What is generally learned first in Subject 2?

[IanMarie]

In Subject 2, you generally start by familiarizing yourself with the gear positions and related equipment inside the car, then practice driving straight, followed by reversing into a parking space. Each instructor may have a different order of teaching, but the overall process includes reversing into a parking space, parallel parking, turning at a right angle, driving on a curve, and starting on a slope. Below is a detailed introduction to the relevant content: 1. Reversing into a parking space: Since the clutch pedal travel of the test car and the training car may differ, it's crucial to get a feel for the clutch height before starting the reversing maneuver. Maintaining a steady speed—neither too fast nor too slow—ensures you won't miss the timing to turn the steering wheel, even under the stress of the test, and provides ample time for adjustments if needed. 2. Parallel parking: Similar to reversing into a parking space on the right side, controlling the speed well makes it easier to hit the reference points and turn the steering wheel at the right time. Pay special attention to observing both side mirrors during parallel parking to avoid crossing the lines on either side, so the timing of turning the steering wheel fully to the left at the end is crucial. 3. Turning at a right angle: It's recommended to use the shoulder line and the right angle inside the test lane as references to minimize deviations when switching to the test car. 4. Driving on a curve: While navigating the curve, observe the left and right mirrors and make timely adjustments. 5. Starting on a slope: Starting on a slope tests your skill in using the clutch's semi-engaged state. Start a bit slower, and when the clutch reaches the semi-engaged state, release the clutch and brake gradually—releasing them too quickly can cause the engine to stall.

[OOwen]

In the second driving test subject, backing into a parking space is usually the first skill taught - it's the most challenging yet practical. When I learned to drive last year, that's exactly how my instructor arranged it, spending a whole week just practicing reverse parking. Why start with this? Because it teaches core skills like clutch semi-engagement control, rearview mirror reference points, and steering wheel timing. Mastering these makes learning parallel parking later much easier. I remember always crossing lines during my first practice, but later realized the key is moving at a snail's pace while turning the wheel quickly and precisely. After getting proficient, you'll noticeably improve vehicle control, making hill starts much less chaotic to learn afterward.

[GiaRose]

Driving schools usually have students start with straight-line driving, which is very basic but extremely important. When I was learning to drive, my instructor directly said: 'If you can't even control the clutch and brake properly, how can you expect to reverse?' So, for the first three days, I practiced driving straight in the training area. The key is to find that subtle feeling of the semi-engaged clutch—where the car has just enough power without stalling. This isn't something you can master just by talking about it; you have to watch the tachometer and repeatedly practice your footwork. Only when you can drive 20 meters smoothly without jerking do you start learning to steer and check reference points. This step-by-step method is indeed reliable, preventing beginners from losing confidence due to failed reversing attempts right from the start.

[DiDawson]

Most driving schools now start teaching with the hill start, a moderately challenging exercise that quickly builds confidence. The other day, my instructor had me repeatedly practice starting and stopping on a small slope. While it seems simple, it actually covers three key test points: aligning the wiper with the sideline, positioning the rearview mirror against the pole, and coordinating the clutch and throttle to prevent stalling. Mastering these operations naturally improves steering control. Another benefit is that practicing hill starts refines clutch control, making it much easier to learn the semi-clutch technique for parallel parking later. However, it's important not to focus solely on starting speed—maintaining a precise 30 cm distance from the sideline is more crucial.