subject: Tips on starting and stopping the car when learning to drive [print this page] Tips on starting and stopping the car when learning to drive
Moving Off
When moving off the car will only stall if either it hasn't got enough power or if the foot comes off the clutch too quickly. A system can be put in place to diminish the likelihood of these happening.
Clutch down and into 1st Gear
Set "Revs" to 2000. If this can be held at 2000 and not more or less then the car will not stall due to needing more power and will not take off too quickly as its been given more power than necessary.
Lift left foot slowly off the clutch until the car begins to move and once it moves hold both feet steady and count to 3. By counting to 3 as the clutch is held at the "biting point" it will ensure the clutch does not come up to quickly.
After 3 gently release the clutch and add more acceleration if necessary.
This is the basic system of moving off and as you get more experienced will be able to do it quicker but by practising this system over and over again you will know a system that will help you move off and not stall which will be invaluable once you are in more stressful situations.
Also before moving off you should always check mirrors and check over your right shoulder (to check blindspot) as well as indicating right (Mirror Signal Manaouvre)
Stopping
The clutch must be down fully before coming to a complete stop otherwise the car will stall. However having the clutch down for too long means you don't have the assistance of engine braking and the car will be coasting (driving for too long with the clutch down). Ideally the clutch will go down 1 second before you feel the car will "judder". If stopping in 1st gear it is best to put the clutch down 1st. The reason for this is that if driving at a lower speed in 1st gear the car will stop very quickly and the driver may not have time to clutch down so it is best to clutch down beforehand.
When stopping:
Mirror : Check to see it is safe to stop especially with regards to cars following closely behind and cyclists
Signal: Indicate left to signal your intention to stop. Do not give a conflicting signal which could be mis-interpreted. For example if stopping after a road on left do not indicate until past the turn off. The purpose of indicating is to give other road users advance warning of your intentions so it is best to indicate well in advance.
Position : Move towards the kerb so as to reinforce the indicator, confirming you are intending to stop.
Speed: It is better to brake earlier and less than later and harder. Braking gently over a longer length of time will lead to a smoother stop. For more tips visit www.drivinglessonsdublin.ie
