How to Coordinate the Clutch and Accelerator in Subject Three to Avoid Stalling?
3 Answers
Methods for coordinating the clutch and accelerator in the driving test Subject Three: 1. Release the clutch slowly when starting: Then lightly press the accelerator to provide more starting power, making it less likely to stall. 2. Fully depress the clutch when shifting gears: Shift to second gear, then release the clutch while pressing the accelerator slightly. 3. Decelerate and downshift before turning, making a U-turn, or stopping: Only apply the brake to reduce speed to 20 kilometers per hour. 4. Maintain steady driving in second gear: Before turning the steering wheel, ensure the vehicle is steadily moving in second gear. You can lightly press the clutch to decelerate when starting the turn. 5. During the latter half of the turn: The vehicle requires more power at this stage. Besides releasing the clutch, you can appropriately press the accelerator a bit to prevent the car body from shaking due to insufficient power.
During my first driving test, I kept stalling the car, which made me really nervous. Later, after more practice, I realized that coordinating the clutch and accelerator is like dancing. Before starting, first turn on the ignition and shift into gear, gently press the clutch all the way down with your left foot, and place your right foot on the brake, ready to go. Slowly release the clutch—don’t rush—until you find the semi-engaged point: the car will slightly tremble, and the engine RPM needle will wobble a bit. That’s your signal. Then, lightly press the accelerator with your right foot to give it some gas—not too hard, just smooth and steady. Keep releasing the clutch slowly with your left foot while maintaining steady pressure on the accelerator with your right foot. The whole process should be fluid, without interruption. Releasing the clutch too quickly or not giving enough gas will cause the car to stall, but after a few more tries, you’ll get a feel for the car’s temperament. Find an empty lot to practice starting smoothly, and you’ll be steady during the test—just stay relaxed.
After driving for so many years, I've learned that coordinating the clutch and accelerator is all about feel and rhythm. When starting off, slowly lift your left foot off the clutch until you feel a slight vibration under your foot—that's the half-engagement point. At this moment, your right foot should immediately tap the accelerator lightly to keep the engine speed around 1500 RPM, not too high. Continue to gradually release the clutch with your left foot while maintaining steady pressure on the accelerator. The key is not to rush: if you release the clutch too quickly, the engine won't keep up and will stall; if you press the accelerator too late, it's also prone to stalling. Practice more in parking lots or on quiet roads to perfect your starts—once you've got it down, your driving will be much smoother. During tests, stay calm and take it step by step.
