Should the right foot generally be placed on the brake or the accelerator?
2 Answers
For manual transmission cars, the right foot steps on the accelerator when starting, while for automatic transmission cars, the standard procedure is to step on the brake pedal with the right foot. Starting procedure for manual transmission cars: Generally speaking, starting a car refers to the phase from when the wheels begin to rotate to acceleration. The standard procedure for starting a manual transmission car is to press the clutch with the left foot, press the accelerator with the right foot, shift into gear, release the handbrake, then press the accelerator with the right foot while releasing the clutch with the left foot to complete the starting phase. Starting procedure for automatic transmission cars: The standard procedure for starting an automatic transmission car is to press the brake pedal with the right foot, shift into drive (automatic transmissions usually don't have handbrakes, but if there is a parking brake, it needs to be released), then release the brake pedal to allow the car to move forward and complete the starting phase.
Having driven for over a decade, I always place my right foot on the brake when not accelerating. Developing this habit has made driving much safer. I remember my instructor repeatedly reminding me when I first started driving to hover my right foot over the brake, ready to brake, which reduces reaction time in emergencies and helps avoid rear-end collisions. Once on the highway, when the car in front suddenly braked, I instantly pressed the brake and avoided a collision. That experience made me deeply appreciate the importance of the default position. For manual transmission cars, the right foot also controls these two points—never use separate feet for different pedals, as it can lead to misoperation. In daily city traffic jams, keeping your foot on the brake also helps better control speed and reduce fuel consumption. Once it becomes a habit, it feels as natural as instinct. New drivers, try this habit—you'll find driving more confident and safer.
