Quit Stalling! A Book Theory Test Today Guide to Clutch Control

Constantly stalling the car during your driving lessons? Don’t worry, you’re not the first and you won’t be the last! Here’s the Book Theory Test Today guide to clutch control to help you out.

The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “Stalling a car is like being a parent; nothing can prepare you for it. Before you set foot in a vehicle and experience it for yourself you can’t learn to overcome it. I remember stalling the car endless times during my driving lessons, so trust me when I say it can be beaten.”

Until you get behind the wheel of a car your only encounter with stalling comes when revising for your theory test, but that doesn’t really help does it?

So, let’s give you some help using a visual aid!

The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “This diagram gives a basic insight into how the clutch pedal works.”

Engine A: Features a clutch pedal that’s depressed (no not feeling down). This causes the clutch plates to part, ultimately disengaging the engine from the gearbox. This action allows you to change gear accordingly. The speed at which you depress the clutch pedal is up to you.

Engine B: Shows a clutch pedal that is fully released, allowing the clutch plates to connect and engage the gearbox. Compared to the scenario shown in engine A, speed in this situation determines the outcome.

Bring the clutch pedal up too quickly then the plates slam together abruptly. The Book Theory Test Today blogger says:  “It’s the action of releasing the clutch pedal too quickly that causes a vehicle to stall.”

How do I stop myself stalling?

In theory the answer is simple; don’t release the clutch too quickly. In reality, you’re not going to get it right first time; it takes a bit of practice. However, every car has a ‘tell’ known as the bite point. The bite point indicates that the car is set correctly to move off.

The Book Theory Test Today blogger says: “The bite point on every vehicle is different so it will take you a little time to get a feel for the bite point in the vehicle you’re driving. Once you’ve mastered the bite point you’ll be on your way to stopping yourself from stalling. Hooray.”

A top technique 

There are several techniques that will help prevent you from stalling. Some are incredibly laborious, but there’s one from my own personal experience as a learner motorist that helped me to conquer stalling once and for all.

This is my overcoming stalling ‘secret recipe’

Depress the clutch completely

Select first gear

Press down on the accelerator, keeping the rev counter at level 2

Slowly start to raise the clutch pedal

Just before the clutch hits the bite point, release the handbrake

These steps put the car in motion naturally because the hand brake has been released. As the car begins to move, slowly bring the clutch up fully while gently increasing your acceleration. Success!

This technique will require constant practice, and needs breaking down at the various stages, but eventually it will become a natural and fluid process.

Book Theory Test Today offers an intermediary service assisting clients with booking a UK theory test, or practical test, at test centres across the nation. The service also supplies resources to help you prepare for your theory test – Ready to take your theory test? Book your theory test online today…   

Tags: Driving Safety, Learning To Drive

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 28th, 2014 at 10:34 pm and is filed under Driving Safety, Learning to Drive. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.