Automatic Cars
-
Prepare the car:
-
Press and hold the brake pedal.
-
Select Drive (D) or a lower gear (for steeper hills).
-
-
Observation and signal:
-
Check your mirrors and blind spots, and signal if needed.
-
-
Move off:
-
Release the parking brake while keeping your foot on the brake pedal.
-
Gently release the brake pedal, allowing the car to creep forward if the incline isn’t too steep.
-
Apply gentle gas as you fully release the brake to gain momentum. The car's transmission will help maintain control on the incline.
-
Tip:
Automatic cars generally handle hill starts more easily due to the "creep" function. However, on steeper hills, be ready to apply more gas to prevent rolling back.
Moving Off Uphill and Downhill
Moving off on an incline, whether uphill or downhill, requires precise control and awareness.
Both manual and automatic drivers need to understand how to handle these situations confidently to avoid rolling back, stalling, or losing control.
Here’s how PASSFAN helps you master uphill and downhill starts.
Moving Off Uphill Driving Lesson
Manual Cars
-
Prepare the car:
-
Press the clutch down fully and select 1st gear.
-
Apply gas, about the thickness of a £1 coin, and let the engine rev slightly (around 1500 on the rev counter).
-
Slowly find the biting point by lifting the clutch until you feel the front of the car rise slightly.
-
-
Observation and signal:
-
Check your mirrors and perform a blind spot check over your right shoulder.
-
Signal if necessary, especially in busy areas.
-
-
Move off:
-
Release the handbrake while continuing to hold the clutch at the biting point.
-
Increase the gas gently as you slowly lift the clutch further to avoid stalling or rolling back.
-
Steer away from the kerb if parked, ensuring you control the car’s speed by balancing the gas and clutch.
-
Common mistake:
Stalling is common on hills because learners often lift the clutch too quickly or don’t apply enough gas. Ensure smooth coordination between the gas and clutch.
Moving Off Downhill
Manual Cars
-
Prepare the car:
-
Press the clutch down and select 2nd gear (or 1st if the hill is very steep).
-
Keep your foot on the brake to prevent rolling forward.
-
-
Observation and signal:
-
Check your mirrors and blind spots, and signal if needed.
-
-
Move off:
-
Gradually release the brake while controlling the clutch.
-
As the car starts to move, apply a small amount of gas to avoid losing control, but remember that the hill will help you move naturally.
-
Lift the clutch slowly to avoid stalling or jerky movement, and ensure the car doesn’t accelerate too quickly down the slope.
-
Tip:
On downhill starts, your focus is on controlling speed. Braking gently while moving off helps keep the car steady.
Automatic Cars
-
Prepare the car:
-
Keep your foot on the brake pedal and select Drive (D) or a lower gear (for very steep hills).
-
-
Observation and signal:
-
Check your mirrors and blind spots as usual, and signal if necessary.
-
-
Move off:
-
Release the brake pedal slowly. The car will naturally start to move forward due to gravity.
-
Apply gentle gas if needed to maintain control, especially if the slope is mild and the car doesn’t pick up speed as expected.
-
Tip:
Using a lower gear in automatic cars helps control speed when moving downhill, preventing the car from picking up too much momentum too quickly.
Angled Start (Manual & Automatic)
During your test or in real-world driving, you may be asked to move off from an angled position, such as when parked behind another vehicle.
This requires additional care:
-
Extra brake control:
Whether in a manual or automatic car, ensure you have full control of your brake before moving off. You'll need to steer around the vehicle ahead, and extra braking can help keep your movements smooth and controlled. -
Observation:
-
Check your mirrors and blind spots continuously as you prepare to move off. Keep an eye on oncoming traffic and be sure it's safe before pulling out.
-
Steering control:
Steer smoothly around the vehicle in front, ensuring you leave enough space when passing. Move out slowly to maintain control, especially if the road is narrow or has a sharp angle. -
Adjust speed:
Keep your speed slow and controlled, especially when manoeuvring out from behind another car. Use a gentle touch on the gas, and ensure you give enough time and space to steer around obstacles safely.
Key Points:
-
Look for oncoming traffic and plan your move-off accordingly.
-
Be mindful of how wide the vehicle in front is and how much space you have to pull out without forcing other vehicles to slow down.
Key Considerations for Your Driving Test
In your driving test, examiners often check how well you can handle moving off from different positions, including uphill, downhill, and angled starts.
The key things they are looking for include:
-
Control: Can you move off smoothly without rolling back or stalling?
-
Observation: Do you check mirrors and blind spots effectively?
-
Coordination: Are you balancing the clutch and gas (in manual) or brake and gas (in automatic) correctly?
-
Safety: Can you perform the move-off without affecting other road users or causing unnecessary delay?
At PASSFAN, we ensure that you practice each of these manoeuvres in real-world conditions, preparing you for both the driving test and everyday driving situations. Whether you're tackling uphill starts, downhill starts, or more complex angled starts, we’ll make sure you're ready to move off confidently every time!