What is a sign that the clutch plate may be worn out?

A sign that the clutch plate may be worn out is when the vehicle hesitates when shifting. This hesitation can occur because a worn clutch plate is unable to fully engage or disengage, which can cause the engine speed to not match the speed of the transmission properly. When shifting, if the clutch does not fully disengage, it can lead to difficulty in finding gears or a feeling of resistance, often accompanied by a jerky or delayed response.

In contrast, the other options do not indicate issues related to the clutch plate. The engine running too quietly does not typically relate to the clutch's functionality. Noises from the brakes are indicative of brake wear or issues, not clutch condition. Similarly, an easy-to-operate shifter suggests that the transmission and linkage are functioning normally, which does not directly provide information about the state of the clutch plate.