Just found his channel and its a Godsend. Really helped me understand the mechanics of what I am doing and how to think through it more clearly. Cannot recommend enough!
@@Ex-Mohammed_Anwar watch all his videos , better yet download and listen to him while you drive on an empty field or open space to practice. Be patient and you will get the hamg of it
We in the Netherlands also learned to use the handbrake on steep hills. Especially when hill control didn’t existed. You can give a little gas and as soon as you feel it’s grabbing in to the hand brake release it and continue acceleration
@RealSweetKid LOL I get the confusingly funny "mistake' I made... But believe me where I live there are a lot of hills. Enough to make you not take the bycicle to work. Even enough to organise an Cycle race that is know for its thoughnes due to short and steep climbing. (Amstel gold race)
Yes. I learnt from TH-cam. And I use in India. In fact, I learnt biting point hill hold after years of driving. I always used handbrakes to start on an upslope!
Bro here we have slopes where even handbrake fails in such cases you should hold car in foot brake with toe bring clutch in biting point and accelerate using brake by your heel @@gabrielv.4358
Hey Richard, I passed my driving test today on my second attempt! It's been such a journey but I just wanted to say a massive thank you because you're videos have been so helpful for me, cheers!
I’m a beginner at manual transmissions, and I’m in Madeira. Today I stalled the engine on a very steep hill and a bus was waiting behind me. It took me about 10 tries to get going without stalling, and the poor bus driver waited patiently. Nerve wracking to say the least Thank you for the video!
The main thing to do in that situation is to remain calm (if you can!) and not get flustered. Everyone was a learner at some stage in the past. I've been driving 40 years and I still make the occasional mistake. The worst was when I was test-driving a diesel VW Golf (Mark IV, I think) which had a weird engine that would stall very abruptly if you let the clutch up slightly too far or didn't apply quite enough power, rather than struggling and failing to get moving, which gives you enough time to dip the clutch slightly and/or apply a bit more power to rectify the problem. It seemed to be by design rather than a faulty car, because I had the same experience in another of the same type a few years later. The salesman said "Everyone does that when they first test drive this engine." I think the engine-management goes into "computer says no" mode and deliberately cuts the fuel if you are at risk of straining the engine. It was bloody dangerous. I didn't buy a Golf. I did try a later model (maybe Mark V) and that was fine - it was jsut the pre-HDI "Pumpe Duse" engine that was afflicted with this childish, petulant "I'm to going to play" engine management unit.
I was taught to use the HANDBRAKE when doing a hill start (in a car with no hill start assist). With the hand brake engaged, find bite, add throttle, release handbrake, add more throttle + gradually bring clutch up all the way as the vehicle moves. Easy.
Same for over here in NZ, as just using the clutch with it just idling is not a good idea - at some point the engine will stall and roll back depending how step it is.
@@Subvenio Most Traders vehicles have Auto Throttle. Diesel Engines should Idle and Go from Standstill requiring NO Accelerator. Caressing the Throttle👍......None of this VW Golf Rev &Go 💩💩
Never learnt it with the handbrake, always did it with the brake pedal. Just lift the clutch enough to hold the car still and immediately give some gas, if I need to add gas earlier I press on the accelerator pedal with the side of my foot.
After a year and a half.. and 36 years of age. I finally PASSED! 2nd time.. As well as my amazing instructor, your videos have helped me so much. Thank you!! I don't think I will be trying this hill anytime soon but at least I know how now! Haha. Honestly, these videos have kept me going and definitely played a big part in my pass today. As a child who was nervous and didn't have a lot of resilience, I didn't think I would ever get in a car and drive.. let alone pass. So once again, THANK YOU!!!!
@@Lynseyhogan1 wow that’s awesome! I’m guessing the 2.0T 4 cylinder those could be fun to drive. I get scared from audis cause of the piston ring issues they have.. I guess your husband must take very good care of it then.
@@shimasfaris2917 Judging by the direction the cars are parked they go around and come down the hill to park and to leave they just pull out and go down the hill also. Still would be sketchy as hell.
I'm from Denmark, I was never taught to apply gas before clutch, nor was I even told you could do it. I learned it myself after getting my license and my own car and just testing around, this is the only thing I feel like I wasn't taught properly.
but in some cars with less hp you need gas even on a flat surface to just start quick enough and dont block traffic behind you. which driving instructor forgets such an important technique?
@@VinceGatling Denmark is as flat as can be. But it should definitely be taught, because most small cars, no matter how new will need gas to clutch out in first gear.
@@winnex317 I live in the Netherlands and my car will move when only lifting the clutch, I also reverse with using the clutch only. I was taught to reverse that way.
Just about a year ago I was always here on this channel learning how to drive a manual, I became perfect and turned into an Uber driver after a month or two and I got good ratings and comments for good driving. I'm here to say this channel helped a lot and I do appreciate. Thank you very much
I just bought my first car last month and it's a 6 speed manual transmission, I learned to drive manual but it's been years since I drove one and your videos helped me so much! I live in a VERY hilly part of Canada 🇨🇦
From watching your videos I can tell that my instructor knows what he is doing, as he taught me about always giving a bit of throttle in order to be able to drive ALL manual cars, and not just new ones.
Failed twice, found a test slot not a month later and passed with four minors. Couldn’t have done it without you and your fantastic commentary that plays out more like a documentary than an actual lesson. Your videos stand out a hundred miles from the competition and I couldn’t have done it without you!
When I was a learner 20 years ago, most cars has a handbreak and uphill start like that would definitely with handbrake on so no rollback for whatever reason, then release the clutch and apply gas at the same time slowly. When the car has enough power going up, the handbrake is released and you continue to apply more gas and release the clutch completely.
Indeed, the idea of having gas added when you step on the gas pedal is such a cool idea - I learned the handbrake trick because my first car was manual several decades ago, but first my father made sure I could start on a hill from first, second, and third gears. It’s all about knowing your car’s clutch very, very well. Interesting to see the differences in advice between US and UK teachings, and to see modern manual techniques since we sadly have almost no manuals in the US these days.
@@nimue325 wow from 2nd and 3rd gears? RIP clutch - there would be no torque at those gear ratios. a hill start must ALWAYS be in Gear 1 - no exceptions. Any other gears would put serious strain on the drive shaft, gears themselves and esp the clutch - ohhhhhhhh the burning clutch smell will be something to look out for in Gear 2 or 3 😬
@@fireWireX4 Sure, once I knew how to drive it was always start in first. But learning about the machine’s performance, learning to really feel the clutch and how to slowly let it out and notice when it is just about to catch without any damage to it, was the stress-test of the lesson. No smell, no sound, just gentle starting up! Never heard of a problem like spinning wheels, maybe because you have to be equally gentle on the gas. And then there was this one time my gear shift somehow … fell down through the floor board … and I had to drive home entirely in third to replace a single screw. So it did come in handy directly. 🤣 But that was really never the intention, I swear!
Yeah. I wonder why he didn't mention using the handbrake for cars without hill hold assist. There's no other way, especially if there's a car behind you.
I must say your tutorials are very very helpful. I personally passed my driving test thanks to the tips given by you. I've also recommended your videos to my family and friends as well. This is really a great service. Thanks so much!!
Passed today with only 3 minors, I’ve been watching your videos religiously every day for the past few weeks and I only had 16 hours worth of lessons! You my friend are incredible! Keep up the amazing work!!! I literally couldn’t be happier! Thank you so much 🙂🙂🙂
@@b0ba_884 Yes, if the clutch is partially depressed, and you give gas to accelerate, the friction (and thus tear) will be greater than if you just accelerated by solely lifting the clutch pedal. Both my father who is a mechanic and my cousin who has ran a car repair shop for over 20 years say the same thing. The latter has even taught some of his customers (after they came back several times with worned out clutches) how to drive a manual without prematurely wearing the clutch out.
Imagine having to deliver stuff to the area frequently... By the way, I passed my driving test! I used the clutch control method most comfortable for me (like you recommended in your clutch video). Thanks for all the help you provide with your videos. And all the entertainment I can get from them now without the stress of an upcoming test.
