Pedals and main controls

By the end of this topic you can

• You can name the three pedals and say which foot works each one.
• You can use the handbrake and gear lever without looking down.
• You can find the indicators, lights, wipers and horn by feel.
• You can read the main dashboard gauges and warning lights.

What you need to know and understand

• In a manual car the pedals are, from left to right: clutch, brake, accelerator.
• Your right foot works the accelerator and brake. Your left foot works only the clutch.
• The clutch connects and disconnects the engine from the wheels so you can change gear and move off smoothly.
• The handbrake holds the car still when parked or stopped.
• The gear lever selects gears. The pattern is usually shown on top of the lever.
• Eyes stay on the road. Learn the controls well enough that you do not need to look down.

The pedals and what they do

Rest your left foot on the floor beside the clutch, not on the pedal, when you are not using it. Riding the clutch wears it out and reduces control.

• Accelerator (right): controls engine speed. Gentle pressure gives smooth progress.
• Footbrake (middle): slows and stops the car and turns on the brake lights. Press progressively, not suddenly.
• Clutch (left, manual only): pressed down, it separates the engine from the wheels. Releasing it slowly joins them again.

Hand controls

Every car is a little different, so spend time with the handbook and your ADI before driving.

• Steering wheel: both hands, except when changing gear or using another control.
• Handbrake: lever or electronic switch. Apply it when parked and when stopped for more than a moment.
• Gear lever: palm on top, guided gently rather than forced.
• Indicator stalk: usually on the left or right of the wheel, moved up for right and down for left.
• Light and wiper stalks, horn, hazard warning switch, demisters.

Making them work together

Driving is about coordination. Moving off in a manual car uses the clutch, accelerator, handbrake, gear lever and steering together, while you keep checking mirrors and blind spots. Practise in a quiet place until each movement feels natural, so your attention stays on the road.

On the dashboard, learn the speedometer in km/h, the fuel gauge and the main warning lights. A red warning light usually means stop safely and check it straight away.

Common mistakes

• Using the left foot for the brake. Keep the left foot for the clutch only.
• Resting a foot on the clutch while driving.
• Looking down at the pedals or gear lever. Practise until you can use them by feel.
• Pressing the brake and accelerator at the same time.

Test yourself: Pedals and main controls

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