How to Properly Release the Clutch in Driving Test Stage 3?
4 Answers
The correct method of operating the clutch in Driving Test Stage 3 is as follows: 1. When pressing the clutch, use your heel as the pivot point, place the ball of your left foot at the center of the clutch pedal, and move it up and down with your heel as the pivot when releasing the clutch. When lifting the clutch pedal, naturally raise your knee and slowly lift the pedal. 2. Press the clutch quickly. When shifting gears, press the clutch quickly to minimize speed loss during gear changes; otherwise, prolonged hesitation will cause a significant drop in speed. 3. Gradually increase the speed of releasing the clutch. When starting off, release the clutch slowly in low gears, especially when starting, and then slightly faster when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and so on. Shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear with a quick release is generally fine. In higher gears, remember that because the car is running at high speed, the clutch should be released quickly. 4. When driving, press the clutch quickly, but shift gears slowly and gently push the gear into position without excessive force, as this may lead to mis-shifting or jamming.
I really put in the effort to master clutch control for Subject 3. The key points to remember when placing your foot on the clutch are: keep your heel firmly planted on the floor as a pivot point—never hover your foot while pressing, or your leg will cramp within ten minutes; position the ball of your foot directly over the center of the pedal, maintaining a natural ankle angle when depressing it; when releasing the clutch, imagine your foot is slowly scraping along a wall—slide it back extremely slowly until you reach the semi-engaged position and hold it steady. During practice sessions, I made sure to wear ultra-thin sports shoes because thick soles completely block the clutch vibration feedback. At first, I kept stalling, but later I figured out that listening to the engine sound changes for adjustment was far more reliable than staring at the RPM gauge.
Every time I take students for driving practice, I emphasize clutch operation. Proper foot placement on the clutch can truly determine exam success. Ensure your heel is firmly planted on the cabin floor, sit upright and relaxed, then gently press the center of the clutch with the ball of your foot. Keep your heel grounded throughout clutch release, slowly sliding backward as if wiping the floor - focus intently on finding the biting point when the car hood begins to vibrate slightly, then immediately hold your foot steady. Remember, releasing the clutch slightly too fast will stall the engine, especially during hill starts. I recommend beginners first practice the muscle memory in neutral gear on flat ground, making slow clutch release an instinctive movement before adding throttle operation.
Just passed the road test last week, and clutch control really gave me a hard time. The key to foot placement on the clutch is stability: your heel must firmly press against the car floor, finding a flat area to anchor it; the ball of your foot shouldn't press too deep, just lightly resting on the pedal. Releasing the clutch needs to be ten times slower than you'd imagine - keep your heel glued to the floor while only moving the ball of your foot backward gradually. During practice, I spent three and a half hours in the garage mastering the bite point until my foot went numb but the car just started moving - even the examiner complimented my smooth starts. On test day, wearing thin-soled shoes made all the difference; thick boots made it impossible to feel anything.