@@alyx6427 Yes we do, it doesn't help that much. More detail in my comment but nose/tail striking, axle chatting, inadequate handbrake, burning auto clutches and having to physically climb into the back of the van were all problems. Totterdown can go to hell.
Passed 19 years ago, have always put a little bit of throttle on whilst pulling away. You can get away without it if it's downhill, or modulate it for even less if it's flat. My dad taught me clutch control in a private car park at 16, learnt how to pull away without stalling in 5th without using the throttle, it really helped me learn clutch control!
I've just passed my test. I thought i'd failed at one point when I rolled back while trying to get some gas on a steep hill. Luckily no one was behind me so it was only a minor... this looks like hell to me haha
I watched your videos when i was learning how to drive on my own since 2020. I am able to climb any hill with ease without stalling the car. :) Thank you so much :)
Now, that's what we call a commitment 👏👏👏 thank you so much for the travel you made for a video, Richard, it was very interesting to see and that steep hill reminded me of some roads in my country 🙄 hope it was a great experience for you as well and glad to hear your car wasn't damaged after all 👍
A hill start is tricky enough but I just found that moving backward uphill can be even trickier! I nearly bumped into the car in front because I kept stalling when trying to move backward on a considerably steep slope in South London. Every time I stalled my car moved forward a little and I stopped trying when my number plate was 1mm from the car in front of me (my car does not have hill hold assist). I finally got out of the situation by trying my luck last time after watching videos from this channel and others, so thanks a lot for all the efforts you have put in making this video!
You need to use the hand brake if you don't have hill hold assist. (Engage handbrake, apply gas, clutch to bite point, disengage handbrake) That way you don't move downhill when you release the brake.
Sounds like a tricky situation. On steep hills I let go off the clutch (carefully) until its bite point, while still pressing the brake. When I lift my foot from the brake, the clutch will keep me in place without stalling and I can then add gas. Or like sitofak said, you can use the handbrake.
Hey Richard, wanted to say a massive thanks to you for your content, it would be an understatement to say you helped. Embarrassed to say im 38yo, had a bit of a turbulent life so i first had a handful of lessons at 17yo, lost my job and some other things happened throughout life, I had one lesson about 10 years later then had to stop again, been about 10 years again passed and i took around maybe 10 hours of lessons watched a lot of your videos, studied them meticulously, religiously, i like to think of myself as a good student and i wanted as much of your knowledge as possible, I feel you do a pretty exceptional job at handing this to us in your videos. I sat my test a few weeks ago and got it first time, 5 minors, stupid ones i only make on a bad day which i had tbh, and it was raining, and there were cars pulling out when they shouldnt, people crossing when they shouldnt, i got my wish for bad conditions and random difficulty multipliers lol, after these years i had a point to prove, thanks for helping me make it, going to keep watching your content to because i do really enjoy it, and theres plenty still to learn for me.
Thank you for sharing, I've got some breaks in my driving as well and we are similar age so your story gives me greatly needed courage and hope I can get my pass as well 💪 Congratulations to you and I totally agree what you've said about Richard's channel - it is a real gem on YT 💎
Living in Bristol in the 1970s and '80s, I remember that whenever I got a new vehicle, I'd always try it out on Vale Street. 1974 Bedford Viva van: no problem. 1973 Land-Rover: built for it - couldn't have been easier. 1968 Morris 1100: stalled, but managed it on about the third try. 1974 Rover 2200SC automatic: no problem. 1979 VW LT35 van: just sat at the bottom of the hill and spun its clutch - a complete refusal, which was a bit of a surprise. Happy days ...
Thank you :D I'm using my brother's account I turned 18 today and I already got my driver's license thank you very much :) now I know how to get up on these steep roads and finally buy my crisps on that store
I've done a hill start at the bottom of this street a couple of times. In the late 1990s, I was on a three week progressive driving course based in Devises. The instructor took us to Bristol specifically to have some fun on this hill. The 3 litre Vauxhall Senator had real problems, wheel spinning almost all the way up. The only car that managed it with any assuredness was a 4wd Vectra. Fun days!
Starting from a hill is the scariest part of driving a manual car for me. But since I learned from you how to balance it using only clutch and gas pedals (without using break) I feel much more confident now. And it's even fun to do it when stopping before roundabout, so I can start quickly with no delay. Thank you!
I recall when I did my driving lessons, I got an exercise to park and drive away on a steep hill. I was taught to put it on hand brake, clutch in and give gas. Then slowly engage the clutch until you feel it pull, but before the point you start rolling as you don't want to kill your handbrakes obviously. Then you release handbrake, give gas and engage the clutch, you drive away without rolling back :-). It's super handy when you have to travel through mountainous villages
Under no circumstances would i ever go anywhere near a street like that in my car, whether going up/down, or visiting someone with the misfortune of living there... absolutely bonkers that street/road! Love how it narrows to one lane at the top too, just to add more problems to life! 😂
You can learn either way honestly but I think you're right, it's definitely easier to learn to pull away from a stop when you apply some gas first. The best way to learn in general is to start with the easiest technique possible and work your way up to the more advanced techniques of a particular skillset. Pulling away without any gas is pretty useful for learning the bite point on the clutch pedal though.
yup. plus when you dont use gas in an unfamiliar car and stall, you only get closer to finding the bite point. starting off with clutch only is the best way for any unfamiliar car
Honestly, this video was worth it because today i was training alone on a steep hill and I stalled so many time before finally being able to move the car (I did the handbrake method). I I was very upset. but by watching this video, I am it comforted. 😅
I appreciate that Mazda made the decision not to add gas for you. I was taught to add a little gas, find the biting point and then release the handbrake when ready back in 2009 (don't really do that now that I've mastered it). My 2016 Civic Type R is straight up to 1,500rpm as soon as you touch the gas to move off. If you don't touch the gas, it'll add a little bit too which is handy for slow moving traffic. I can't remember ever stalling it in the 4 years I've had it but I really did hate losing that control to start with, especially in something considered fast and sporty.
You're best off with a decent diesel. I passed my test in a Peugeot 309 1.9D, back in the day. I could drive down the road on the bite point alone without the engjne straining. So much low-down torque was the key.. such a comfortable, easy car to drive. So incredibly ergonomic too!
There's a few hills I've travelled on (In wales) that give me this vibe. Short, but extremely steep in places. My driving instructor used to take me to a somewhat steep hill to practise this stuff specifically, as the area I was taking my test in was everything but flat and straight road. I got used to having to make the minute adjustments with both the clutch and accelerator to get these down pretty well. You know if it wasn't a good because you'd start rolling lol, and that was super freaky The worst hill was when I was at uni and my mom was driving (shes much better than I am) and we took a 'shortcut' back to campus. There were no houses, just hedges, and it felt like we were going to tip over backwards, at one point it was so steep you couldn't see the road, just sky and the tops of hedges.
"... not to prevent you falling into the road" *falls into the road* LOL! There are some pretty steep hills in New Brighton where learners go. I don't think I was ever shown to roll away with the bite first then to accelerate. I was always shown to keep handbrake on, then reach the bite point with clutch and accelerator, then remove the handbrake and away I go. Also good that you cleared up the "gas" situation. My instructor used to say that too. When going up a hill and not going quick enough he would just keep saying "gas... gasss... gasssss" But I prefer accelerator.
I have been driving for 18 years and only just learned that some cars add gas for you! I remember being taught to add gas to give it some revs, then release the clutch to the bite point. It took a while to learn the 'feel' of the biting point. The cars I have owned since have always required me to add my own gas while releasing the clutch, otherwise you stall. I've learned something new! Good to know for when driving other vehicles.
I imagine a couple months of practicing this during your driving lessons should mean your able to do it; whether you can do it during the pressure of a driving test though, that's another story.
0:30 If you look at the right wall of the blue house on the left, you can see that it is plain white because thare was a banksy there. THe painting was an old woman losing her denture...
