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CLUTCH CONTROL
Master the biting point and move off with confidence.
Clutch control is one of the most important skills for any learner driver. From finding the biting point to perfecting hill starts, our guide will help you drive smoothly and avoid stalling.
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What is clutch control?
Clutch control is the skill of using the clutch pedal to regulate the amount of engine power transferred to the driven wheels. It is essential for smooth moving off, hill starts, manoeuvring at slow speeds and avoiding stalling. Good clutch control is one of the hallmarks of a skilled driver, and poor clutch control is a very common cause of faults on the driving test.
Finding the biting point
The biting point is the point at which the clutch begins to engage and the engine starts to drive the wheels. To find it, depress the clutch fully, start the engine, select first gear and slowly raise the clutch until you feel the engine note change slightly and the bonnet of the car starts to rise very gently. That is the biting point — hold it there to prepare for moving off.
The Biting Point
Raise the clutch slowly until the car wants to move forward. The engine note will change — this is the biting point. Hold it steady.
Moving Off Smoothly
Hold at the biting point, release the handbrake, then slowly raise the clutch further while gently adding a little gas to move away smoothly.
Slow-Speed Manoeuvres
For bay parking, reverse parking and other low-speed manoeuvres, feather the clutch around the biting point to creep forward at walking pace.
Hill Starts
On a hill, find the biting point before releasing the handbrake. Add a little more engine revs than on a flat road to prevent rolling back.
Avoid Coasting
Coasting (rolling with the clutch pressed or in neutral) reduces your control over the car. Only press the clutch when you need to change gear or stop.
Automatic Cars
If you learn in an automatic, there is no clutch — but clutch control skills transfer to slow-speed control through the accelerator and brake balance.
Clutch control on the driving test
Stalling the engine on your test is not an automatic fail, but it must be dealt with calmly — restart the engine, check it is safe and move away. Repeated stalling, excessive rolling back on hill starts, or very jerky moving off can attract serious faults. Practise clutch control in quiet areas until moving off and slow-speed manoeuvring feel natural.
Improve your clutch control with RED
Our instructors will help you master the biting point and smooth gear changes from your very first lesson.
Clutch Control FAQs
What is the biting point?
How do I stop stalling?
Is coasting with the clutch bad?
Can I learn clutch control quickly?
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