The Correct Method of Depressing the Clutch in Subject 2
3 Answers
The correct method of depressing the clutch in Subject 2 is as follows: 1. Correct posture for depressing the clutch: The ball of the foot should step on the clutch pedal with the heel touching the ground. When the clutch is depressed to its lowest point, the knee should remain slightly bent. Avoid stepping with the toes or lifting the heel off the ground to prevent insufficient force or slipping. 2. When depressing the clutch: Press it all the way down (to the floor) to avoid keeping it in a semi-engaged state for a long time, ensuring complete separation of the clutch and preventing wear. 3. While driving: Do not release the clutch too quickly or deliberately raise the engine speed too high, as this will accelerate clutch wear.
When taking the Subject 2 driving test, the correct way to press the clutch requires some patience. Press the pedal firmly all the way down with the sole of your foot, then slowly lift it when starting. Don’t rush—once the car starts to tremble, it means you’ve reached the semi-engagement point. Immediately stop moving your foot and hold it steady, then slightly release the brake to let the car move forward. For the hill start exercise, you’ll also need to pull the handbrake and find this point again. Once you’ve got it, step on the accelerator and go. During practice, spend more time in the driving school’s training area working on 90-degree turns and parallel parking. Keep the speed slow—lifting the clutch too high can stall the engine, while pressing it too deep can wear out the clutch plate. Keep your heel on the ground for support to reduce fatigue. Even if you’re nervous during the test, avoid unnecessary foot movements. If the engine stalls, quickly shift to neutral, restart, and then engage the gear to continue. Practice a few more times, and you’ll develop a better feel for it.
I've trained many students, and teaching them clutch operation for Subject 2 is quite simple. First, adjust the seat to a comfortable position where your foot can easily press the clutch. When pressing the clutch, cover the pedal completely with the sole of your foot, using the heel as a support point for balance. The starting motion should be gentle; lifting the clutch should be as slow as a feather floating upwards. When the car vibrates, that's the semi-engagement point—hold it steady before releasing the brake to move forward. During the test, especially in curve driving and reverse parking, focus on controlling the speed to avoid stalling or speeding up due to sudden clutch release. If you stall, don't panic—pull the handbrake, shift to neutral, restart the engine, shift gears, and continue the test. It's advisable to practice daily by simulating test scenarios to get familiar with the varying clutch pressure required for different tasks.
