Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gears First in Subject Two?
2 Answers
After stopping in Subject Two, you should first shift to neutral and then engage the handbrake. This is because the final stop in Subject Two requires the vehicle to be no more than 50 cm from the boundary line. When starting, you should first shift into gear and then release the handbrake to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Handbrake Stop in Subject Two: If you notice that the vehicle is too far from the boundary line when approaching the stop, shifting to neutral first allows you to use the vehicle's inertia to adjust the distance. If you engage the handbrake first, the test vehicle will stop immediately, leaving no room for adjustment. Handbrake Start in Subject Two: The correct procedure when starting is to shift into the starting gear after getting into the vehicle. Sound the horn, turn on the turn signal, and observe the front, sides, and rearview mirrors to check for pedestrians or vehicles behind you, ensuring there are no obstacles to starting. Hold the steering wheel steady, activate the left turn signal, and release the parking brake lever.
When I was learning to drive and taking the second subject test, the hill start was the most nerve-wracking part for me. The instructor always emphasized that it's safer to engage the gear before releasing the handbrake when starting. As a new driver, during my first practice, I absentmindedly released the handbrake first, causing the car to roll back nearly half a meter. The instructor yelled to stop in a panic, narrowly avoiding a minor accident. After repeated practice, I finally understood: on a slope, engaging the gear first allows the engine to provide stable power, and then releasing the handbrake ensures a smooth start; reversing the order leads to rolling back, which would result in an immediate fail during the test. Now, after driving for half a year, I’ve developed a conditioned reflex for every start: press the brake, shift to D gear, release the handbrake—forming this habit is both convenient and safe. New drivers are advised to simulate steep slope scenarios more often, not waiting until the test to panic. This is not only a driving fundamental but also a key to protecting yourself and pedestrians.
