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What do you do with the clutch and brake when car is at stop?

I'm doing my 6th driving lesson soon in the UK btw, so I'm getting hang of the clutch control when changing gears but what do I do with my feet when stopping at a traffic light then setting off again? Someone explain please.

13 Answers

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  • 4 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Keep you foot on the brake to prevent the car from rolling ahead or backwards.

    I got in an argument with a driving examiner once because they said you should keep your foot on the clutch and the car in first gear so that you were ready to go when the light changed. I claimed that that was more dangerous than waiting in neutral because your foot could slip or the clutch linkage could fair and you would lurch ahead. I think I was right, but I lost to the authority

  • s
    Lv 5
    4 years ago

    Keep doing what you are doing...since you are getting the hang..which you could not have done without getting going and stopping.

  • Anonymous
    4 years ago

    i was taught to always put the car in nuetral and use the handbrake.........? may just be my instructor but i passed first time so they mustn't have had an issue with it... i was told the examiner prefers it... but now i only use my handbrake when parking and keep my car in gear with my clutch down and foot on the brake when at lights so it's proper to ask your instructor :)

  • ?
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    BULLSHIT! If you have completed FIVE driving lessons in a car with a manual transmission, you KNOW how to operate a clutch.

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    I've been driving manual cars for 40 years and never put the car in neutral when at a stop light -- unless my leg is tired and the light is a long one. It's NOT dangerous or harmful, and is much more complicated than simply holding your foot on the clutch and brake at the same time. And shift into 1st gear to be ready to go when the light changes.

  • 4 years ago

    in uk when you stop at lights most put car in neutral ..apply the handbrake ..let go of foot brake ..as lights change put in clutch .put into gear ..as you let out clutch and press throttle ..just as it bites release handbrake

  • ?
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    When I pull up to a light, I will typically pop the car into neutral, let the clutch out, and keep the brake pressed. (I will have been downshifting and lightly braking as I approach the light).

    The only exception would be if I think the light is going to be changing fairly quickly, and I will keep it in 1st with the clutch in (and brake pressed) ready to go.

  • laslo
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    Take your foot off the clutch and leave one foot on the brake and keep the car in neutral.

  • Jamey
    Lv 7
    4 years ago

    Take your feet off both pedals and apply hand brake. Even if you are not on a hill.

  • 4 years ago

    Ask your instructor.

    This is what you pay them for.

    I had to learn myself as I started driving tractors at 14.

    Very fierce and heavy clutches on them.

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