The steepest hill I've driven on was when climbing the Great Orme summit in Llandudno, Wales. Going back down was the scary part hoping my breaks don't fail. Also no car I've driven adds gas for you when you move off.
These videos are very helpful also to those that have recently passed and have purchased an older car like myself. I have a 2005 ford fiesta and it is very different from driving an assisted kind of car to having an old car that does not have any of these features new cars have. I drove in my car today and stalled it twice on a hill and it stressed me out a lot because I always used clutch control in my instructors car that has power assistance on it but going to an older car that does not have this I find it very difficult to get out of junctions fast without stalling the car or going super slow. I am planing on practising this tomorrow so we will see how that goes but thank you so much for your videos!! They are so much more helpful than a lot of other videos I have come across. Thank you so much for helping us not so good drivers learn something new everyday! much appreciated
@@ConquerDriving Same here. I teach using the handbrake only on steeper hills. It just saves time using the idle speed to move off. Just before my part 2, I got taught to use the parking brake more than I usually would. Now I did pass, but the senior examiner said, "At times I thought, oh no, he's going for the handbrake again. You're an experienced driver, you shouldn't be using it that much." When I told him who I had been trained by, he nodded and understood. Btw, I've been an instructor since the mid 90s, and we were taught to use the word "gas", then, too.
Same with me and I’ve covered over a million miles. I have no idea what this guy is trying to do, you hold on the handbrake and don’t lower until you have a good bite. Most experienced drivers would actually avoid this situation.
I live in Bristol and currently doing my masters in advanced driving after passing the initial AD test. Interestingly, hills didn't come up on it (apart from blind summits which is a different thing of course). But makes me wonder how I'd do, I'll have to drive up there soon 👍 cool video
Good luck with your advanced test. Is it IAM? I took my IAM test abut 10 years after passing my ordinary test and was pleased that I passed first time, after I'd only passed on my third test for the normal test. The hardest thing I had to unlearn was the stupid change-down-sequentially-through-the-gears which the normal test expected when I took it (1981). Now it's second nature to brake almost to a halt in (for example) sixth and then go directly into third, second or first according to what the road conditions need as I'm about to start accelerating out of the junction. I was once filing som driving scenes for an amateur video that a group of us were shooting for a night-school course, and people said "You're doing it all wrong - you look too skilled and professional" So I had to deliberately revert to sequential changing down and throw in a bit of crossing my hands on the steering wheel. Nowadays, the ordinary test allows direct 6th-to-2nd changes etc. My instructor for my normal test was an ex police Class 1 driving instructor before he retired and after I passed, he gave me a lesson on how to drive *properly* rather driving to pass the test - that's what first got my interested in doing the IAM test. I wish I'd phoned him up when I passed the IAM test because he'd have been chuffed that one of his pupils had done the IAM test. I lived in Bristol for several years because I was at university there. I never encountered the steep hill. I'll have to look up on Google Streetview and see where it is.
I learnt to drive in my instructors diesel i30 and it didn't need any accelerator at all. Was an absolute pain to drive any other car until I decided to do the rest of my lessons and my test in my own car. Had my license for about a month now and have only stalled once or twice, had no issues with hills too.
That's all of Athens... plus a stop sign ALWAYS, quite possibly even a sharp turn 🤣. That's the reason I've kept off the roads here. Hope your videos give me a push!!! Literally
It’s also still mostly called a ‘Gaspedal’ in German. It got its name because it originally controlled the airflow through the carburettor (‘Vergaser’, literally gasifier).
It would have been interesting to hear from some of the people who live on this street about how they find it. I also see there were give way lines at the top junction so you have something else to worry about once you get to the top of the hill 😱
I used to live a few meters from the top of the hill. You generally just try to avoid driving up it! Just a little further on you can go up a less steep hill and then come around and go down instead of up.
Its a modern car with fly by wire throttle, the pedal isn't connected to the throttle butterfly. In conditions like this, the engine management system senses the engine is about to bog down and stall and opens the throttle itself, overriding the driver.
22yrs ago, before the age of all of these electronic driver aids, I too was a driving instructor. And back then, the hill start taught was always a bit of gas, clutch to biting point, handbrake off, observation checks, signal, increase gas, clutch up smoothly, gas as required. However, that did rely on an efficient handbrake, and wasn't normally executed on a 1:4 hill! I'd bet than a lot of cars handbrakes would struggle to hold on a hill like that. It reminds me of the hill up from the Carey Arms at Babbacombe, Torquay. Lots of drivers would walk down to get their car and leave their partner at the pub. However, after then stopping to pick them up, many then struggled to pull away again!
I'm an American who only owns manual vehicles. I learned to drive on manual vehicles, and I plan to only own manual vehicles because its what I've always known and comfortable with. Its interesting to see the techniques used by other manual drivers on hills. Personally I use my 1999 corolla's handbrake to start on a hill. In my 1996 ford ranger however ,I don't have a handbrake, so you have to give lots of gas (About 2,500 revs) and release the clutch. (Both of my vehicles don't have a rev gauge. So its all done by ear...) When I was learning how to drive when I was 15, (I'm 21) my dad taught me to release the clutch as I push on the accelerator pedal. Basically a simultaneous movement of both feet. keeping the engine at a certain rpm whilst the clutch engages. I've started on some steep hills, but I have to say that there's a chance I may stall on this one. :)
Wow! I've been driving since 05, but this road and your car (I had the estate version as a hire car) is giving me horrible flashbacks of my first attempt driving on the wrong side of the road in May this year in Lanzarote. I gave up and handed the car back after a day as I felt like I was a liability!
I appreciate how you must have felt driving on the wrong side of the road. Before I went to France I practiced this on the M1 and it was bloody dangerous 😂
That hill doesn't look fun, interesting to see though! I learned in a diesel, and my first car was a diesel so despite being taught initially to move away with gas I found it easier to just use the clutch. A few months ago I got a newer petrol car and quickly realised that I had to apply gas to move away smoothly!
I was learning to drive and passed my license exam on an ancient VAZ 2105 (Lada Riva as it's known in UK) in the middle of the winter. So now anti-rolling back system, no auto-gas when releasing clutch, RWD and slippery sludge of ice, snow and salt on the road 😄 That's a once in a lifetime experience)
I used to live in bristol, the area and nearby hills have many roads so steep that some cars just wont pull away or the handbrake slips when you try and use it to pull away without applying it with foot hard on the brake pedal. A driving instructors dream location! Had to ask passengers to get out the car once as my underpowered astra would not pull away without stalling or spinning the wheels.
I learned to drive in 1972 and Mrs Turner my driving instructor called it the gas pedal. So you are not alone. My dad took me to the steepest hill in our village in the Pennines to practice hill starts in his Cortina 2000, just clutch and gas pedal.
What you explained about the clutch and gas, I've literally been going through this, we got a 2010 Ford Fiesta a few days ago and I learned to drive in an Audi A3 that does it all for you. When we took the Fiesta out for the first time I kept stalling!
Learning how to drive a manual transmission when I was 13 years old my dad took me to the steepest hill on the only mountain in the area, parked the truck and said to start it without rolling back. I was terrified, but figured some tricks out like how to launch a boat with a manual transmission and not ending up in the water… You have to use the handbrake or parking break if it’s very steep so you don’t roll back.
Yes, handbrake starts is what I teach beginners. Hill hold assist takes more skill to use but is far more powerful as it brakes all four wheels hydraulically. The parking brake is usually the rear wheels only.
The hill hold assist is such a life saver if you have a nice enough car to have it because it makes coming off on a steep hill so much easier and prevent rolling back to other cars behind. If you don't have it, you have to use the handbrake which is an extra step that could either help or hurt if depending on how good you are with multitasking. Alternatively, immediately accelerate after coming off the brake with the clutch already at the bite point which could also hurt you by having too much wheel spins and lost grip if not stalling and going back instead of forward if it's too steep. So when that's the case, you have to go back and get a flatter road to gain momentum in order to go.
