Should You Press the Clutch When Going Downhill in Subject Three?
2 Answers
If you need to stop, of course you should press the clutch; otherwise, the engine will stall. During the exam, the requirements are stricter, so it is recommended to press the brake immediately after pressing the clutch. This way, you will neither stall the engine nor be penalized for coasting in neutral. After the vehicle comes to a complete stop, engage the handbrake and release the foot brake. Below is relevant information: Introduction: Subject Three includes the road driving skills test and the safe and civilized driving knowledge test. It is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and is the abbreviated name for the road driving skills and safe and civilized driving knowledge test in the motor vehicle driver's exam. The content of the road driving skills test varies depending on the type of vehicle being licensed. Exam Content: The road driving skills test for Subject Three generally includes: preparation before starting, simulated lighting test, starting, driving straight, shifting gears, changing lanes, pulling over, driving straight through intersections, turning left at intersections, turning right at intersections, crossing pedestrian crossings, passing school zones, passing bus stops, meeting oncoming vehicles, overtaking, making U-turns, and nighttime driving. The safe and civilized driving knowledge test generally includes: requirements for safe and civilized driving operations, safe driving knowledge under adverse weather and complex road conditions, emergency handling methods for situations like a flat tire, and post-accident handling knowledge.
When teaching driving school students, I often encounter this issue, especially at test sites with many mountain roads. It is not recommended to depress the clutch during downhill driving in Subject 3, as this makes the vehicle rely entirely on the brakes for speed control. Once the brakes overheat or fail, it becomes very dangerous. The correct operation is to engage the appropriate gear, such as first or second gear, allowing the engine to assist in deceleration. During the test, if the clutch is depressed for too long, the examiner may consider it improper operation and deduct points. In my own instruction to students, I emphasize keeping the right foot on the brake pedal and only using the left foot to touch the clutch when starting or shifting gears. The key to downhill driving is smooth speed control to avoid sudden acceleration. Developing good habits is also beneficial for actual driving in the future, such as saving brake pads on steep slopes and reducing accident risks. Remember, safety comes first. Practice slope control and adapt to vehicle feedback before the test.
