Should You Start the Engine or Release the Handbrake First in Subject 2?
2 Answers
In Subject 2, you should start the engine first and then pull the handbrake. Below is some extended information about Subject 2: 1. Exam Content: Also known as the small road test, it is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment and is the abbreviation for the field driving skills test. The test items for cars C1 and C2 include reverse parking, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, turning at a right angle, and driving on a curve. 2. Exam Requirements: You can take the Subject 2 exam once, and if you fail, you can retake it once. Those who do not take the retest or still fail the retest will have their exam terminated, and the applicant must reschedule the exam after ten days. Within the validity period of the driving skills test permit, the number of times you can schedule the Subject 2 and Subject 3 road driving skills tests should not exceed five. Those who fail the fifth scheduled test will have their other passed subjects invalidated.
As a seasoned driving instructor with over a decade of experience in driving schools, I always teach my students: During the Subject 2 test, you must first start the engine by turning the ignition, then release the handbrake. This is a fundamental rule of the test and a key aspect of safe driving. Many beginners, due to nervousness or carelessness, release the handbrake first, resulting in points deducted for vehicle movement during the hill start project, or even stalling the engine and failing the test. I emphasize this point not only during the test but also repeatedly practice this routine during daily training: adjust the seat, fasten the seatbelt, confirm the engine is started by turning the ignition, and then release the handbrake to start. This prevents vehicle sliding accidents and helps students develop safe habits, reducing mistakes. Remember a small tip: after starting the engine, wait until the engine sound stabilizes before operating the handbrake, and the test will go more smoothly. Don’t underestimate this sequence—it can determine whether you pass on the first try or have to retake the test multiple times.
