Clutch control

The biting point

It's important to get used to where the biting point is in your car.

To find the biting point:

1. Press the clutch down

2. Select 1st gear

3. Press the gas (accelerator) to get the revs up to around 1 and a half on the rev counter (more if moving off uphill or no gas for moving off downhill).

Remember: Pressing the gas will not necessarily make you go faster but it will help the car not stall. You'll only move off fast if you release the clutch quickly with gas.

4. Raise the clutch slowly until you feel the biting point. You will know when you've got the biting point as the back of the car will dip down slightly and the engine sound will change. When you feel it, keep the clutch still.

How to do clutch control

Once it's safe all around, signal if needed and release the handbrake, but keep your feet still.

The car will now move. Raising the clutch slightly (about the thickness of a pound coin) will make the car move slightly quicker. Lowering the clutch down (again, about the thickness of a pound coin) will slow you down and that's clutch control.

Raising the clutch completely with a little gas will allow you to drive on and accelerate if required.

When you feel confident, practice clutch control on a hill and in traffic or creeping at a junction.

Does your foot slip up the clutch pedal?

This is just a rough guide to clutch control, it's not a replacement for good quality driving lessons with an instructor.