Should you shift gears or pull the handbrake first when parking a C1 vehicle?
2 Answers
When parking, you should first pull the handbrake and then shift out of gear. When starting, you should first shift into gear and then release the handbrake. What is a C1 driver's license: A C1 driver's license is one of the codes for motor vehicle driver's licenses. The permitted driving scope of a C1 driver's license includes small and mini passenger vehicles, as well as light and mini cargo vehicles; light, small, and mini special-purpose vehicles; small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer people. Application age: The minimum age limit for a C1 driver's license is 18 years old, with no upper age limit. However, applicants over 70 years old must pass tests on memory, judgment, and reaction abilities. C1 driver's license permitted vehicle types: The permitted driving scope of a C1 driver's license includes small and mini passenger vehicles, as well as light and mini cargo vehicles; light, small, and mini special-purpose vehicles; small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer people. C1 driver's license cannot drive: large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, large trucks, ordinary three-wheeled motorcycles, ordinary two-wheeled motorcycles, light motorcycles, wheeled self-propelled machinery, trolleybuses, and trams. Additionally, a C1 license cannot drive vehicles with more than 9 seats or trucks with a total length exceeding 6 meters.
I've been driving for over 20 years and believe parking sequence is crucial. Every time I park, I first press the brake to bring the car to a complete stop, then shift to neutral or N gear, and quickly pull up the handbrake. After firmly engaging the handbrake, I gradually release the foot brake to confirm the car is securely stationary before shifting to P gear or turning off the engine. Why this routine? Because shifting gears before applying the handbrake risks vehicle slippage, putting all pressure on the transmission which can lead to wear or failure. I remember once on a slope at my neighborhood entrance, I hastily shifted to P gear and the car slightly slid, causing a loud 'clunk' from the transmission - the repair bill was hefty. So I advise both new and experienced drivers to develop this habit: stop completely → neutral → handbrake → release foot brake → shift gear. It's safe and worry-free.
