Why hill starts matter in Burnley
Burnley, Padiham, Nelson, Colne and Rossendale are all hilly, so hill starts come up often in daily driving, and you may be asked to demonstrate a hill start on test.
Step by step
In a manual car:
- Handbrake on, clutch down, first gear
- Find the biting point and hold the clutch there
- Add a little more gas than normal
- Check mirrors and blind spot
- Release the handbrake as you feel the car pull, then ease the clutch up
Common mistakes
Releasing the handbrake too early, not enough gas, or lifting the clutch too fast. Practise on a quiet gentle hill first.
Automatics
Automatics are easier because there is no clutch, but you still need to use the handbrake and feather the throttle.
Last updated 30 October 2026. Fees and rules change, so always check GOV.UK for the latest.