Hill Starts

How to deal with Hill Starts

Starting your car on a hill can be challenging for a new driver, but there is no rush.  Take your time to get the preparations correct before you move off.

If you stall, don’t panic, just put your car into neutral, apply the handbrake, take a deep breath, and start again.

PREPARE THE CAR

1. Facing uphill, select first gear.

2. Add a little more pressure than normal to the accelerator. You should hear it rev but not roar.

3. Slowly bring up the clutch pedal until you can detect the Bite Point. You will hear the engine note drop a little, you may even feel a slight pressure in the clutch pedal, and the front of the car will nod. Hold your feet still.

4. Make your observations as normal. Mirrors, and Blind Spot check.

5. Let go the handbrake and add a little more acceleration, to counter the effects of the hill, before you change to second gear. Remember, it takes a little longer to get up to speed on a hill.