I learned to drive in the 1970s,the accelerator was called the "gas pedal" then, also learned to do a hill start on a steep hill, using gas and bringing the clutch up to biting point and then releasing the hand brake and moving off, it was also part of the test, only a few years before that hand signals were included in the test
Thanks for the advice on the gas topic. In my driving school ive driven a 123kw golf 8 and usually id be enough just to lift the clutch a bit and a car would roll. Now ive bought a 1.4 golf 6 with a mare 80hp and the clutch lifting mechanic does not work here, so now im practicing giving enough gas when im about to move the car. :)
I've gotta disagree, mate. Even in diesel cars, you can still stall against such inclines. I have a big diesel manual car and I realised this when I first took it to Hastings. Even with a big engine, it was stalling on hills as I just allowed the clutch to move. I stalled 3-4 times in a row and realised that I've got to put some gas within the biting point to move away smoothly, and eventually did. For all those learners and even experienced drivers, when driving up sharp hills/roads, when driving off at the bottom of the hill from a standstill, get a STRONG biting point. I.e., lift the clutch slightly and press on the gas simultaneously. When you drive off then, press the gas hard. Do not think that just because you have moved away, you can be gentle. The car will start to fall back, and the manual transmission comes under stress. Anyhow, great video. Love your commitment.
when I learnt hill starts, I used handbrake as well. lowering handbrake at exactly the moment the clutch engaged, and applying sufficient power depending on incline. A skilled manuever to co-ordinate brake, clutch and power, but effective.
For the first few hours of my driving lessons I didn't add any gas before I started rolling. It was possible to get moving that way, but the whole procedure was taking too long for me to perform, especially at a crossroad. Giving it a little gas first made the whole thing much easier.
Just came across your channel and just had to have a look. I’m currently training for my ADI, driving test is on Wednesday, fingers crossed! The car I’m learning in has the same (annoying) feature and it’s taken quite a bit of getting used to! I’ve no doubt it will help my future pupils but as you say, not all cars have this and it’s important to remind/ teach this
I find the features helpful. Hill hold assist is way more powerful than a handbrake and easier to use. But learner drivers need to learn the basic handbrake hill start as it's easier and works in all cars. Good luck with your test.
Bristol is my hometown and I can confirm that hill is horrendous! I also remember a few years ago being stuck in Keynsham (near Bristol, and also very hilly) and getting stuck at the bottom of a dead-end (basically vertical) hill with my ex. His Ford KA unfortunately didn't have enough power to get back up it, and after some time of me and a friend trying to push the car up to no avail, some lovely neighbour came out his house, telling us this happens all the time, but to REVERSE up it. Worked like magic.
That's true, in reverse a front wheel drive car will have the grip of a rear wheel drive car. If you have a rear wheel drive car though, reversing will have less grip up the hill.
Not to mention that, in general reverse is a lower gear than 1st, so if the engine doesn't have enough power in 1st, it may have enough power in the lower reverse gear. All useful to know when you've stalled on a hairpin bend in the Swiss Alps and rolling back means rolling off!
I passed my test May 2002, and I've only driven manual cars for 21 years. I didn't even know that you could find the biting point without applying gas. Just crazy. Makes it so much harder to drive I don't get why they're teaching new drivers like this
In Poland in that kind of situation, we use a hand brake method. When stopped, set a handbrake. Put 1st gear, slowly release a clutch, and add gas at the same time. When You feel that the rear suspension will buckle at 2500 engine rpm, release a handbrake.
I teach my pupils the hand brake method as well as other methods. Hill start assist is stronger though and the rear suspension doesn't dip if you have a rear wheel drive car with the handbrake on.
![Customer States & Mechanical Fails Compilation [Part 45]](/img/n.gif)
My anxiety levels went through the roof when those people came out the house and were looking haha
They found it very amusing.
That's probably their favourite form of entertainment lol
Me too I drive automatics for this reason hahaha, I'd get stuck somewhere and look like a div i know I would haha.
The locals must be thinking: Poor guy, still having trouble handling a manual
@@rdu239 not knowing he's the kratos of manual
To all new manual drivers, follow this channel religiously. Homeboy helped me get my license, 3 years in and I still love his vids hehe❤
Just found his channel and its a Godsend. Really helped me understand the mechanics of what I am doing and how to think through it more clearly. Cannot recommend enough!
I have a license and I don't know hot to drive manual car
tbh best as you could ask from an instructor channel, I absolutely hate manual but will watch more of him
@@Ex-Mohammed_Anwar watch all his videos , better yet download and listen to him while you drive on an empty field or open space to practice. Be patient and you will get the hamg of it
ask peppa pigs dad, he always had that mad clutch control driving on that really steep hill back home
Truly the goat
No he is pig@@mark9294
@@mark9294Pig*
Everyone knows Novak Djokovic is the GOAT Mark ... 😆
@@LogicallySoundMM but can he use a clutch?
I LOVE how him falling over has it’s own time stamp, makes the entire video just that more realistic
We in the Netherlands also learned to use the handbrake on steep hills. Especially when hill control didn’t existed. You can give a little gas and as soon as you feel it’s grabbing in to the hand brake release it and continue acceleration
De grap is dat wij nauwelijks heuvels hebben lol
@RealSweetKid LOL I get the confusingly funny "mistake' I made... But believe me where I live there are a lot of hills. Enough to make you not take the bycicle to work. Even enough to organise an Cycle race that is know for its thoughnes due to short and steep climbing. (Amstel gold race)
Its an AWEWSOME information!
Yes. I learnt from TH-cam. And I use in India. In fact, I learnt biting point hill hold after years of driving. I always used handbrakes to start on an upslope!
Bro here we have slopes where even handbrake fails in such cases you should hold car in foot brake with toe bring clutch in biting point and accelerate using brake by your heel @@gabrielv.4358
So you went all the way from Colchester to Bristol just for filming a tricky hill start? I'm appreciate your great effort! 👏🏻
Yes, it took the whole day, a long day.
It was an up hill struggle!
If I was cynical and know Richard to be a hard working ADi and part time motor trade member I’d think ‘ mistress over there ‘ lol. Sorry Richard
These days cars come with HSA making this slightly easier...
@@ConquerDriving you madman😵
Damn
Hey Richard, I passed my driving test today on my second attempt! It's been such a journey but I just wanted to say a massive thank you because you're videos have been so helpful for me, cheers!
That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Congratulations! Passed mine a year and 4 months ago. Drive safe.
This genuine emotion when you’re trying to move off without any gas was just so pure and that’s why I love your content
Huh? I think you're assuming too much
@@donaldsalkovick396 what exactly was I assuming…?
I’m a beginner at manual transmissions, and I’m in Madeira. Today I stalled the engine on a very steep hill and a bus was waiting behind me. It took me about 10 tries to get going without stalling, and the poor bus driver waited patiently. Nerve wracking to say the least
Thank you for the video!
The main thing to do in that situation is to remain calm (if you can!) and not get flustered. Everyone was a learner at some stage in the past. I've been driving 40 years and I still make the occasional mistake. The worst was when I was test-driving a diesel VW Golf (Mark IV, I think) which had a weird engine that would stall very abruptly if you let the clutch up slightly too far or didn't apply quite enough power, rather than struggling and failing to get moving, which gives you enough time to dip the clutch slightly and/or apply a bit more power to rectify the problem. It seemed to be by design rather than a faulty car, because I had the same experience in another of the same type a few years later. The salesman said "Everyone does that when they first test drive this engine." I think the engine-management goes into "computer says no" mode and deliberately cuts the fuel if you are at risk of straining the engine. It was bloody dangerous. I didn't buy a Golf. I did try a later model (maybe Mark V) and that was fine - it was jsut the pre-HDI "Pumpe Duse" engine that was afflicted with this childish, petulant "I'm to going to play" engine management unit.
All of Madeira basically is a very steep hill... so that's a very important thing to learn...
