Clutch control and gears

By the end of this topic you can

• You can find the biting point and hold it.
• You can move off smoothly without stalling or jerking.
• You can change up and down through the gears at sensible speeds.
• You can choose the right gear for hills, corners and slow traffic.

What you need to know and understand

• The biting point is where the clutch starts to connect the engine to the wheels. You will feel the car want to move and hear the engine note drop.
• Press the clutch fully down to change gear, then lift it smoothly.
• Lower gears give more pulling power and engine braking. Higher gears are for cruising at steady speeds.
• Do not rest your foot on the clutch while driving. This is called riding the clutch and wears it out.
• Look ahead, not at the gear lever, when changing gear.
• Passing your test in an automatic can limit you to automatics for a time, and this varies by state: in Victoria for your whole P1 and P2 period, in NSW for P1 only. Learning manual gives more choice.

Finding the biting point

1. On flat ground with the park brake on, press the clutch fully down and select first gear.
2. Press the accelerator gently to raise the engine speed a little.
3. Lift the clutch slowly until the engine note dips and the car feels like it wants to move. That is the biting point.
4. Hold your feet still there. Press the clutch back down and repeat until you can find it every time.

Changing up and down

To change up: ease off the accelerator, press the clutch fully down, move the lever to the next gear with a light palm, lift the clutch smoothly and press the accelerator again. Change up as your speed and engine revs build.

To change down: slow first with the brake, then select the lower gear that suits your new speed. You do not always need every gear in order. Moving from fourth straight to second is fine when you have slowed for a corner.

Choosing the right gear

• First: moving off and very slow creeping.
• Second: slow turns, roundabouts and slow traffic.
• Third and fourth: typical suburban speeds.
• Fifth and above: higher-speed roads and freeways.
• Going downhill: a lower gear helps hold your speed so you rely less on the brakes.

Common mistakes

• Lifting the clutch too fast and stalling. Slow down your left foot through the biting point.
• Too many revs while slipping the clutch. Use just enough accelerator.
• Coasting with the clutch down. You lose engine braking and control.
• Looking down at the gear lever. Keep your eyes on the road.

Test yourself: Clutch control and gears

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Clutch Control for Learner Drivers