What is coasting in neutral during a driving test?
3 Answers
Coasting in neutral: During the operation of a motor vehicle, the driver places the gear lever in the neutral position, disengaging the clutch between the engine and the drive wheels, and uses the vehicle's inertia to continue moving. Here is some information about coasting in neutral: Precautions: Coasting in neutral should only be performed when safety and the vehicle's technical condition are ensured. It is prohibited to coast with the engine off, especially when descending steep or long slopes, where neither engine-off nor neutral coasting is allowed. Hazards: When coasting in neutral, if an emergency requires sudden braking, the absence of engine braking not only reduces braking effectiveness but also makes the vehicle more prone to losing balance and skidding.
During the driving test, coasting in neutral means you shift the car into neutral and let it glide down by inertia, without pressing the accelerator or using the engine to control speed. I remember the first time I practiced driving, I accidentally did this on a slope, and the instructor immediately warned me that it was very dangerous because the car relied entirely on the foot brake to slow down, increasing pressure on the brake pads and making it prone to skidding or losing control. During the test, the examiner is particularly strict—if they catch you coasting in neutral, they will definitely deduct points or fail you outright. This is no trivial matter; modern car designs emphasize engine braking, which helps stabilize speed and reduce accidents. If you do this often, not only will you fail the test, but it could also lead to rear-end collisions in everyday driving. So, when practicing, make it a habit not to shift into neutral when going downhill or slowing down. Instead, control your speed by downshifting or applying even throttle to ensure safe driving and pass the test smoothly. I myself remembered this lesson well and ultimately passed my driving test.
Coasting in neutral means when driving a manual transmission car, you shift into neutral, and the car moves forward solely by inertia without engine traction, like skating, but braking relies entirely on your foot. I tried this trick while driving an old car for fun and found it causes engine RPM imbalance, actually increasing fuel consumption compared to coasting in gear, along with greater wear. During driving tests, this behavior is considered a major taboo—examiners are sharp-eyed and will immediately mark it as a serious mistake if they see you coasting downhill in neutral. The reason is simple: it drastically increases danger, as you lose speed control on descents, making accidents more likely. Some beginners think it saves fuel, but the opposite is true—modern cars coasting in gear still benefit from engine braking, reducing fuel consumption and improving safety. Before the test, practice more simulations and seek guidance from an instructor on downhill techniques to avoid this basic mistake—safety always comes first.
