Should You Release the Throttle When Shifting Up?

[GrahamLee]

Shifting up requires releasing the throttle. When shifting gears in a car, you need to fully release the throttle while pressing the clutch, then change the gear. Release the clutch to the semi-engaged position while simultaneously applying the throttle. Remember the principle: accelerate before shifting up, decelerate before shifting down. Below are some tips for shifting gears in Subject 3 of the driving test: 1. Shifting Up Tips: Before shifting up, ensure the road ahead is clear. The throttle and clutch have a seesaw relationship—do not press them simultaneously. Shift gently; generally, shifting up to fourth gear is sufficient, but shift to fifth gear if conditions allow. Shifting up must be done one gear at a time—do not skip gears. 2. Shifting Down Tips: To shift down, first decelerate; to decelerate, first brake. When stopping, there's no need to downshift to first gear—stop in the current gear. Starting must always be done in first gear. For turns, use second gear; for U-turns, use first gear; for traffic lights, use third gear; for pedestrian crossings, pass at around 30 km/h in third gear.