Clutch control and the biting point

By the end of this topic you can

• You can find the biting point by feel and sound.
• You can move off smoothly without stalling or jerking.
• You can creep forward slowly in queues and during manoeuvres.
• You can recover safely after a stall.

What you need to know and understand

• The biting point is where the clutch plates start to connect and the car wants to move.
• At the biting point the engine note drops slightly and the front of the car may lift a little.
• Small movements of the clutch make a big difference near the biting point.
• Holding the car on the clutch for long periods wears it out. Use the handbrake when stopped.
• Coasting, with the clutch down or in neutral while moving, reduces your control and should be avoided.
• If you stall, secure the car with the handbrake and neutral before restarting.

Finding the bite

1. With the engine running and the handbrake on, press the clutch fully down and select first gear.
2. Press the accelerator gently to raise the engine speed a little and hold it steady.
3. Raise the clutch slowly until you hear the engine note dip and feel the car want to move.
4. Keep both feet still. That is the biting point.
5. Press the clutch back down to practise again, or move off when ready.

Creeping and slow control

To creep forward in a queue or during a manoeuvre, keep the clutch around the biting point. Raise it slightly to move, lower it slightly to slow down. Keep the accelerator steady and do not bring the clutch fully up until you want to drive on normally.

Slow, controlled movement is assessed on the driving test, especially in the reverse around a corner and the turnabout. Good clutch control makes these much easier.

Stalls happen: what to do

Do not panic if another driver is waiting. A calm, safe restart is better than a rushed one.

• Press the clutch down and the footbrake, and apply the handbrake.
• Select neutral.
• Restart the engine.
• Check mirrors and blind spots again before moving off, because the situation around you may have changed.

Common mistakes

• Lifting the clutch too fast past the biting point, causing a stall or kangaroo jump.
• Too much accelerator with a slipping clutch, making the engine roar.
• Resting the foot on the clutch while driving.
• Forgetting to re-check mirrors and blind spot after a stall.

Test yourself: Clutch control and the biting point

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

Go deeper

• Clutch Control for Learner Drivers
• Clutch Control for Learner Drivers