BitingPoint
The position of the clutch pedal where the engine just starts to try to turn the driving wheels is called the "biting point."
"show me, tell me" questions
All the questions listed in detail, along with lots of photos and tips.
Slowing Down and Moving off at junctions
Wed, 07/10/2009 - 11:27
Hi,
Im am learning to drive and have had 2x 2 hour lessons so far.
However I am struggling to understand the slowing down and moving off process at junctions, especially going from a minor to a major road and turning either left or right.
My driving instructor tells me to ease off the accelerator, then begin to brake, then as we are slowing down to press the clutch right down to change the gear into first. But there after I have drawn a blank as to how to come to a total stop, and then move off without using the handbrake.
I do remember that he tells me to let the clutch do the work but does not really explain it to me, as to how the whole process works.
I have told my instructor that I am still not comfortable with the understanding of this, but he seems to think that by him just telling me that I will get it.
Could someone please explain the whole process including the slowing down and moving off, which includes the positioning of the clutch throughout the whole process, as well as when my foot should be on the accelerator or the brake.
Many Thanks
If I've got this right, Tasha, your main worry is slowing down and moving off again - sometimes without stopping?
I think most people will have the same worries as you after only four hours driving, so first of all, don't panic! It will all sort itself out. Also, you are asking the right questions but they cannot be answered easily - there is no magic bullet!
Dealing with junctions requires you to multi-task several skills: braking, steering, clutch, gear selection, and observation come to mind. It takes time to juggle all of these things and not drop a ball occasionally. As an instructor, I would expect most learners with four hours experience to need a lot of help from me as they are approaching junctions - a full "talk through."
Quite often going from a minor road to a major road at a junction means you can't see very well, so you have to pause, then move off again.
If you forget about the clutch for a moment, think about how to stop. Off the gas, brake gently, and as the car stops try and ease of the brake a little so you don't stop with a bump!
Now think about the clutch. If don't put the clutch down, you will stall as you slow down. But you should try to avoid putting the clutch down too early - usually brake first, then clutch down. (But if you were moving very slowly, it's clutch down first). Hold the clutch down while you brake to a stop at the "give way" line. (Also you will need to be steering to get a good position at this stage - women are supposed to be better at multi-tasking :-).
Now you are stopped at the junction, with your right foot on the brake, and left foot pressing the clutch right down. probably in 2nd or 3rd gear. So you need to get moving again. Use the handbrake if you need to. Select first gear, a little gas, find bite, look, look, look, handbrake off, clutch up a tiny bit with a touch of gas. Easy.
(Should you use the handbrake? If it makes you feel more controlled - yes. Someone at test standard should use the handbrake (when stopped) if they have to wait more than a few seconds, or if they are going to roll backwards. Otherwise there is no need. But at the early stages of learning, it is quite reassuring to use the handbrake - so use it.)
When you have mastered this, you can try selecting first just before you stop, and (at the same time) if the junction is completely clear and safe, release the brake just before the car stops completely. (I think this is what your instructor is trying to get you to do). Then find the biting point, and use a little gas - while the car is slowly rolling forward. This takes a lot of skill, and maybe you need to try doing this on a quiet straight road to give you the confidence to get it right at junctions.
I'm sure you will get this right soon, we all have these issues when learning. Let us know how you get on??
Good luck!