Use the hand break... That is easy method of doing it, his way is for hardcore die hard "motorist" that insist on doing life on expert level.
This hill must be an absolute joy in winter 😂
Oh god
It is for the sledgers.
The trashbaggers are going to ditch school just to bag down the hill all day
…Range Rover
@@tylermacconnell217 no
I was taught to use the HANDBRAKE when doing a hill start (in a car with no hill start assist). With the hand brake engaged, find bite, add throttle, release handbrake, add more throttle + gradually bring clutch up all the way as the vehicle moves. Easy.
Same for over here in NZ, as just using the clutch with it just idling is not a good idea - at some point the engine will stall and roll back depending how step it is.
Sort of the same here except add a little throttle at same time as finding bite
Same, also the cars definitely didnt automatically add gas when I passed my test. I will need to test my car to see if it does, never noticed it.
@@Subvenio Most Traders vehicles have Auto Throttle.
Diesel Engines should Idle and Go from Standstill requiring NO Accelerator.
Caressing the Throttle👍......None of this VW Golf Rev &Go 💩💩
Never learnt it with the handbrake, always did it with the brake pedal. Just lift the clutch enough to hold the car still and immediately give some gas, if I need to add gas earlier I press on the accelerator pedal with the side of my foot.
After a year and a half.. and 36 years of age. I finally PASSED! 2nd time.. As well as my amazing instructor, your videos have helped me so much. Thank you!! I don't think I will be trying this hill anytime soon but at least I know how now! Haha. Honestly, these videos have kept me going and definitely played a big part in my pass today. As a child who was nervous and didn't have a lot of resilience, I didn't think I would ever get in a car and drive.. let alone pass. So once again, THANK YOU!!!!
That's fantastic to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
wd enjoy 😁
Now go buy a m2 and go crazy 😂
@@MJT-DA I've got my husbands car.. very lucky Audi A3. He's buying a new one. I drove to work today for the first time!
@@Lynseyhogan1 wow that’s awesome! I’m guessing the 2.0T 4 cylinder those could be fun to drive. I get scared from audis cause of the piston ring issues they have.. I guess your husband must take very good care of it then.
Imagine this hill when its snowed or rained it must be difficult
I wonder how the residents manage
@@shimasfaris2917 Judging by the direction the cars are parked they go around and come down the hill to park and to leave they just pull out and go down the hill also. Still would be sketchy as hell.
Probably impossible unless you have a 4x4
I have heard that some people tie their car to a lamp post.
@@shimasfaris2917 moving away.
02:03 - Can we take a minute to appreciate this man's sartorial excellence.... those socks are pure class!
I'm from Denmark, I was never taught to apply gas before clutch, nor was I even told you could do it.
I learned it myself after getting my license and my own car and just testing around, this is the only thing I feel like I wasn't taught properly.
If the hill is steep... well you need plenty of gas and be careful not to burn the clutch
but in some cars with less hp you need gas even on a flat surface to just start quick enough and dont block traffic behind you. which driving instructor forgets such an important technique?
@@VinceGatling Denmark is as flat as can be. But it should definitely be taught, because most small cars, no matter how new will need gas to clutch out in first gear.
waitaminute, do you have any hills in denmark though?
@@winnex317 I live in the Netherlands and my car will move when only lifting the clutch, I also reverse with using the clutch only. I was taught to reverse that way.
"not to prevent you from falling into the road" *falls into the road* 🤣
I know, I did laugh when I watched that back.
Amazing 😂
Just about a year ago I was always here on this channel learning how to drive a manual, I became perfect and turned into an Uber driver after a month or two and I got good ratings and comments for good driving.
I'm here to say this channel helped a lot and I do appreciate. Thank you very much
I just bought my first car last month and it's a 6 speed manual transmission, I learned to drive manual but it's been years since I drove one and your videos helped me so much! I live in a VERY hilly part of Canada 🇨🇦
From watching your videos I can tell that my instructor knows what he is doing, as he taught me about always giving a bit of throttle in order to be able to drive ALL manual cars, and not just new ones.
Failed twice, found a test slot not a month later and passed with four minors. Couldn’t have done it without you and your fantastic commentary that plays out more like a documentary than an actual lesson. Your videos stand out a hundred miles from the competition and I couldn’t have done it without you!
When I was a learner 20 years ago, most cars has a handbreak and uphill start like that would definitely with handbrake on so no rollback for whatever reason, then release the clutch and apply gas at the same time slowly. When the car has enough power going up, the handbrake is released and you continue to apply more gas and release the clutch completely.
Indeed, the idea of having gas added when you step on the gas pedal is such a cool idea - I learned the handbrake trick because my first car was manual several decades ago, but first my father made sure I could start on a hill from first, second, and third gears. It’s all about knowing your car’s clutch very, very well. Interesting to see the differences in advice between US and UK teachings, and to see modern manual techniques since we sadly have almost no manuals in the US these days.
@@nimue325 wow from 2nd and 3rd gears? RIP clutch - there would be no torque at those gear ratios. a hill start must ALWAYS be in Gear 1 - no exceptions. Any other gears would put serious strain on the drive shaft, gears themselves and esp the clutch - ohhhhhhhh the burning clutch smell will be something to look out for in Gear 2 or 3 😬
@@fireWireX4 Sure, once I knew how to drive it was always start in first. But learning about the machine’s performance, learning to really feel the clutch and how to slowly let it out and notice when it is just about to catch without any damage to it, was the stress-test of the lesson. No smell, no sound, just gentle starting up! Never heard of a problem like spinning wheels, maybe because you have to be equally gentle on the gas.
And then there was this one time my gear shift somehow … fell down through the floor board … and I had to drive home entirely in third to replace a single screw. So it did come in handy directly. 🤣 But that was really never the intention, I swear!
Yeah. I wonder why he didn't mention using the handbrake for cars without hill hold assist. There's no other way, especially if there's a car behind you.
The first time i used handbreak for that i stalled and i always find it easier without it
I must say your tutorials are very very helpful. I personally passed my driving test thanks to the tips given by you. I've also recommended your videos to my family and friends as well. This is really a great service. Thanks so much!!
Passed today with only 3 minors, I’ve been watching your videos religiously every day for the past few weeks and I only had 16 hours worth of lessons! You my friend are incredible! Keep up the amazing work!!! I literally couldn’t be happier! Thank you so much 🙂🙂🙂
That's fantastic news! Congratulations on passing!
@@ConquerDriving thank you 😊, I will still continue to watch your videos. 🙂
....and why exactly would you ever not using the gas?
why exactly would you ever not using the grammar
@@BallerShortsHD😂😂
Adding gas will wear the clutch out way quicker
@@kallht2079 No
@@b0ba_884 Yes, if the clutch is partially depressed, and you give gas to accelerate, the friction (and thus tear) will be greater than if you just accelerated by solely lifting the clutch pedal.
Both my father who is a mechanic and my cousin who has ran a car repair shop for over 20 years say the same thing. The latter has even taught some of his customers (after they came back several times with worned out clutches) how to drive a manual without prematurely wearing the clutch out.
0:17 all fours is DIABOLICAL 💀💀
Imagine having to deliver stuff to the area frequently... By the way, I passed my driving test! I used the clutch control method most comfortable for me (like you recommended in your clutch video). Thanks for all the help you provide with your videos. And all the entertainment I can get from them now without the stress of an upcoming test.
That's great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
i would assume delivery drivers mostly have automatics in that area ig
@@alyx6427 Yes we do, it doesn't help that much. More detail in my comment but nose/tail striking, axle chatting, inadequate handbrake, burning auto clutches and having to physically climb into the back of the van were all problems. Totterdown can go to hell.
Canon man we have way worse here and we get to drive it everyday
Passed 19 years ago, have always put a little bit of throttle on whilst pulling away. You can get away without it if it's downhill, or modulate it for even less if it's flat. My dad taught me clutch control in a private car park at 16, learnt how to pull away without stalling in 5th without using the throttle, it really helped me learn clutch control!
