Should You Release the Clutch or the Foot Brake First When Starting in Subject 2?
3 Answers
Subject 2 is relatively challenging. Below is relevant knowledge about Subject 2: Reasons why Subject 2 is difficult: Because Subject 2 involves more test items with more potential points for mistakes. For instance, the reverse parking test item requires a high level of attention to detail from the student, who must accurately control the distance between the rear of the car and the baseline. Another challenging aspect is the slope parking, which tests technical skills as the student must stop precisely at a designated position and use the position of the wiper and the yellow line to judge the parking margin. Additionally, many students experience stalling during slope starts. Test items in Subject 2: Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is a core part of the motor vehicle driver's license examination. It includes several items, specifically reverse parking, parallel parking, slope parking, right-angle turns, and curve driving.
When starting the car in Subject 2 of the driving test, my instructor always emphasized releasing the foot brake before the clutch. If you release the clutch first while the foot brake is still engaged, the car will shake violently or even stall, resulting in point deductions during the exam. After releasing the foot brake, the car is free, and then you gradually release the clutch to find the semi-engagement point, adding a bit of throttle to ensure a smooth start without rolling back. Initially, I often got this wrong and stalled several times, but once I got used to this sequence, I passed the test smoothly. Beginners should pay extra attention to the clutch engagement position and familiarize themselves with their car's specific point for easier control. Hill starts require even quicker action—release the clutch and add throttle immediately after releasing the foot brake to prevent rolling back, as the risk is higher. Overall, this sequence protects the clutch and engine, extending the car's lifespan.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, and I always release the foot brake first when starting. This habit helps prevent accidental stalling; after releasing the foot brake to remove the braking force, the car moves slightly, and you can then slowly release the clutch, making the power connection much smoother. If done the opposite way—releasing the clutch first while the foot brake is still engaged—the engine will bear a heavy load while idling, increasing the risk of stalling or damaging components. This is especially important when starting on rainy days or steep slopes, where releasing the foot brake first can prevent skidding and enhance safety. Regular maintenance also reduces clutch wear. Mastering this step is crucial for passing the driving test's second subject—it's like a basic dance move; once coordinated, everything flows naturally. Familiarize yourself with starting on different road surfaces to stay calm during the test. Be extra cautious when shifting gears in cars with aging clutches.
