In short
Automatic (most US road-test cars): brake-hold or hill-assist will keep you still for a moment — gentle gas and go. Manual: find clutch bite, gas, release the parking brake. A small roll-back is a control fault; significant roll-back is a critical fault.
Updated 2026-06-06 · 5 min read · By Driving Routes Editorial
Automatic hill start
Most modern automatics hold the brake for two seconds when you lift off, giving you time to move your foot to the accelerator. Some have a hill-assist switch. Either way: gentle gas and the car will pull away.
Manual hill start (less common in US tests)
Parking brake on, clutch down, first gear. Bring the clutch up to the bite point — you'll feel the nose dip. Add a little gas (around 1500 rpm on a steep hill). Release the parking brake. Continue gentle gas and gradually release the clutch fully.