You'll wreck the clutch doing it in 5th
I've just passed my test. I thought i'd failed at one point when I rolled back while trying to get some gas on a steep hill. Luckily no one was behind me so it was only a minor... this looks like hell to me haha
I just recently passed last week aswell
nice one mate
Congratulations on passing!
Use your handbrake
Could you not use your handbrake?
I watched your videos when i was learning how to drive on my own since 2020. I am able to climb any hill with ease without stalling the car. :)
Thank you so much :)
Now, that's what we call a commitment 👏👏👏 thank you so much for the travel you made for a video, Richard, it was very interesting to see and that steep hill reminded me of some roads in my country 🙄 hope it was a great experience for you as well and glad to hear your car wasn't damaged after all 👍
A hill start is tricky enough but I just found that moving backward uphill can be even trickier! I nearly bumped into the car in front because I kept stalling when trying to move backward on a considerably steep slope in South London. Every time I stalled my car moved forward a little and I stopped trying when my number plate was 1mm from the car in front of me (my car does not have hill hold assist). I finally got out of the situation by trying my luck last time after watching videos from this channel and others, so thanks a lot for all the efforts you have put in making this video!
You need to use the hand brake if you don't have hill hold assist. (Engage handbrake, apply gas, clutch to bite point, disengage handbrake) That way you don't move downhill when you release the brake.
Sounds like a tricky situation.
On steep hills I let go off the clutch (carefully) until its bite point, while still pressing the brake. When I lift my foot from the brake, the clutch will keep me in place without stalling and I can then add gas.
Or like sitofak said, you can use the handbrake.
Hey Richard, wanted to say a massive thanks to you for your content, it would be an understatement to say you helped. Embarrassed to say im 38yo, had a bit of a turbulent life so i first had a handful of lessons at 17yo, lost my job and some other things happened throughout life, I had one lesson about 10 years later then had to stop again, been about 10 years again passed and i took around maybe 10 hours of lessons watched a lot of your videos, studied them meticulously, religiously, i like to think of myself as a good student and i wanted as much of your knowledge as possible, I feel you do a pretty exceptional job at handing this to us in your videos. I sat my test a few weeks ago and got it first time, 5 minors, stupid ones i only make on a bad day which i had tbh, and it was raining, and there were cars pulling out when they shouldnt, people crossing when they shouldnt, i got my wish for bad conditions and random difficulty multipliers lol, after these years i had a point to prove, thanks for helping me make it, going to keep watching your content to because i do really enjoy it, and theres plenty still to learn for me.
That's really great to read! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Thank you for sharing, I've got some breaks in my driving as well and we are similar age so your story gives me greatly needed courage and hope I can get my pass as well 💪
Congratulations to you and I totally agree what you've said about Richard's channel - it is a real gem on YT 💎
Good job on passing. 👍🏾
Living in Bristol in the 1970s and '80s, I remember that whenever I got a new vehicle, I'd always try it out on Vale Street.
1974 Bedford Viva van: no problem.
1973 Land-Rover: built for it - couldn't have been easier.
1968 Morris 1100: stalled, but managed it on about the third try.
1974 Rover 2200SC automatic: no problem.
1979 VW LT35 van: just sat at the bottom of the hill and spun its clutch - a complete refusal, which was a bit of a surprise.
Happy days ...
Thank you :D I'm using my brother's account I turned 18 today and I already got my driver's license thank you very much :) now I know how to get up on these steep roads and finally buy my crisps on that store
Passed 1st time today! 2 minors. Just came to to say thanks as your videos have been a massive help. 👍🏽
That's fantastic news! Congratulations on passing!
I've done a hill start at the bottom of this street a couple of times. In the late 1990s, I was on a three week progressive driving course based in Devises. The instructor took us to Bristol specifically to have some fun on this hill. The 3 litre Vauxhall Senator had real problems, wheel spinning almost all the way up. The only car that managed it with any assuredness was a 4wd Vectra. Fun days!
Haven't seen a Vectra in years
Starting from a hill is the scariest part of driving a manual car for me. But since I learned from you how to balance it using only clutch and gas pedals (without using break) I feel much more confident now. And it's even fun to do it when stopping before roundabout, so I can start quickly with no delay. Thank you!
Using your clutch instead of brake is horrible for the clutch. It will cause excessive wear. Just use the handbrake if you don't have hill assist.
@@sitofak for short amounts of time it's fine but only do it when you know you're going to move soon
@@Smokey-A yeah and i would also say high blips of revs help your clutch out rather than sitting on bite with little gas
@@straincheck4023 I could be wrong but over revving while holding the biting point can lead to the clutch burning faster
@@Smokey-A yeah you’re right, I meant dropping the clutch and coming back to the bite
I recall when I did my driving lessons, I got an exercise to park and drive away on a steep hill. I was taught to put it on hand brake, clutch in and give gas. Then slowly engage the clutch until you feel it pull, but before the point you start rolling as you don't want to kill your handbrakes obviously. Then you release handbrake, give gas and engage the clutch, you drive away without rolling back :-). It's super handy when you have to travel through mountainous villages
Under no circumstances would i ever go anywhere near a street like that in my car, whether going up/down, or visiting someone with the misfortune of living there... absolutely bonkers that street/road! Love how it narrows to one lane at the top too, just to add more problems to life! 😂
When even a professional driving instructor is struggling on this hill, is giving me back some hope.
You are a pioneer of car videos! This is getting more interesting & creative all the time!
You can learn either way honestly but I think you're right, it's definitely easier to learn to pull away from a stop when you apply some gas first. The best way to learn in general is to start with the easiest technique possible and work your way up to the more advanced techniques of a particular skillset. Pulling away without any gas is pretty useful for learning the bite point on the clutch pedal though.
I agree, easier first is usually best.
yup. plus when you dont use gas in an unfamiliar car and stall, you only get closer to finding the bite point. starting off with clutch only is the best way for any unfamiliar car
Honestly, this video was worth it because today i was training alone on a steep hill and I stalled so many time before finally being able to move the car (I did the handbrake method). I I was very upset. but by watching this video, I am it comforted. 😅
I appreciate that Mazda made the decision not to add gas for you. I was taught to add a little gas, find the biting point and then release the handbrake when ready back in 2009 (don't really do that now that I've mastered it). My 2016 Civic Type R is straight up to 1,500rpm as soon as you touch the gas to move off. If you don't touch the gas, it'll add a little bit too which is handy for slow moving traffic. I can't remember ever stalling it in the 4 years I've had it but I really did hate losing that control to start with, especially in something considered fast and sporty.
You're best off with a decent diesel. I passed my test in a Peugeot 309 1.9D, back in the day. I could drive down the road on the bite point alone without the engjne straining. So much low-down torque was the key.. such a comfortable, easy car to drive. So incredibly ergonomic too!
Electric cars are even better.
@@ChristofferETJ 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Mercedes Benz Diesels are better.
@@P00katube Which engines and models in particular?
@@mbz4652 The 300SD/TD (In line 5 Cylinder) and the 1986/87 300TD with the Inline 6 Cylinder)
my personal hell
Oh yes
Oh hell yes😂
Mine too
mmmm i love the smell of clutch
my wife left me
There's a few hills I've travelled on (In wales) that give me this vibe. Short, but extremely steep in places. My driving instructor used to take me to a somewhat steep hill to practise this stuff specifically, as the area I was taking my test in was everything but flat and straight road. I got used to having to make the minute adjustments with both the clutch and accelerator to get these down pretty well. You know if it wasn't a good because you'd start rolling lol, and that was super freaky
The worst hill was when I was at uni and my mom was driving (shes much better than I am) and we took a 'shortcut' back to campus. There were no houses, just hedges, and it felt like we were going to tip over backwards, at one point it was so steep you couldn't see the road, just sky and the tops of hedges.
"... not to prevent you falling into the road" *falls into the road*
LOL!
There are some pretty steep hills in New Brighton where learners go.
