Should You Start the Engine or Swipe the ID Card First in Subject Two?
3 Answers
In Subject Two, you should swipe your ID card first, and then begin the test after the voice prompt. Below is a relevant introduction to the content of the Subject Two test: 1. Large vehicles: Large buses, tractors, city buses, medium-sized buses, and large trucks are tested on pile parking, hill start and stop, parallel parking, single-plank bridge crossing, curve driving, right-angle turning, narrow gate passing, continuous obstacle passing, bumpy road driving, narrow road U-turns, as well as simulated highway driving, continuous sharp turns on mountain roads, tunnels, rainy (foggy) conditions, slippery roads, and emergency handling. 2. Small vehicles: Small cars, small automatic transmission cars, small automatic transmission passenger cars for the disabled, and low-speed trucks are tested on reverse parking, hill start and stop (canceled from June 1, 2021), parallel parking, curve driving, and right-angle turning;
When I was getting my driver's license, I specifically asked my instructor about this issue. He said that for the Subject 2 test, you must swipe your ID card first. The exam system starts timing from the moment you swipe your ID. If you start the engine before swiping, the system will assume you haven't begun the test, and your operations will be invalidated. First, sit in the car, adjust the seat and mirrors, fasten your seatbelt, swipe your ID card, and wait for the system to prompt the start of the test before pressing the clutch to start the engine. I've seen several students make this mistake—starting the engine first and then taking out their ID card, resulting in no response from the system and an immediate failure. Every action in Subject 2 is scored, and messing up the sequence can easily lead to point deductions or even failing. Remember to keep your ID card in an easily accessible spot to avoid wasting time searching for it.
Once during a driving school safety lecture, the instructor emphasized the proper sequence for the Subject 2 test. You must first adjust the mirrors and fasten the seatbelt, then immediately swipe your ID card to activate the exam system. Many mistakenly believe the ignition must be on—but the vehicle can read ID information after self-check. Starting the engine before swiping may trigger a computer error. The safest steps are: close the door, sit properly, confirm no dashboard warning lights, swipe ID and wait for exam voice prompts before pressing brake/clutch to start. 30% of failures stem from incorrect sequencing—details make or break the test.
