Should You Press the Brake When Shifting Gears in Subject 2?
2 Answers
Manual transmission cars require pressing the clutch before shifting gears. Manual transmission upshifting tips: 1. Before starting the car, shift into first gear and use the half-clutch technique to start the car slowly. Once the car is moving steadily, you can proceed with upshifting; 2. Shift gears according to the car's speed. Start in first gear, then shift to second gear after moving a few meters; shift to third gear when the speed reaches above 20 mph but below 35 mph; shift to fourth gear when the speed reaches above 35 mph but below 45 mph; shift to fifth gear when the speed exceeds 45 mph; 4. In the Subject 2 test, there is no requirement to shift beyond third gear; only shifting between first and second gears is necessary.
I remember during driving lessons, the instructor repeatedly emphasized that the key to gear shifting in Subject 2 is pressing the clutch, not the brake. Generally, the brake is only needed when slowing down or stopping. For example, during the field test when starting, upshifting (like from first to second gear), or reverse gear operation, you mainly press the clutch pedal, move the gear lever to position, and then slowly release the clutch to allow the car to move smoothly. The brake is reserved for specific moments, such as preventing rollback during parallel parking or hill starts. Accidentally pressing the brake while shifting gears may cause the car to jerk or even stall, which could lead to point deductions. Safety comes first, so it's important to develop the habit during practice: the left foot handles the clutch, while the right foot manages the accelerator and brake to avoid confusion. In short, most gear-shifting scenarios don't involve the brake—keeping the movements simple is sufficient.
