How To Make The Perfect Hill Start

Step 1: The process

A perfect hill-start relies on good co-ordination of the handbrake, accelerator and clutch. Without good co-ordination, your car will roll downhill.

As always we will be using the preparation, observation and manoeuvre process to guide us through.

- Don't rush; safe driving is not about rushing things.

Step 2: Prepare for an uphill start

Moving away from the kerb facing up a hill is trickier than on flat ground, as your car will naturally roll backwards - you have to control the car to prevent this happening.

Press the clutch down and select first gear. Press down slightly on the accelerator and hold your foot steady, there should be enough power to hear the engine rev but not roar. Find the 'biting-point', by gradually easing up off the clutch until the car dips slightly and the engine noise drops. Keep your left foot still. Apply slightly more pressure than usual on the accelerator to overcome the slope of the road. If you stall, don't panic; put the gear back to neutral, take a deep breath to calm your nerves, and start again.

Step 3: Observe and manoeuvre

Check your rear-view and door mirrors for other road users, with particular attention to any pedestrians that may be crossing behind your car. Check the blind spot over your right shoulder and, if necessary, signal. If it is safe to move off, release the handbrake and slowly ease off the clutch; enough to allow the car to start moving forward. Apply the accelerator, building up more momentum than usual in first gear to counteract the effects of the hill, and drive off into the road.

Step 4: Prepare for a downhill start

Moving away on a downhill slope is easier, as you can use gravity to aid your progress. However, you must take care to keep control of your vehicle, particularly on steep hills.

Again, press down the clutch and put the car into the appropriate gear, first or second depending on the gradient of the slope. With the clutch down, fully apply the footbrake and release the handbrake.

Step 5: Observe and manoeuvre

Check it is safe to move off in the mirrors and don't forget the blind spot. Indicate if necessary. When you've established it is safe to move off, slowly release the footbrake, and your car should begin to roll forward down the hill. Gently release the clutch and transfer your right foot from the brake to the accelerator, pulling into the road.

Congratulations! You have made the perfect hill-start, both up and downhill.