
The position for first gear is the front left, second gear is the bottom left, third gear is straight ahead, fourth gear is straight back, and fifth gear is the front right. For some cars, the position for reverse gear is the bottom right. The method for shifting into reverse is to first press the clutch, then move the gear lever to the bottom right position, and gently release the clutch to allow the car to move backward at a constant speed.

When learning to drive and taking the Subject 2 test, gear shifting requires special attention to coordination, as a slight mistake can lead to stalling and point deductions. The basic steps are: first, press the clutch pedal all the way down to reduce power; gently shift into the desired gear, such as first gear when starting; slowly release the clutch while lightly pressing the accelerator, feeling the engine sound stabilize before fully releasing the clutch. During practice, the instructor emphasized being extra careful on slopes, coordinating the left foot on the clutch and the right foot on the accelerator to prevent rolling back, with movements as smooth as playing the piano. More practice in simulating gear shifts in different scenarios, such as upshifting after a right-angle turn, helps adapt to the car's feedback and reduces nervousness. I remember gaining confidence slowly after many mistakes during my first practice session, realizing that the key is to stay relaxed and not rush.

Veteran drivers with years of experience share that gear shifting is simple in practice but details matter in exams. My routine is: depress the clutch, release the accelerator, shift gears, then slowly engage the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator to maintain smoothness. Subject 2 (parking test) focuses on starting and low-speed maneuvers, such as engaging first gear before reverse parking or shifting to second when moving forward, synchronizing clutch and accelerator to minimize jerking. In practice, pay attention to matching the speedometer with the appropriate gear to avoid stalling from high-gear low-speed situations. With practice, it becomes second nature and fluid.

Student's Perspective: The core of gear shifting is synchronization. After pressing the clutch pedal to cut off the power, engage the gear, and then gradually apply the throttle while releasing the clutch to avoid jerking. During Subject 2 simulations, such as shifting after an S-curve, the movements should be smooth, quick, but gentle. Practice more in neutral to familiarize yourself with the gear positions. Coaches often say not to rush—gradual transitions yield better results.


