Gas or biting point first?

Should you press the gas or find the biting point first when moving off in a manual car?

This is one of the most common questions new drivers ask, and getting the order right makes the difference between a smooth start and a stall or jerky take-off.

The short answer is gas first, then clutch: Once in first gear, add a touch of gas to bring the revs up slightly, then bring the clutch up slowly to find the biting point before making sure it's safe, signalling, releasing the handbrake and pulling away.

Watch the video below for a full demonstration of exactly how much gas to use and how to feel for the biting point every time.

Once you've practised this a few times, moving off smoothly becomes second nature, whether you're pulling away on the flat, on a hill, or in traffic.