Foot Controls

The foot controls consist of three pedals. The accelerator, brake and the clutch. The easiest way to remember these is A B C.
 
We have given just a brief outline of where and what each pedal’s purpose is, during your first driving lesson your driving instructor should have got you to identify where the pedals are located, and explained in detail the purpose of each pedal. You should also have been given practice using each pedal to ensure you are comfortable locating each pedal without looking down. 
 

 

 
 
 
 
foot controls learning to drive

How to use the foot controls ABC

Accelerator – Right hand pedal which is operated by the right foot. Light pressure to be used when first getting to grips with the pedal. Keeping the heel to the floor will ensure a comfortable and safe position of the foot. 

The purpose of the gas pedal is to control fuel to the engine. The more you press it, the faster you go. There is also something called “Engine Braking” this is when you take your foot off the gas pedal and the car naturally begins to slow down. 
 
Brake –Middle pedal and the right foot is used. When pressed it operates on all 4 wheels and switches on rear brake lights which glow red. When braking its important we use “progressive braking” this involves using light pressure, and gradually increasing the pressure before reducing the pressure just before stopping. 

This can take some practice to master but your driving instructor will give you plenty of practice on this exercise. 
 
You will also be taught how to perform an Emergency Stop. This involves applying firm progressive braking to bring the car to a quick safe stop. Most cars nowadays are fitted with ABS (Anti- Lock Braking System) this may reduce the risk of skidding.
 

Clutch – This is the left hand pedal and operated by the left foot. The clutch is used in conjunction with the gears. The purpose of the clutch is to connect the engine to the gearbox & wheels. We use the clutch for moving off, changing gear, stopping and manoevering. 

To engage the clutch to change gear the pedal must be pressed all the way down.

 The clutch has a “biting point” which is found by putting the car in gear then slowly releasing the clutch until you feel a slight vibration. 

Finding the biting point requires some practice which your driving instructor will give you plenty of practice on. 

 
 

Tips for using the foot pedals safely

  1. It’s good practice to have the heel of your right foot positioned on the floor and in front of the brake pedal. Then use your heel as a pivot to go from brake pedal to the gas pedal. The brake pedal is the most important pedal, so its important your can get touch this pedal quickly with your right foot.
  2.  Don’t sit too close to the pedals, this can result in harsh braking and ineffective use of the pedals. The same goes for sitting too far away. See our COCKPIT DRILL page for more information.
  3. When using the brake, avoid unnecessary harsh braking by imagining the thickness of a pound coin, then brake in pound coin increment
  4.  Using the clutch try not to drag your heel along the floor, the heel should be slightly elevated when using the clutch.
  5. Should you need to brake and bring the car to a stop, a useful anacronym to remember is BBC (Brake Before Clutch) this will help you avoid coasting.
  6. Try not to slip the clutch. “Slipping the clutch” this is when to describe when the driver alternately applies and releases the clutch to achieve some movement of the car. This action puts excessive wear on the clutch.
  7. Avoid “riding the clutch” this is when the driver needlessly keeping the clutch partially disengaged. This results in the clutch being unable to fully engage with the flywheel and so causes premature wear on the disc and flywheel.
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