I don't think I was ever shown to roll away with the bite first then to accelerate. I was always shown to keep handbrake on, then reach the bite point with clutch and accelerator, then remove the handbrake and away I go.
Also good that you cleared up the "gas" situation. My instructor used to say that too. When going up a hill and not going quick enough he would just keep saying "gas... gasss... gasssss"
But I prefer accelerator.
I have been driving for 18 years and only just learned that some cars add gas for you! I remember being taught to add gas to give it some revs, then release the clutch to the bite point. It took a while to learn the 'feel' of the biting point. The cars I have owned since have always required me to add my own gas while releasing the clutch, otherwise you stall. I've learned something new! Good to know for when driving other vehicles.
Imagine having to do this on a driving test
I doubt they would....
@@fireWireX4 that's why they said imagine
I imagine a couple months of practicing this during your driving lessons should mean your able to do it; whether you can do it during the pressure of a driving test though, that's another story.
@@polaroidandroidjeff6383 four clutches laterrr
I did. I live in Sheffield a very hilly city.
So good watching these when u have ure license:)
I got my license 5 years ago now, but I still learn from your videos
0:30 If you look at the right wall of the blue house on the left, you can see that it is plain white because thare was a banksy there. THe painting was an old woman losing her denture...
The steepest hill I've driven on was when climbing the Great Orme summit in Llandudno, Wales. Going back down was the scary part hoping my breaks don't fail.
Also no car I've driven adds gas for you when you move off.
2:42 the people in the background literally staring. probably thinking what an evil instructor that is trying to teach hill starts at that hill 😅
😂
There must be a very special and steep place in hell for those LOL
These videos are very helpful also to those that have recently passed and have purchased an older car like myself. I have a 2005 ford fiesta and it is very different from driving an assisted kind of car to having an old car that does not have any of these features new cars have. I drove in my car today and stalled it twice on a hill and it stressed me out a lot because I always used clutch control in my instructors car that has power assistance on it but going to an older car that does not have this I find it very difficult to get out of junctions fast without stalling the car or going super slow. I am planing on practising this tomorrow so we will see how that goes but thank you so much for your videos!! They are so much more helpful than a lot of other videos I have come across. Thank you so much for helping us not so good drivers learn something new everyday! much appreciated
Exactly why you should learn without bells and whistles. Means you can drive the car not the car driving you
Back in the 90's I was taught to give it some gas before lifting the clutch. It's essential if you're driving an old low powered/low torque classic.
would be nice to see this on a driving test
Things must have changed a lot since I passed my driving test because we had to use the handbrake on a hill start.
Yeh same for me in 2010 😂 plus his steering wasnt how i was taught lol
On hill start assist cars the handbrake isn't needed, especially if it's an electric handbrake.
I do teach handbrake starts, this is usually best for beginners as hill hold assist takes some pedal skill to use and not all cars have this.
@@ConquerDriving Same here. I teach using the handbrake only on steeper hills. It just saves time using the idle speed to move off.
Just before my part 2, I got taught to use the parking brake more than I usually would. Now I did pass, but the senior examiner said, "At times I thought, oh no, he's going for the handbrake again. You're an experienced driver, you shouldn't be using it that much."
When I told him who I had been trained by, he nodded and understood.
Btw, I've been an instructor since the mid 90s, and we were taught to use the word "gas", then, too.
Same with me and I’ve covered over a million miles. I have no idea what this guy is trying to do, you hold on the handbrake and don’t lower until you have a good bite. Most experienced drivers would actually avoid this situation.
I live in Bristol and currently doing my masters in advanced driving after passing the initial AD test. Interestingly, hills didn't come up on it (apart from blind summits which is a different thing of course). But makes me wonder how I'd do, I'll have to drive up there soon 👍 cool video
When I was learning back in the late 90's my instructor had me come here twice, it's mental.
Good luck with your advanced test. Is it IAM? I took my IAM test abut 10 years after passing my ordinary test and was pleased that I passed first time, after I'd only passed on my third test for the normal test. The hardest thing I had to unlearn was the stupid change-down-sequentially-through-the-gears which the normal test expected when I took it (1981). Now it's second nature to brake almost to a halt in (for example) sixth and then go directly into third, second or first according to what the road conditions need as I'm about to start accelerating out of the junction. I was once filing som driving scenes for an amateur video that a group of us were shooting for a night-school course, and people said "You're doing it all wrong - you look too skilled and professional" So I had to deliberately revert to sequential changing down and throw in a bit of crossing my hands on the steering wheel. Nowadays, the ordinary test allows direct 6th-to-2nd changes etc. My instructor for my normal test was an ex police Class 1 driving instructor before he retired and after I passed, he gave me a lesson on how to drive *properly* rather driving to pass the test - that's what first got my interested in doing the IAM test. I wish I'd phoned him up when I passed the IAM test because he'd have been chuffed that one of his pupils had done the IAM test.
I lived in Bristol for several years because I was at university there. I never encountered the steep hill. I'll have to look up on Google Streetview and see where it is.
I learnt to drive in my instructors diesel i30 and it didn't need any accelerator at all. Was an absolute pain to drive any other car until I decided to do the rest of my lessons and my test in my own car. Had my license for about a month now and have only stalled once or twice, had no issues with hills too.
That's all of Athens... plus a stop sign ALWAYS, quite possibly even a sharp turn 🤣.
That's the reason I've kept off the roads here. Hope your videos give me a push!!! Literally
It’s also still mostly called a ‘Gaspedal’ in German. It got its name because it originally controlled the airflow through the carburettor (‘Vergaser’, literally gasifier).
It would have been interesting to hear from some of the people who live on this street about how they find it. I also see there were give way lines at the top junction so you have something else to worry about once you get to the top of the hill 😱
I used to live a few meters from the top of the hill. You generally just try to avoid driving up it! Just a little further on you can go up a less steep hill and then come around and go down instead of up.
Bristol taxi driver here. It’s terrifying the first couple of time and on the way down you’ll always scuff your front bumper at the bottom.
I wouldn't even have thought of trying that without gas, I was surprised it almost got it.
Its a modern car with fly by wire throttle, the pedal isn't connected to the throttle butterfly. In conditions like this, the engine management system senses the engine is about to bog down and stall and opens the throttle itself, overriding the driver.
@@Zadster Still that's all under 800 rpm which is crazy
22yrs ago, before the age of all of these electronic driver aids, I too was a driving instructor. And back then, the hill start taught was always a bit of gas, clutch to biting point, handbrake off, observation checks, signal, increase gas, clutch up smoothly, gas as required.
However, that did rely on an efficient handbrake, and wasn't normally executed on a 1:4 hill! I'd bet than a lot of cars handbrakes would struggle to hold on a hill like that. It reminds me of the hill up from the Carey Arms at Babbacombe, Torquay. Lots of drivers would walk down to get their car and leave their partner at the pub. However, after then stopping to pick them up, many then struggled to pull away again!
I'm an American who only owns manual vehicles. I learned to drive on manual vehicles, and I plan to only own manual vehicles because its what I've always known and comfortable with. Its interesting to see the techniques used by other manual drivers on hills. Personally I use my 1999 corolla's handbrake to start on a hill. In my 1996 ford ranger however ,I don't have a handbrake, so you have to give lots of gas (About 2,500 revs) and release the clutch. (Both of my vehicles don't have a rev gauge. So its all done by ear...) When I was learning how to drive when I was 15, (I'm 21) my dad taught me to release the clutch as I push on the accelerator pedal. Basically a simultaneous movement of both feet. keeping the engine at a certain rpm whilst the clutch engages. I've started on some steep hills, but I have to say that there's a chance I may stall on this one. :)
Wow! I've been driving since 05, but this road and your car (I had the estate version as a hire car) is giving me horrible flashbacks of my first attempt driving on the wrong side of the road in May this year in Lanzarote. I gave up and handed the car back after a day as I felt like I was a liability!
I'm familiar with the roads in Lanzarote. Can well understand you, they are often tricky.
