brake, and the car will start. Here is some relevant information: Hill Start: A hill start refers to starting a car on a slope of a certain angle, which is a necessary driving skill for new drivers. According to statistics, accidents caused by vehicles rolling backward after a hill start are increasing year by year, and it is also a challenging subject for new trainee drivers. In fact, a hill start is not difficult; as long as you correctly master the operational essentials and grasp a few key points, you can start smoothly. Brake: Also known as braking, it refers to the action of stopping or reducing the speed of running locomotives, vehicles, and other transportation tools or machinery.
I've been teaching driving for many years and have seen many students hesitate about whether to press both the clutch and brake when starting in Subject 2. Honestly, it's unnecessary—overcomplicating things often leads to mistakes. For starting on flat ground, like during reverse parking or parallel parking, the steps are simple: first, press the brake to ensure the car is stable, shift into first gear, slowly release the clutch to the semi-engagement point (you'll feel a slight vibration), then release the brake and gently press the accelerator to start smoothly. However, for the hill-start exercise, it's a bit different: you need to press the clutch to semi-engagement while controlling the brake to prevent rolling back, or use the handbrake for assistance. Once you feel the car vibrate, slowly release the brake and apply the accelerator. During the test, examiners focus on smooth and steady movements—no stalling or rolling back—so the key is to practice finding the semi-engagement point. I advise beginners not to overthink it; prioritize mastering the coordination between the clutch and accelerator to avoid overcomplicating the process. Simulate hill conditions during practice, and once you're comfortable, the test will be easier. The core of driving is controlling the car's dynamics to minimize surprises.
