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LEARN TO DRIVE
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DRIVING SCHOOLS
CAR TIPS
DRIVING TIPS
CLUTCH CONTROL
One of the most difficult challenge of learning to drive is the correct operation of the clutch, which we know as clutch control.
Many learners opt to take an automatic driving test to alleviate the stress of having to operate the clutch. A significant problem with
many learner drivers is lack of preparation by not looking at what is happening in front.
STEERING TECHNIQUES
For example if you have stopped in traffic, a learner will often wait till the car directly in front starts to move before they think about
operating the clutch. Ideally they need to be looking further ahead for signs that the traffic has started to move and to get themselves
prepared to move.
This lack of preparation leads to stress as they think that they are holding everyone up behind them. As a result, they will operate the
clutch too quickly which often ends in stalling the car. Explained is the basic function of a clutch, how to use a car clutch along with hill
starts.
is constantly spinning. A clutch separates the car wheels from the engine. If the car wheels where permanently linked to the engine, it
wouldnt be possible to stop the car without the engine stalling. Without a clutch, it would also be very difficult for the car to move off
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STOPPING
Engine A
In the diagram provided, we can see the two plates that represent the clutch.
Engine A has the clutch pedal depressed to the floor, which in turn separates the
HILL STARTS
clutch friction plates. When the clutch plates are separated, it disconnects the car
engine from the wheels, which also prevents any power to the wheels. One of the
clutch plates is still spinning along with the engine, as the engine is constantly
STOPPING IN TRAFFIC
Engine B
Now that the car is in-gear, the clutch pedal needs to be raised, which in turn
ANTICIPATION AND
brings the clutch plates together. When moving off from a stationary position using
PLANNING
1st gear, lifting the clutch pedal slowly allows the clutch plates to come together
slowly. This allows the plates to slip and allow the car to move off smoothly until
they are tightly pressed together, joining the broken link between the wheels and
the engine.
DRIVING ROUTINES
control by keeping the car incredibly slow. Learning clutch control for the first time should be done on a flat, even and quiet road.
Ensure the car is setup correctly so that you can depress the clutch fully without overstretching, you are wearing your seat belt, the
KERBSIDE PARKING
DRIVING TEST
Provide the engine with a little extra power by very gently pressing the accelerator so that the rev counter reads around 1500 rpm.
MANOEUVRES
Ensure before your car moves that it is safe to do so and now very slowly, raise the clutch.
When the clutch plates just start to meet, this is called the clutch bite point. You will know its the bite point at the car will slowly start to
TRAFFIC LIGHTS
move. The clutch bite point can occur at any point during the clutches working travel as you lift it, as all clutches are different. The bite
point however will always be in the same place for that particular clutch. The key here is with plenty of practice is to remember where
PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
stop. Keep repeating the process by giving the engine a little power and very slowly lifting the clutch till the car starts to move and fully
LANES
depressing the clutch. By repeating this, you will gain an understanding where the bite point occurs.
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LEARNING THE
EMERGENCY STOP
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Once you have got the hang of that, try it again but instead of fully depressing the clutch once the car starts to move, press the clutch
just a small amount; try and think the thickness of a one pound coin. By doing this you are slightly releasing the clutch plates,
disengaging the wheels and letting the car slow down. As soon as the car has slowed slightly, lift the clutch around the thickness of a
one pound coin again to move the car again. Essentially what you are trying to achieve is to keep the car moving but at the slowest
LANE DISCIPLINE
possible speed. This technique is called slipping the clutch and is required to perform the driving manoeuvres on lessons and the
driving test.
LEARNING
move the car off much faster in situations such as busy roundabouts and pulling out of junctions. Be a little cautious however as giving
ROUNDABOUTS
the car too much gas and releasing the clutch too fast may result inwheel spin.
ONE-WAY ROADS,
More advanced clutch control techniques will need to be mastered for holding the car steady on the clutch bite point. These techniques
LEVEL CROSSINGS
OVERTAKING
DUAL CARRIAGEWAY
are important for safely moving a car off on a hill. Further information can be found in How to stop stalling a car.
2 SECOND RULE
Apply the handbrake and select first gear.
APPROACHING CORNERS
AND DRIVING THROUGH
BENDS
COUNTRY ROAD DRIVING
Provide the engine with a little extra power, again around 1500 rpm to 2000 rpm on the rev counter.
Gently raise the clutch until you reach the bite point. You will know when you have the bite point as the car may creak a little or the
bonnet may rise slightly as the car tries to move forward but cannot due to the handbrake being applied.
Provided you have the clutch bite point, the car will not roll backwards when you release the handbrake.
The hill starts tutorial explain how to move park up hill and downhill, plus how to correctly make hill starts and downhill starts in detail
with the emphasis being on clutch control. Explained also are frequent mistakes learner drivers make during a driving test and how to
avoid them.
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4 of 5
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PRIVACY POLICY
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