Why shouldn't you press the clutch in the S-curve of Subject 2?
3 Answers
If the clutch is fully depressed, there will be no power. Below is a related introduction to Subject 2: 1. Overview: Subject 2, also known as the small road test, is part of the motor vehicle driver's license assessment. It refers to the field driving skills test. For small vehicles (C1/C2), the test items include five mandatory components: reverse parking, parallel parking, stopping and starting on a slope, right-angle turns, and curve driving (commonly known as the S-curve). Some regions may also include a sixth item, high-speed toll card collection. 2. Teaching aids: Teaching software: Learners can study traffic regulations through driver simulation test software on mobile or computer devices. Teaching materials: "Safe Driving Starts Here," compiled by the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China. Driving schools may provide learning materials uniformly, or students may purchase them at their own expense.
In the S-curve test of Subject 2, you must not depress the clutch pedal, mainly to maintain vehicle power and control. Pressing the clutch pedal is equivalent to disengaging the gear, causing the car to coast on inertia, which is particularly prone to stalling or losing control during turns. In my many years of teaching, I've often seen students depress the clutch in the S-curve, resulting in car shaking, stalling, and immediate failure in the test. The S-curve requires stable low speed and continuous steering control. The clutch should be kept in a semi-engaged state, using first gear to drive slowly, so the engine can continuously output power to help smoothly navigate the curve. If the clutch is fully depressed, the wheels lack driving force and may deviate or even run off the curve, which is very dangerous. This rule in the test is designed to cultivate good driving habits in students, avoiding similar safety issues on actual roads. Remember, speed control relies on the coordination of the clutch and accelerator, not completely releasing them. Practice more during training to feel the semi-engaged position of the clutch, and you'll naturally master the rhythm.
I've been driving manual transmission cars for over a decade, and I still remember the lesson I learned during the S-curve test in my driving exam. Back then, I tried to take a shortcut by pressing the clutch to slow down, but the car suddenly stalled, throwing off my entire trajectory, and I got a stern scolding from the instructor. The real issue was that pressing the clutch cuts off power, leaving the car to move by inertia during turns. If the road is uneven or has a slope, it's easy to lose traction or skid, especially in an S-curve, which requires continuous minor power adjustments to steer properly. After learning this lesson, I never fully depress the clutch when navigating sharp turns in the city—maintaining partial clutch engagement or using a lower gear for speed control is much safer. Mechanically, when the clutch is disengaged, the engine no longer transmits power, and power steering assistance may also weaken, increasing the risk of losing control. The exam rule exists to teach drivers the core skill of vehicle control, ensuring stable navigation through any curve without safety risks. It's crucial to practice this correctly from the start to avoid forming bad habits.
