
Subject 2 Hill Start Project Evaluation Criteria: 1. Start time exceeds 30 seconds: If the start time exceeds 30 seconds, it is considered a failure. After the test vehicle comes to a complete stop on the slope, it must start within 30 seconds; otherwise, it will be marked as a fail. 2. Vehicle body is more than 50 cm from the road edge line: After stopping, if the vehicle body is more than 50 cm from the road edge line, it is considered a failure. If the distance is between 30-50 cm, 10 points will be deducted. If the test vehicle is more than 50 cm from the right edge line, it will be marked as a fail; if the distance is between 30-50 cm, only 10 points will be deducted. 3. Wheels touch or press the road edge line: While driving, if the wheels touch or press the road edge line, it is considered a failure. If the test vehicle does not maintain proper distance from the right edge line and presses the edge line, it will be marked as a fail. 4. Front bumper is not aligned with the pole line: After stopping, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line and the distance is between 30-50 cm, 10 points will be deducted. If the distance exceeds 50 cm, it will be marked as a fail. 5. Parking brake is not tightened: After stopping, if the parking brake is not tightened, 10 points will be deducted. After stopping, the handbrake must be engaged; failing to do so will result in a 10-point deduction. 6. Vehicle rolls back more than 30 cm: After starting, if the vehicle rolls back more than 30 cm, the test is directly considered a failure. If the vehicle rolls back less than 30 cm, 10 points will be deducted. 7. Left turn signal is not activated at start: If the left turn signal is not activated at start, 10 points will be deducted. Before starting on the slope, the test vehicle must activate the left turn signal and wait for 3 seconds; failing to activate the turn signal or wait for 3 seconds will result in a 10-point deduction. 8. Engine stalls while driving on the slope: If the engine stalls while driving on the slope, 10 points will be deducted. The test vehicle must start within 30 seconds; if the engine stalls during this time, 10 points will be deducted.

When I was learning to drive, I almost failed the hill start test because the grading criteria were quite strict. It mainly checks for small details like rolling back or stalling. The examiner would watch closely - if you rolled back more than 30cm during start, you'd lose major points; stalling once also meant deductions as it involves safety issues. The operation sequence must be precise too, like applying the parking brake first before gradually releasing the clutch and adding throttle, otherwise rushing would cause rollback. That time I forgot to use the parking brake and rolled back half a meter, losing all points instantly. In real driving, mastering hill starts can prevent many accidents, especially in mountainous areas where you need to anticipate clutch-throttle coordination in advance. I recommend practicing more simulations at driving school rather than just focusing on theory.

As someone who has taught driving lessons at a driving school for some time, I have to say that the hill start assessment focuses on several key points: First, the rollback distance after starting must not exceed 30 cm, otherwise you'll lose more than 15 points. Second, stalling is not allowed, which costs 10 points. Third, you must use the parking brake, such as pulling the handbrake tight, or points will be deducted. These standards are all in place to ensure drivers have basic control skills, as losing control on a slope can be very dangerous. In daily driving, this skill is particularly useful when encountering traffic jams or steep slopes, allowing you to start smoothly without panic. I always remind students to focus on smooth operation and avoid stomping on the accelerator. During practice, start on flat ground and gradually transition to slopes to minimize mistakes.

When I first got my driver's license, I took the hill start test, and the scoring was straightforward. The key point was that rolling back less than 30cm wouldn't deduct points, but if you rolled back too much or stalled, you'd fail immediately. I felt this test was about hand-eye coordination, like the timing of pressing the clutch and accelerator—if not coordinated well, it'd be disastrous. After actually driving, I found this skill incredibly helpful, especially on steep slopes during heavy rain, as it prevented rear-end collisions. The grading criteria might seem strict, but mastering it boosts your confidence. Before each test, I practiced extensively in open areas before daring to take it.


