Should You Press the Clutch or Brake First in the Subject 2 Driving Test?
2 Answers
In the Subject 2 driving test, you should slow down and stop by pressing the clutch first and then the brake. During Subject 2, the primary focus is training learners on how to control the clutch effectively. Whether it's reversing into a parking space, navigating curves, or stopping at a designated point, clutch control is used throughout. Based on this, when stopping, you should first press the clutch all the way down to cut off the engine's power output, and then press the brake to come to a complete stop. The reason for pressing the clutch before the brake: In a manual transmission car, if you press the brake directly at low speeds, the car will stall. If you're driving at high speeds, you should lightly tap the brake first, wait for the speed to decrease, and then press the clutch to shift gears, gradually reducing the speed. When stopping at a designated point on a slope, if you're unable to accurately control the clutch and brake, you may consider pressing both the clutch and brake simultaneously if necessary. This will bring the car to an immediate stop. During the test, if you feel the car struggling to climb the slope, you can gently press the accelerator and then, at the right moment, press both the clutch and brake together.
Having driven for over a decade, what I always teach my students is that during the Subject 2 test, the braking operation must always involve stepping on the brake first before pressing the clutch. This is because the vehicle speed during the test is usually very low, such as in reverse parking or right-angle turns. If you press the clutch first, the car will stall immediately, resulting in an instant deduction of points and failure. Instead, by pressing the brake first to gradually slow down, and then following up with the clutch when the speed drops very low, the engine power is disconnected, and the car stops without stalling. This method can help you pass the test smoothly. I also recommend practicing it several times during regular training to develop muscle memory, and never hesitate at critical moments. Pay special attention during reverse parking—control the speed well, don’t rush, as the key to the test is being both safe and precise.
