What are the penalty standards for hill start and designated parking?
3 Answers
Are there penalty standards for designated parking and slope starting, such as 100 points deducted for failing to park at the designated spot, or 100 points deducted if the vehicle rolls back more than 30cm? Cases where 100 points are deducted: Failing to park at the designated spot; the front bumper not reaching the control line when parking; the vehicle rolling back more than 30cm after parking; the vehicle running over the solid edge line of the road during driving; taking more than 30 seconds to start. Cases where 10 points are deducted: The vehicle rolling back less than 30cm after parking; failing to turn on the left turn signal when starting; the front bumper not reaching the stop line after the vehicle stops; the right front wheel being more than 30cm away from the edge line after parking; 10 points deducted for each stall.
When I took my driving test, I experienced the hill start section, and the scoring criteria left a deep impression on me. For the designated stop, the vehicle must come to a complete halt at the specified position, with the wheels no more than 30 cm away from the marker pole—otherwise, it’s an immediate 10-point deduction. The most critical part is the start: if the vehicle rolls back more than 50 cm, it’s an automatic fail; rolling back between 30-50 cm results in a 20-point deduction. There’s also a time limit—the entire operation must be completed within 30 seconds, or another 10 points are deducted. I’ve seen many test-takers stall due to unstable clutch control, which counts as an operational error and costs another 10 points. With a total test score of 100 points, these details add up quickly and can easily lead to failure. That’s why I recommend practicing on slopes during training, getting familiar with the clutch’s friction point to ensure a smooth start and avoid mistakes.
When working part-time at a driving school, I often instructed students on hill starts, and the scoring criteria were their most frequent questions. Simply put, precise stopping at the designated point is crucial—if the wheels cross the line or deviate more than 50 cm from the marker, it's an immediate 10-point deduction. The start phase is most critical: rolling back over 50 cm means failure, resulting in zero points for the entire test item; rolling back less than 50 cm incurs a 10 or 20-point deduction, depending on the distance. Exceeding the time limit or stalling adds another 10-point penalty. The test uses a cumulative scoring system, so these small mistakes can be fatal when combined. During practice, don’t just memorize steps—focus on developing a feel for the pedals, like coordinating the clutch and brake. Once mastered, deductions won’t be a concern. Simulate the test a few times before the exam to familiarize yourself with the slope of the test track.
