How to Properly Start and Stop a Car for Beginners

[WyattAnn]

For beginners learning to drive, the correct method to start a car is: 1. Fully depress the clutch pedal; 2. Move the gear shift lever to engage 1st gear; 3. Gently push down the turn signal lever to activate the left turn signal, alerting vehicles in front and behind; 4. Press the horn button; 5. Release the vehicle's handbrake; 6. Gradually lift the left foot until the clutch reaches the half-clutch position; 7. As the car begins to move, fully release the clutch and gently press the accelerator. The correct method to stop a car is: 1. Upon reaching the parking spot, firmly press the brake until the vehicle comes to a complete stop; 2. Shift the gear lever to Neutral (N) while keeping the brake pressed; 3. Engage the handbrake, then release the foot brake; 4. After ensuring the car is stationary, press the brake again and shift to Park (P), then exit the vehicle and lock it.

[AlainaLee]

When I first started learning to drive, I had to master the basic operations of starting and stopping the car. After getting in, don't forget to fasten the seatbelt and adjust the seat to a comfortable position—it really helps. To start, press the clutch pedal and shift into first gear, then slowly release the clutch to the biting point. When you feel the car slightly tremble, gently press the accelerator while fully releasing the clutch, and the car will move smoothly. For stopping, slow down, press the clutch and brake, shift to neutral, and finally pull the handbrake to ensure the car is securely parked. I often stalled the engine by releasing the clutch too quickly or forgot to pull the handbrake, causing the car to roll. Practicing slow-speed maneuvers in an empty lot helped me improve quickly. For beginners, spending extra time mastering this core skill is crucial—don't be afraid of making mistakes.

[SanLilah]

As a safety-conscious driver, I emphasize smooth starts and stops. Before ignition, always check the surroundings to ensure no pedestrians or vehicles are nearby. When starting, depress the clutch fully, engage first gear, gradually release the clutch to the biting point, and apply gentle throttle. Once moving, keep your eyes on the road ahead—avoid looking down at the gear lever. For stopping, first decelerate, then press clutch and brake, shift to neutral, engage the handbrake, and check the dashboard to confirm everything is normal. As a beginner, I often neglected judging distances, such as stopping too abruptly, which risked rear-end collisions. Safety first! Practice in empty parking lots to minimize distractions and cultivate good habits—this builds confidence for future driving.

[McRonan]

Learning to start and stop smoothly is all about mastering control. The key to starting is finding the clutch's friction point—don't release it too quickly or the car will jerk, then apply throttle. For stopping, slow down completely before shifting gears. With practice, you'll grasp the rhythm. I've learned from mistakes that slow practice and patient adjustments are the best approach for beginners to pick it up quickly.