Which One is the Brake and Which One is the Accelerator?
3 Answers
Automatic transmission cars and manual transmission cars have different positions for the brake and accelerator. The specific differences are as follows: 1. Automatic transmission cars: (1) There are only two pedals, from left to right, they are the brake and accelerator pedals. (2) The left foot controls all pedals throughout. When driving, you either press the brake or the accelerator; these two actions cannot occur simultaneously. 2. Manual transmission cars: (1) There are three pedals, from left to right, they are the clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. (2) The left foot controls the clutch, while the right foot controls the brake and accelerator pedals. During driving, it is easy to confuse the brake and accelerator, so always pay attention to the position of your right foot to avoid pressing the accelerator instead of the brake.
I've been driving for almost 30 years and often get asked this by young drivers. Simply put, when you sit in the driver's seat, your right foot operates two pedals: the one on the right is the accelerator (also called the gas pedal), which speeds up the car when pressed; the one on the left is the brake (also called the brake pedal), which slows down or completely stops the car when pressed. When learning to drive, I got used to using only my right foot to switch between them, because moving the left leg can easily cause confusion, especially during sharp turns or emergency braking, which can be dangerous. Beginners often make mistakes, like accidentally pressing the brake when they mean to accelerate, causing the car to suddenly stop and startling them; or getting confused on slippery roads in the rain, which could lead to an accident. I recommend practicing in an empty parking lot first to feel the difference: the accelerator is smooth and responsive, while the brake requires a bit more force and sometimes makes a squeaking sound. Safety first—don’t forget to check if your seat is adjusted comfortably, as this affects how flexibly your feet can move. Driving is like life—once you're familiar with it, it becomes second nature.
I've been a driving instructor for many years, and this is the first lesson for beginners. After getting in the car, your right foot is responsible for the pedals: the one on the right is called the accelerator, pressing it makes the car speed up; the one on the left is the brake, pressing it slows or stops the car. Use only one foot to operate to avoid distraction, and it's best to keep your left foot steady and unmoving, especially for those learning automatic transmission. Beginners often confuse the accelerator with the brake or vice versa, possibly due to nervousness or unfamiliarity with pedal feedback: the accelerator is lighter and responds immediately, while the brake is stiffer with a sense of resistance. Safety is paramount, so practice pressing the pedals a few times in low-risk areas to ensure muscle memory: right is go, left is stop. Also, check that your shoes aren't too thick to interfere with pedal operation, and pay attention to road conditions to minimize distractions like using your phone. Driving skills come with repetition, take your time and you'll get used to it.
