How to Control the Clutch When Starting to Learn Driving?
2 Answers
The steps to control the clutch when starting to learn driving are: 1. Master the correct posture for pressing the clutch pedal. Place the ball of your foot on the clutch pedal with your heel touching the ground. When the clutch is pressed to the lowest point, keep your knees slightly bent; 2. Do not use your toes to press the pedal or lift your heel off the ground to avoid insufficient force or slipping. Press the clutch all the way down to ensure complete separation and prevent wear; 3. When driving, do not release the clutch too quickly or deliberately raise the engine RPM too high, as this will accelerate clutch wear. Always press the clutch fully before shifting gears; 4. In low gears, beginners often experience jerking when accelerating or decelerating, especially in congested traffic conditions when following other vehicles.
When I first learned to drive a manual transmission car, I spent a lot of time figuring out the clutch, which is quite memorable now. I often stalled when starting because I released the clutch too quickly and couldn't find the 'bite point'—the moment when you slowly lift your foot off the clutch pedal and feel the car slightly vibrate but not move. During my first practice in an open area, I shifted into 1st gear, gently lifted my left foot, and when I felt the car shake, I added a bit of throttle, held it for two seconds, and then fully released the clutch. I stalled several times, and the instructor told me to be patient: don't focus on your feet, but look ahead at the road. The most important thing is to develop muscle memory, like when starting on a slope: pull the handbrake, slowly lift the clutch to the vibration point, then release the handbrake and add throttle. It's recommended for beginners to practice on flat ground first, spending 5 minutes every hour repeating the starting motion, and gradually, the nervousness will fade. Once you master clutch control, shifting gears becomes much smoother, making the overall driving experience safer.
