Should You Press the Clutch or Brake First When Pulling Over?

[ElleAnn]

The specific approach depends on the car's speed at the time. If the speed is relatively high, you should first apply the brake, then press the clutch fully once the speed decreases, followed by gently braking. However, during a test, if the speed is not high, you can press the clutch fully first, then apply the brake. Method for pulling over: After hearing the examiner's instruction to pull over, turn on the right turn signal, check the right-side mirror, and observe the situation. Apply the brake pedal moderately. Turn the steering wheel to the right (first turn to move right towards the curb). When the speed drops below first gear's speed, press the clutch pedal fully. As the right front wheel approaches the curb, turn the steering wheel to the left (second turn to straighten the vehicle and adjust the distance from the curb). Then, turn the steering wheel back to the right (third turn to align the wheels). Stop the car quickly. As the car is about to stop, slightly release the brake pedal to reduce braking inertia and ensure a smooth stop. Engage the handbrake, shift to neutral, release the clutch and brake pedals, and turn off the turn signal. The entire pulling-over maneuver is now complete. Parallel parking in a straight-line parking space: First, park the car parallel to the left side of the car in front, maintaining a distance of 50 cm. Begin reversing. When the right-side mirror aligns with the B-pillar (the pillar between the front and rear door windows) of the adjacent car, turn the steering wheel fully to the right and continue reversing. When the car forms a 45-degree angle with the adjacent car, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and continue reversing. Once the car is properly positioned, straighten the wheels and adjust as needed.

[StEvangeline]

When pulling over, it's essential to press the brake first and then the clutch. As a frequent manual transmission driver, I deeply understand that safety comes first. Before pulling over, I observe the road conditions and reduce speed by pressing the brake to control the vehicle's speed, preventing it from rushing out too fast or rolling. This ensures sufficient control while moving. Then, I press the clutch to prevent the engine from stalling, making the stopping process smooth. I once lacked experience and pressed the clutch first, resulting in poor speed reduction and nearly hitting the curb. Since then, I've learned my lesson. During practice, I repeatedly simulated pulling over scenarios in an open area, prioritizing the brake to form a habit. Every step in safe driving is crucial—don't let small mistakes lead to big troubles. This sequence is not only practical but also reduces wear on the transmission system.

[FranciscoLynn]

When I first got my driver's license, this question confused me. How exactly should I pull over to the side? I tried pressing the clutch first, but the car suddenly slowed down and became unstable, often stalling or rolling. It wasn't until my instructor demonstrated that I understood: you must press the brake first to reduce speed and stabilize the car, then engage the clutch. This way, the car obeys your commands and won't lose control. Also, remember to use the turn signal when pulling over and gradually steer to the roadside—the whole process becomes much smoother. Making mistakes as a beginner is inevitable, but remember: the brake is the leader, and the clutch is the assistant. Practice a few more times on the road, like doing low-speed pull-overs in the neighborhood, and you'll get the hang of it. Don't rush and reverse the order.

[DelArabella]

Years of driving manual transmission have taught me that pulling over must always involve braking before clutching. Why such a hardcore rule? Because brakes directly act on the wheels to control vehicle dynamics, while the clutch merely disconnects the power source. Engaging the clutch first risks losing wheel braking control, leading to skidding or stalling. I've tested this in all conditions—from mountain roads to urban streets—and the correct sequence ensures smooth stops. Safety-wise, braking first reduces collision risks; vehicle protection-wise, it prevents engine overload. Every time I pull over, I instinctively brake to decelerate, visually confirm the target spot, then clutch—all in one fluid motion.