What are the rules for the hill start in Subject 2 of the driving test?
3 Answers
The rules for the hill start in Subject 2 of the driving test are as follows: After the vehicle starts, if it rolls back between 30 cm and 50 cm, 20 points will be deducted; if it rolls back more than 50 cm, the test will be failed; if the vehicle is not started within 30 seconds, it will be considered a timeout failure; stalling on the slope will result in a 20-point deduction. Below is an extended introduction about hill starts: Slow start: When starting on a slope, slowly release the clutch pedal with your left foot until the vehicle begins to vibrate. Hold this position briefly to confirm if the vehicle has the tendency and power to move forward. Do not continue to lift the clutch pedal to prevent stalling. Gradual acceleration: Only when the vehicle starts moving forward should the handbrake be completely released with the right hand, followed by gradual acceleration. When starting on a slope, if you do not apply the throttle, it is likely that the idle speed will be insufficient to move the vehicle, leading to stalling.
I've taught many people about the hill start in Subject 2 of the driving test. The core rule is to park the car steadily on the designated line of the slope, firmly pull up the handbrake, then release it, and complete the starting operation within 30 seconds. The key is not to let the car roll back more than 30 centimeters or stall, otherwise you'll be directly judged as unqualified. Clutch control is the top priority—slowly lift the clutch to the semi-engagement point until you feel the car shake, then add some throttle to stabilize it. Don't rush; there's enough time. Common mistakes include releasing the clutch too quickly or applying too much throttle, leading to stalling or rolling back. I recommend practicing more to get a feel for the car—try it empty first, then practice with passengers. Behind the safety considerations is the simulation of real slope driving scenarios. Passing this stage proves you have basic driving ability, and gaining confidence makes the rest of the test much smoother.
I just passed the second driving test, and the hill start section was really challenging! The rules require precise parking within the yellow line, pulling up the handbrake and then releasing it, with the start completed within 30 seconds. Rolling back more than 30 cm? Not allowed! Stalling also means an immediate fail. I was so nervous—you have to slowly lift the clutch until it vibrates, hold it steady, and then gently add a bit of throttle to prevent rolling. Repeated practice made it second nature, and once you find the right spot, it all comes together smoothly. With ample time, there's no need to panic. The rules are quite reasonable, and now I'm not afraid of hills when driving—this skill is super practical.
