Should You Start the Engine or Pull the Handbrake First in Subject Two?
4 Answers
In Subject Two, you should start the engine first. Here are the specific details about Subject Two: 1. Definition: Subject Two, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It refers to the field driving skills test. For small vehicles (C1 and C2), the test includes five mandatory items: reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving through curves (commonly known as the S-curve). Some regions also include a sixth item: highway toll collection. 2. Key Skills to Master: Learn the basic driving operations and develop fundamental vehicle control abilities. Become proficient in the basic methods of driving within the test area and on internal roads, and acquire the ability to properly use vehicle controls and accurately position the vehicle in space. This includes precise control over the vehicle's position, speed, and route.
During the second driving test, I'm used to pulling the handbrake first before starting the ignition. After parking the vehicle in the designated spot, engaging the handbrake prevents rolling, which is especially crucial when starting on slopes. Once the engine starts after ignition, the car might shake slightly or move forward - failing to secure the handbrake properly could lead to point deductions or even failure according to the examiner's judgment. Having instructed many students, I've seen some who reverse the sequence for convenience, only to make mistakes during slope starts and have to retake the test immediately. Proper operation cultivates safety awareness, and this habit can prevent scratches or accidents in actual driving. During daily practice, I constantly remind myself to simulate test scenarios, treating handbrake engagement as a mandatory pre-start routine. Only after stabilizing my mindset do I proceed with ignition, ensuring smoother test performance.
I just passed my driving test. During the second subject (parking and starting), I always engaged the handbrake first before starting the ignition. The slope stop section in the test area was particularly prone to slipping. As soon as I got in the car, I pulled the handbrake to stabilize the vehicle, then turned the key to start the engine safely without any risks. I remember during my first mock test, I made the mistake of starting the ignition first, and the car lurched forward, nearly hitting the boundary line, which earned me a scolding from the instructor. Since then, I always paid attention to this sequence during practice, double-checking the handbrake was properly engaged before starting the ignition to avoid losing points on minor details. This order is incredibly useful in actual driving—it even helps prevent rear-end collisions when stopping at red lights. Once it became a habit, the third subject (road test) became much easier.
For starting the car in Subject 2, always engage the handbrake before ignition—this is wisdom from decades of my driving experience. The handbrake ensures the vehicle is stationary; ignition without it risks loss of control, especially during rainy, slippery road conditions in the test area where accidents are more prone. I've witnessed novices neglect this step, leading to wheel spins and collisions with poles—safety must come first. Cultivating this habit minimizes potential hazards. This routine is equally crucial for daily driving starts; skipping it significantly increases accident risks, endangering both yourself and others.
