Why is the clutch of the test car particularly high?
2 Answers
When the clutch is high, the gears separate faster, allowing for earlier gear shifting, which makes acceleration operations more seamless. To quickly adapt to the height of the test car's clutch, the method is to engage first gear and gradually release the clutch to get used to the pedal's varying height while ensuring no stalling or rolling. Here are some clutch control techniques: The general approach to the clutch is "fast, slow, fast" or "fast, pause, slow." This is because initially releasing the clutch involves the engagement part between the clutch and the engine, which can be done quickly. However, when reaching the clutch point, it needs to be slower or paused briefly to ensure full engagement. After passing the engagement point, the clutch can be released at a speed that is either fast or slow, depending on personal preference.
As a veteran driving instructor with over 20 years of experience behind the wheel of training cars, I'm often asked by students why the clutch pedal position in exam vehicles is set so high. This prompted me to explain the reasoning. The elevated clutch in test cars is primarily designed for instructional purposes—by positioning the clutch engagement point earlier, students must precisely control their foot placement. This trains them to develop proper starting habits and prevents excessive wear from frequent partial clutch engagement in urban traffic congestion. Additionally, exam vehicles endure daily use by dozens of novice drivers, causing significant clutch disc wear that naturally raises the pedal position. Many students initially complain about the height causing stalling, but ironically, a lower clutch might make beginners over-rely on partial engagement—both unsafe and fuel-inefficient. Ultimately, this design prioritizes safety and long-term driving skills. Once accustomed, it proves beneficial for everyday driving. As I always teach: master the clutch feel, and you'll handle any vehicle with ease.
