Will points be deducted for starting on a slope within 30 centimeters?
4 Answers
Starting on a slope with the vehicle body less than 30 centimeters from the edge line, but without pressing the lane line, will not result in point deduction; however, if the vehicle body is more than 50 centimeters from the edge line during slope starting, the test will be deemed as a failure. Point deduction rules for slope starting: After the vehicle stops, if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line and exceeds 50 cm either forward or backward, it will be considered a failure; starting beyond the specified time will result in failure; if the front bumper is not aligned with the pole line but does not exceed 50 cm forward or backward, 10 points will be deducted; if the vehicle body is more than 30 cm away from the road edge line after stopping, 10 points will be deducted. Precautions for slope starting: Maintain the correct driving posture, pay attention to various traffic conditions ahead, and avoid looking down; do not immediately release the clutch pedal, but rather release the clutch after pressing the accelerator, as the vehicle resistance is greater on a slope, requiring more power to start; the key to braking is mastering the timing of releasing the handbrake—releasing it too early will cause the vehicle to roll back, while releasing it too late will cause the engine to stall. The optimal timing is when the clutch pedal is lifted to the semi-engaged position and the engine sound changes, then release immediately; when aligning to the 30 cm line, generally the point at one-third of the right side of the engine hood aligning with the solid roadside line indicates the vehicle is approximately 30 cm from the roadside.
I've been teaching driving for over a decade. During the hill start test, if your wheels stop within 30cm of the stop line, you'll definitely lose points—usually around 5 points, or even fail directly in severe cases. The examiner will assume you can't control the distance properly and failed to stop accurately at the designated spot. The ideal stopping distance is 10-20cm. Stopping too close indicates improper brake-clutch coordination, which may cause the car to roll back or hit obstacles during start. For beginners, I recommend finding reference points during practice—like aligning the right rearview mirror with the slope's marker line—then gradually releasing the clutch while feeling the pedal until the car slightly vibrates before releasing the brake. This prevents stopping too close. The test evaluates not just technique but also safety awareness, so developing good habits is crucial. Don't underestimate this detail—it directly affects whether you pass on the first try. Practice simulating it a few more times, and you'll master it.
As someone who prioritizes driving safety, I must remind everyone that stopping within 30 centimeters during a hill start will indeed result in penalty points. This exam standard is set to prevent accident risks, such as rear-end collisions or vehicle slippage during startup due to insufficient spacing. In real-world driving, maintaining a moderate distance is crucial to avoid losing control in unexpected situations. Instructors explain that this deduction is based on a comprehensive scoring system—each centimeter closer increases the risk score by one point. I witnessed frequent mistakes by candidates during my own exam. My advice: cultivate spatial awareness during practice by using mobile distance-measuring tools or adjusting seat height to clearly see reference lines. Develop the habit of releasing brakes early and controlling speed promptly to enhance command—don’t wait until the test to panic. Practice repeatedly to find your rhythm, with safety as the top priority.
As a newly licensed driver, I learned the hard way that stopping too close (under 30cm) during hill starts will definitely cost points. The examiner deducted points for being too close, nearly causing me to fail. Test centers require maintaining standard distance ranges - stopping too close indicates poor vehicle control. During practice, I use a simple method: first align with the curb marker, then lightly press the clutch until feeling slight body vibration before releasing the brake, gradually finding balance. Common mistakes include abrupt throttle or delayed brake release, which lead to distance control failures. I recommend beginners practice simulations with a friend providing positioning feedback. Mastering this detail makes passing the test much easier.
