Where is the stopping point for hill start?
2 Answers
Hill start stopping point requires parking at a fixed location on a slope with ≥10% gradient and ≥30 meters in length. Below are detailed explanations about hill start: Specific requirements for hill start: After hearing the command to start this test item, control the vehicle speed and approach the right roadside line. When the right front corner of the engine hood aligns with the roadside line at the 1/3 point, maintain the entire vehicle body at a distance of 1/3 from the roadside line. The purpose of positioning and parking detection is to assess the ability to predict the stopping point location. For example, when encountering a red light, pedestrians crossing the road, or hazardous situations requiring parking, the vehicle must stop accurately without violating traffic rules or causing danger. The test allows a certain margin of error: stopping early is permitted within half a parking space, and stopping late is allowed within half a meter; both scenarios are considered as passing. Precautions for hill start: Before performing a hill start, ensure the vehicle moves in an absolutely straight line. Before driving on the slope, maintain a distance of about 30 cm between the car and the yellow edge line. If any deviation is observed in the rearview mirror, adjust the steering wheel promptly. When parking, generally, once the lower edge of the left rearview mirror passes the white line, depress the clutch and brake pedals simultaneously, ensuring the vehicle continues to move in a straight line.
When I was learning to drive, the stopping point for hill starts was a crucial position. The instructor always had us stop at about one-third up the slope, with the rearview mirror aligned to a short roadside pole—this way, the car wouldn’t roll back too much. Beginners often got it wrong at first, so I had to practice repeatedly, using reference points like the headlight position or marks on the dashboard, such as stopping when the hood lined up with a marker pole. Back then, I was nervous about stalling, but after a few tries, I memorized the position and timing for starting. The exact spot isn’t fixed, though—on steeper slopes, you’d stop higher to make it easier to coordinate the clutch and accelerator. For safety, I’d always pull the handbrake firmly and check the distance to the car behind. In daily driving, this skill is especially useful for starting at traffic lights to avoid rear-end collisions. Ultimately, finding the right spot takes practice to sharpen your judgment and feel.
