Tips For Executing A Hill Start

Moving off on a level road is one of the first things you will learn during your driving lessons, however, later on you will also be expected to tackle the dreaded hill start. This offers its own set of challenges and is also something that examiners may look to test when you take your practical exam.

To complicate matters further, you need to be equally adept at starting while driving uphill and downhill, with each having its own techniques. Consistency is key here, else your hill starts may lead to a practical test failure.

Here we look at what you need to know to ensure you can do both.

Uphill Starts

Thankfully, a lot of what goes into a regular start still applies with both types of hill start. Here are the steps you need to follow to pull away successfully.

Check your mirrors and apply a signal if you are pulling away from the kerb and there are cars around you that need to be notified.

Place the car into first gear and bring your clutch to its biting point. This will ensure the car stays stationary.

Apply slightly higher than usual revs, as the car will need an extra push to get started on the hill.

Check your mirrors again to ensure there are no pedestrians and conduct your observations, including that of the ‘blind spot’ over your shoulder.

If the way is clear, release the handbrake and allow the clutch to bite a little more. Slowly press the accelerator as the clutch comes up, keeping the movement smooth so the car doesn’t jerk forward.

If the car has a heavy load, such as something in the boot, you may need to rev a touch higher to get it moving.

Once you are on your way, make sure that your indicator has been cancelled.

Downhill Starts

The main obstacle you will face with downhill starts is losing control of the car, which means good clutch and brake work is required.

Conduct your normal mirror checks and observations before the start and apply the signal if needed.

Place the car into first gear, however, you may also be able to place it into second if the hill is steep. Go with whichever you are most comfortable with.

Depress both the clutch and footbrake entirely.

Conduct your checks again, making sure to look in your ‘blind spot’ and slowly pull the clutch up to the biting point.

Now slowly start to raise your foot off the brake. You should find the car starts to move forward slowly, so begin pulling your foot off the clutch while keeping control of the car using the brake.

Transfer your foot over to the accelerator and begin driving, keeping in mind what you have been taught about keeping the car under control when driving downhill.

The Final Word

So there you have it. Uphill and downhill starts have now been covered. Of course, your driving instructor will take you through these steps during your driving lessons, and it is important both are mastered for your test and for when you get out on the road.