Should You Release the Handbrake or Shift Gears First in Subject Two?
3 Answers
In Subject Two, you should shift gears first and then release the handbrake. This is because the road surface when the vehicle is parked is not completely flat and may have slopes. If you release the handbrake before shifting gears, the vehicle may roll backward. The starting procedure for a manual transmission in Subject Two involves pressing the clutch and brake first, then shifting into first gear, releasing the handbrake, gradually lifting the clutch, and slowly releasing the brake to allow the vehicle to start smoothly. Below is relevant information: Introduction: Subject Two, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and refers to the field driving skill test. The test items for cars (C1/C2) include five mandatory components: reverse parking, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as S-turns). Some regions may have a sixth item, such as high-speed card collection. Tips for Subject Two: Gradual Gear Shifting: Gear shifting must be done gradually. During the Subject Two test, skipping gears is strictly prohibited. Gear changes must follow a step-by-step sequence, such as from first to second gear or second to third gear. Otherwise, the test recorder will note the violation, and corresponding points will be deducted. If a gear is mistakenly engaged, the examinee should immediately press the clutch, return the gear to the correct position, and then shift again.
In the Subject 2 driving test, the sequence of stopping and starting is crucial. When I was learning to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized shifting into first gear before releasing the handbrake. This is especially important during the hill start and stop section, as it prevents the vehicle from rolling backward. I first press the clutch pedal, gently slide it into first gear position, wait until the car vibrates slightly (that's the half-clutch state), then add a bit of throttle to give the engine some power before lightly releasing the handbrake. If the sequence is reversed—for example, releasing the handbrake before shifting—the car is prone to slipping on the slope. If it rolls back, the examiner will deduct points or even fail you immediately. During practice, I often made mistakes by starting too hastily and releasing the handbrake too quickly, causing the car to jerk backward, which gave me quite a scare. I recommend finding an open area to practice repeatedly until this sequence becomes second nature. This will make the test much easier and ensure daily driving safety. Also, don't forget to check if the handbrake is fully released, as driving with it partially engaged can damage the car.
I remember when I was taking the driving test for Subject 2, there was a time during the hill start when I forgot the sequence—I released the handbrake before shifting into gear. As a result, the car rolled back over a meter, and the examiner deducted a lot of points. Since then, I’ve firmly remembered: in a manual transmission car, always press the clutch and shift into first gear before releasing the handbrake, ensuring stability first. This isn’t just a test rule—it’s a safety habit. If the handbrake is released too early, especially on steep slopes or slippery roads, the car can easily roll back uncontrollably. Shifting into gear engages the engine’s power, making the car much more stable. My instructor also taught me that after shifting, don’t rush—slowly lift the clutch to the biting point, add a bit of throttle to increase the RPM, and only release the handbrake once the engine sound changes. With a few more practices, it becomes natural—safety comes first. While mixing up the sequence occasionally on flat ground during daily driving might not be a big issue, the test requires strict adherence to standards, as the scoring is very stringent.
