LEARNING CLUTCH CONTROL Clutch control is important to avoid stalling, being able to pull away smoothly, control the speed of the pull away and to be able to pull away efficiently on a hill. Manoeuvres also require a high level of clutch control by keeping the car at an incredibly slow steady speed so that you are in control.  To work the clutch - Depress the clutch fully and select first gear. Provide the engine with a little extra power if necessary by very gently pressing the accelerator so that the rev counter reads around 1500 rpm. 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 biting point. You will know it’s the at the bite point when the car will slowly start to move. The bite point will always be in the same place for that particular car. The key here is with plenty of practice is to remember where the bite point is. You may wish to practice finding the bite with t...

Moving off is safely, smoothly and with confidence is a key element to remember, get right and perfect. Try not to get your clutch control confused with the technique used when changing gear.  It will get easier and stay put in your mind like riding a bike. Get The Car Ready To Go It’s very important that before you complete your all round observations and signal to pull away that you’re car is actually ready to go. If you don't get the car into first gear and remove the handbrake / Parking brake (keeping your right foot on the brake) then the car is not ready to go and will cause delay and the situation will inevitably change and may no longer be safe to pull out. Your preparation process: Put the key in the ignition and turn until you hear the engine start Push down on the clutch and put the car in first gear Raise the clutch to the point that the car growls, then push down a bit - about the thickness of a pound coin Take off your handbrake but use the foot brake if you don’t fe...