How to do a hill start.

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Moving off should always be done safely and all the rules for moving off on a flat road apply on a hill too. You should check the moving off tips for more info.

The main difference on a hill, going up or down, is that you will need to be more aware of the speed of the vehicle whilst paying attention to your environment. This means greater clutch / brake control. Remember, if you roll backwards at any point you will probably fail your test.

GOING UP

So the car is facing up hill and you have to move off. The same steps as moving off normally are taken, checking mirrors and blind spots and starting in first gear. In order to avoid stalling you need to give the car more power, you do this by applying the gas pedal a little more than usual. As you start the car with the clutch engaged you need to be aware that the car could roll, so pay extra attention to the feelings from the vehicle and make sure you add gas. Gather momentum and speed before changing gears to second.

This takes practice to learn, some people live in areas that require hill starts from day one. The main thing to remember is that you can’t rely on the clutch and the car to do the work, you need to give it a little more gas and get used to paying attention to the sounds and feel of the car until finding the right balance on the pedals becomes second nature.

GOING DOWN.

While going up you used the gas pedal to give the car that little bit more “Oomph” going downwards requires a lot less “Oomph” – you have to use the footbrake alongside the clutch.

Again, you need to perform the same drill as always when moving off, and you need to be aware that the car will want to roll as soon as you release the handbrake.

If you are on a particularly steep incline you may wish to engage second gear – this will make it easier as you merge with traffic. Engage the footbrake fully, when you are sure it is safe to move off find the biting point. Gently release the footbrake and the car will start to move. When you’ve positioned the car on the road well and you’re moving fully release the clutch and drive on as normal.

The examiner on the driving test will expect you to:
• Drive safely and at an appropriate speed.
• Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre.
• Use the appropriate gear for the situation, first or second gear.
• Keep the car under control throughout.
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