Hill Starts

Approach (set up & choose method)

• Choose a safe spot: Good view ahead and behind; avoid near junctions/bends. If you must stop, leave safe space to pull away.
• Primary method (manual): Handbrake + bite + power. Set the clutch bite and add enough gas before releasing the handbrake.
• Automatic/EV: Use the brake hold or creep to prevent rollback; apply gentle throttle then release the brake smoothly.

Controls (what “enough power” feels like)

• Manual petrol: About 1500–2000 rpm before relaxing the clutch to the bite (feel bonnet lift).
• Manual diesel: Often needs less revs but a clear, strong bite; avoid stalling with progressive throttle.
• Auto/EV: Light, steady throttle — avoid sudden “jump” starts; let hill-hold/creep do its thing as you add power.

Observations & priorities

• 360° check: Mirrors, both shoulders, look ahead. Signal only if it helps someone.
• Priority: You’re moving off — give way to traffic already on the road. Choose a genuinely safe gap.
• Highway Code: See Rule 159 (moving off) for observation guidance.

1. Secure the car: Handbrake on (manual) or hold the footbrake/hold function (auto/EV). Select 1st gear (or D in auto).
2. Set power: Manual — bring revs to ~1500–2000 (petrol) or a steady 1200–1500 (diesel). Auto/EV — light, steady throttle ready.
3. Find the bite (manual): Lift the clutch to the bite so the bonnet nudges up. Hold it steady.
4. 360° observations: Mirrors, right shoulder, left shoulder if needed; check ahead again. Signal only if it benefits someone.
5. Release and go: Manual — release the handbrake smoothly while holding the bite and power; add a touch more gas as you move. Auto/EV — ease off the brake as you feed in gentle throttle.
6. Build speed: Smooth throttle; manual — release the clutch fully once rolling, then upshift when appropriate.
7. If rollback starts: STOP it — brake firmly, re-apply handbrake/hold, reset the bite/power, and try again. Staying in control is what matters.
8. If you stall (manual): Secure the car, neutral, restart. Breathe, reset power and bite, repeat the routine carefully.

What it does: HSA briefly holds the brakes when you release the pedal on an incline, giving you time (typically ~2 seconds) to apply power without rolling back.

How to use it well

• Manual: Hold the footbrake. Set light gas and bring the clutch to the bite. Release the brake; HSA holds the car. Add a touch more gas and continue lifting the clutch — you should roll forward cleanly. Don’t rely on HSA to mask poor bite control.
• Automatic/EV: Keep gentle, steady throttle as you ease off the brake. Most systems will hold until the drive takes over. Avoid stabbing the throttle.
• Know the limits: Some systems won’t hold if the incline is shallow, if you wait too long, or after multiple activations. Be ready to re-apply the brake or use the handbrake instantly.
• Best practice: Treat HSA as an aid, not a replacement for clutch/throttle control and observations. Examiners look for control and awareness — not gadget dependency.

Troubleshooting

• It releases too soon: Brake again, reset the bite/power, and try once more — or use the handbrake method.
• You “jump” forward: Too much gas or clutch too high (manual) / too much initial throttle (auto/EV). Reset, go gentler.

• Slow feet, steady hands: Keep movements smooth. Sudden clutch lifts or throttle stabs cause stalls or wheel-spin.
• Use the handbrake early (manual): If you’re unsure about your bite, set the handbrake first so you can take your time.
• Eyes before engine: Observations come before release. If the gap closes, wait — control beats speed every time.
• Don’t ride the clutch: Once moving, fully release the clutch to avoid burning it on long hills.
• HSA is a helper: Great safety net, but practise the pure handbrake method so you’re covered in any car.