Should You Shift Gear or Release the Handbrake First in Subject Two?
3 Answers
In Subject Two, you should shift gear first, then release the handbrake. Starting the car in Subject Two: Because the road surface where the vehicle is parked is not completely flat and may have a slope, releasing the handbrake before shifting gear can cause the car to roll backward. The starting procedure for a manual transmission in Subject Two is to first press the clutch and brake, then shift into first gear, release the handbrake, gradually lift the clutch, and slowly release the brake to start the car smoothly. Preventing the car from rolling: It's best to ensure that either the handbrake or the brake is engaged before starting the car, as it's often difficult to judge from the driver's seat whether the road surface has a slope during actual driving. This can prevent the car from rolling backward or forward.
When it comes to the hill start in Subject 2 of the driving test, I’ve gained insights from years of teaching experience. After stopping, always remember to engage the gear first—usually first gear—then slowly release the clutch to the semi-engaged position. Once you feel the car slightly vibrating, release the handbrake to start. Why? Because if you release the handbrake before engaging the gear, the car is prone to rolling backward, which results in an instant 100-point deduction—game over. I’ve taught countless students, and the careless ones always do it the wrong way, causing the car to slide down and nearly cause accidents. Once, a nervous student forgot the sequence, rolled back, and hit a cone—safety first! During practice, develop muscle memory: control the clutch steadily, engage the gear first, then release the brake. This isn’t just an exam technique—it’s a fundamental skill for daily driving to avoid accidents on steep slopes. Practice more on inclined roads to improve your feel.
When I was taking the second driving test, I also struggled with the sequence, but later figured it out. After parking, the handbrake must be firmly engaged—no slacking. Then, the key to starting is shifting gears first: push the first gear in, press the clutch and lift it slightly to find the semi-engagement point. Wait until the engine sound deepens or the car jerks slightly, then release the handbrake and move off. Got the sequence wrong? Wow, the car would roll backward—I failed my first mock test because of this, so embarrassing. The instructor repeatedly emphasized the sequence: shift gears—control the clutch—release the brake. The test is stressful, but after practicing a few times, it becomes second nature. Don’t fear mistakes; mastering the coordination between the clutch and gears means you’re halfway to success. You can also ask a friend to sit beside you for reminders during practice—developing good habits makes driving much easier later.
