How To Move Off Downhill

Down Hill Start – To move off downhill you will need to ensure the car does not pick up speed too quickly. Prepare to move off. Select 1st gear if it is only a gradual decline. Select 2nd gear if the hill steep. Apply the foot brake and keep your clutch pedal ‘just’ below the biting point.

Carry out your normal observations. When it is safe to move off, release the handbrake. Start to move your foot off the footbrake a touch at a time until the car starts to slowly move. Start to bring the clutch pedal up in the usual gradual manner. When it is fully raised apply the accelerator in the normal progressive manner.

To Recap

POM – PREPARE, OBSERVE AND MOVE: Prepare to move off as you would do normally. On this occasion the most important thing to remember is to hold the clutch pedal just below the biting point and apply the foot brake when preparing to move off. Consider whether 1st or 2nd gear is appropriate to move off in.