What are the rules for starting on a slope?
4 Answers
Subject 2 exam project: The specific rules for starting on a slope are as follows: 1. If the car body presses the right line, it is disqualified. 2. If the front of the car is not within the three lines, it is disqualified. 3. If the distance between the car body and the side line is greater or less than 20 centimeters, 10 points are deducted. 4. If the car rolls back more than 30 centimeters, it is disqualified. Below is a detailed introduction to the Subject 2 exam: 1. Exam projects: Reverse parking, parallel parking, stopping on a slope, right-angle turns, and curve driving. 2. Starting on a slope is part of stopping on a slope. It requires the examinee to start the car parked on a steep slope upwards, increase the throttle to 2000 RPM, release the clutch to 1000 RPM, and then start with half-clutch and throttle. During the exam, the examinee needs to shift to first gear, release the handbrake, release the clutch, and ensure the car steadily climbs the slope.
When driving a manual transmission car, I dread hill starts the most. The classic three-step method taught by my instructor works wonders: first, firmly pull the handbrake to prevent rolling back, then shift into first gear, and slowly release the clutch with your left foot to the biting point. When you feel the car vibrate slightly, gently press the accelerator with your right foot to increase the RPM, then decisively release the handbrake while maintaining steady throttle and clutch control to move forward. Driving an automatic is much easier—just shift to D, release the foot brake, and press the accelerator. Always check the rearview mirror before starting to maintain a safe distance from vehicles behind. This technique is especially practical for steep slopes often encountered in mountainous areas—once mastered, you won’t stall embarrassingly at traffic lights.
The key to hill starts is preventing rollback that could cause a rear-end collision. For manual transmissions, follow these four steps: engage the handbrake → shift into first gear → find the clutch bite point → apply throttle while releasing the handbrake. Maintain steady clutch control without being too abrupt, and apply throttle gently and evenly. For high-end models with electronic parking brakes, it's simpler - just press the accelerator to automatically disengage the brake. As someone who frequently drives mountain roads, I've found that on slopes exceeding 7% gradient, it's best to use the handbrake for starting. Another pro tip: during winter when roads are icy, place a brick behind the tire as an extra safety measure for peace of mind.
I remember failing the hill start several times during my driving test. The instructor emphasized several key points: first press the brake pedal with your right foot to prevent rolling back, then slowly release the clutch with your left foot until the car body vibrates slightly (you'll notice a slight RPM increase on the dashboard). Quickly switch your right foot to the accelerator pedal, raise the RPM to around 1500, then release the handbrake. The key is coordinating hands and feet - with enough practice, muscle memory will make it smooth. Automatic transmission drivers can simply use the hill start assist function. For extremely steep slopes, it's recommended to turn on hazard lights to alert following vehicles.
