Once you are fully accustomed to the cockpit drill, you will be ideally positioned to learn the next essential driving skill – moving off.

One of the most important factors involved in any driving test is the ability of the driver to demonstrate that they can move the car off and stop the car in a safe and controlled manor.

Driving examiners have a strict protocol in relation to this particular area and failure to comply with this can literally be the difference between passing and failing your test.

Mastering The Challenge

One of the most difficult challenges facing learner drivers is mastering one of the most fundamental aspects of driving – changing gears. A critical part of this procedure is learning how to correctly operate the clutch and this procedure is known as – clutch control.

To gain a clearer understanding of the thought process behind clutch control, it is important to have at least a basic understanding of the role that the clutch plays in the movement of a vehicle.

A car engine, even on tick-over is constantly spinning and it is the clutch which separates the car wheels from the engine. If the car wheels where permanently linked to the engine, it would be impossible to bring the car to a halt without stalling the engine. It also means that without the ability to use a clutch, it would be extremely difficult to very difficult for the car to move off from a stationary position or to change gear.

Looking Ahead

Learning how to use the clutch on its own is not too difficult for most learners, however the problems often arise when it comes to a lack of preparation by not looking at what is happening in front.

A common example of this would be when you are stopped in a line of traffic as learner drivers often wait until the car directly in front of them starts to move before they start to think about operating the clutch. Ideally, when in this position you should be looking further ahead for signs the line of traffic is beginning to move to allow you preparation time to move.

This lack of preparation often leads to panic and as a result, failure to use the clutch correctly results in the car stalling.

Key Points

In the video below, you will be able to view many of the factors that must be taken into account when successfully implementing effective clutch control.