I appreciate how you must have felt driving on the wrong side of the road. Before I went to France I practiced this on the M1 and it was bloody dangerous 😂
That hill doesn't look fun, interesting to see though!
I learned in a diesel, and my first car was a diesel so despite being taught initially to move away with gas I found it easier to just use the clutch. A few months ago I got a newer petrol car and quickly realised that I had to apply gas to move away smoothly!
4:23 ahahah you can see the road is also all scraped up from cars
I was learning to drive and passed my license exam on an ancient VAZ 2105 (Lada Riva as it's known in UK) in the middle of the winter. So now anti-rolling back system, no auto-gas when releasing clutch, RWD and slippery sludge of ice, snow and salt on the road 😄
That's a once in a lifetime experience)
You showed us exactly how to drive up a hill. Well done pal. You must be a really good driving instructor🫣🫣🫣🫣🥱🥱🥱🥱😂😂😂😂💪💪💯💯
Here is a video if you're interested: th-cam.com/video/O3cTlwMytfU/w-d-xo.html
I'd be sweating bullets coming up that hill.
I'd just do a burnout the whole way, my car is rwd too so the weight would on the rear and that would help.
I cannot believe how steep this hill is 🤯
You have to see it to understand, when I first went to turn into it I was shocked, looked more like a wall.
hoenstly so steep, when there is rain on the stairs you would probably just slip and hit the bottom
@@fireWireX4 that's exactly what I thought as well, thanks for pointing it out.
0:48 lmao
Try Porlock hill in Cornwall, it's also a 1in 4 gradient and it has a series of hair pin beds so the camber alters greatly.
And it goes on for EVER!
I used to live in bristol, the area and nearby hills have many roads so steep that some cars just wont pull away or the handbrake slips when you try and use it to pull away without applying it with foot hard on the brake pedal. A driving instructors dream location!
Had to ask passengers to get out the car once as my underpowered astra would not pull away without stalling or spinning the wheels.
Why not use handbrake
His car has automatic handbrake on hill
@@OrbiitoclastYou mean hill hold?
Handbrake is for rookies
It's electric handbrake
That’s your clutch your smelling not the tyres
Haha i think ur a new driver clutch never smells...right away....
Nope clutch was out, he was wheel spinning
It's not, clutch was out and the tyres were spinning.
It was his tyres
I think a diving instructor would recognize the smell of the clutch.
It’s accelerator not gas pedal! You’re not in the US.
With electric cars, accelerator makes more sense. Also as he mentioned instructors are taught with the word gas and it’s faster to say.
I learned to drive in 1972 and Mrs Turner my driving instructor called it the gas pedal. So you are not alone. My dad took me to the steepest hill in our village in the Pennines to practice hill starts in his Cortina 2000, just clutch and gas pedal.
I do heel-toe for steep hill starts and also definitely use the e-brake for when I need even more reassurance.
0:02 never heard non sense like that
That's what I was taught
What you explained about the clutch and gas, I've literally been going through this, we got a 2010 Ford Fiesta a few days ago and I learned to drive in an Audi A3 that does it all for you. When we took the Fiesta out for the first time I kept stalling!
This video may help: th-cam.com/video/UdTSRBJrw7Y/w-d-xo.html
Thank you. I feel more confident about tackling that hill now. I'll be doing it on my bicycle.
This is insane! My car would scrape so bad there, and I don’t have skills for this!
Learning how to drive a manual transmission when I was 13 years old my dad took me to the steepest hill on the only mountain in the area, parked the truck and said to start it without rolling back. I was terrified, but figured some tricks out like how to launch a boat with a manual transmission and not ending up in the water… You have to use the handbrake or parking break if it’s very steep so you don’t roll back.
Yes, handbrake starts is what I teach beginners. Hill hold assist takes more skill to use but is far more powerful as it brakes all four wheels hydraulically. The parking brake is usually the rear wheels only.
I live in Bristol. You need rear wheel drive car to do this successfully.
Most of the traction is on the rear wheels going up hills
The hill hold assist is such a life saver if you have a nice enough car to have it because it makes coming off on a steep hill so much easier and prevent rolling back to other cars behind. If you don't have it, you have to use the handbrake which is an extra step that could either help or hurt if depending on how good you are with multitasking. Alternatively, immediately accelerate after coming off the brake with the clutch already at the bite point which could also hurt you by having too much wheel spins and lost grip if not stalling and going back instead of forward if it's too steep. So when that's the case, you have to go back and get a flatter road to gain momentum in order to go.
I learned to drive in the 1970s,the accelerator was called the "gas pedal" then, also learned to do a hill start on a steep hill, using gas and bringing the clutch up to biting point and then releasing the hand brake and moving off, it was also part of the test, only a few years before that hand signals were included in the test
5:00 In Germany we also say "Gaspedal", even though we dont call the fuel gas.
Thanks for the advice on the gas topic. In my driving school ive driven a 123kw golf 8 and usually id be enough just to lift the clutch a bit and a car would roll. Now ive bought a 1.4 golf 6 with a mare 80hp and the clutch lifting mechanic does not work here, so now im practicing giving enough gas when im about to move the car. :)
I've gotta disagree, mate.
Even in diesel cars, you can still stall against such inclines.
I have a big diesel manual car and I realised this when I first took it to Hastings. Even with a big engine, it was stalling on hills as I just allowed the clutch to move. I stalled 3-4 times in a row and realised that I've got to put some gas within the biting point to move away smoothly, and eventually did.
For all those learners and even experienced drivers, when driving up sharp hills/roads, when driving off at the bottom of the hill from a standstill, get a STRONG biting point.
I.e., lift the clutch slightly and press on the gas simultaneously. When you drive off then, press the gas hard. Do not think that just because you have moved away, you can be gentle. The car will start to fall back, and the manual transmission comes under stress.
Anyhow, great video. Love your commitment.
when I learnt hill starts, I used handbrake as well. lowering handbrake at exactly the moment the clutch engaged, and applying sufficient power depending on incline. A skilled manuever to co-ordinate brake, clutch and power, but effective.
For the first few hours of my driving lessons I didn't add any gas before I started rolling. It was possible to get moving that way, but the whole procedure was taking too long for me to perform, especially at a crossroad. Giving it a little gas first made the whole thing much easier.
Just came across your channel and just had to have a look. I’m currently training for my ADI, driving test is on Wednesday, fingers crossed! The car I’m learning in has the same (annoying) feature and it’s taken quite a bit of getting used to! I’ve no doubt it will help my future pupils but as you say, not all cars have this and it’s important to remind/ teach this
I find the features helpful. Hill hold assist is way more powerful than a handbrake and easier to use. But learner drivers need to learn the basic handbrake hill start as it's easier and works in all cars. Good luck with your test.
I moved from the UK to NA and didn't even notice you mentioning the gas peddle until you mentioned it. Damn.
Bristol is my hometown and I can confirm that hill is horrendous! I also remember a few years ago being stuck in Keynsham (near Bristol, and also very hilly) and getting stuck at the bottom of a dead-end (basically vertical) hill with my ex. His Ford KA unfortunately didn't have enough power to get back up it, and after some time of me and a friend trying to push the car up to no avail, some lovely neighbour came out his house, telling us this happens all the time, but to REVERSE up it. Worked like magic.
That's true, in reverse a front wheel drive car will have the grip of a rear wheel drive car. If you have a rear wheel drive car though, reversing will have less grip up the hill.
Not to mention that, in general reverse is a lower gear than 1st, so if the engine doesn't have enough power in 1st, it may have enough power in the lower reverse gear. All useful to know when you've stalled on a hairpin bend in the Swiss Alps and rolling back means rolling off!
I passed my test May 2002, and I've only driven manual cars for 21 years. I didn't even know that you could find the biting point without applying gas. Just crazy. Makes it so much harder to drive I don't get why they're teaching new drivers like this
In Poland in that kind of situation, we use a hand brake method. When stopped, set a handbrake. Put 1st gear, slowly release a clutch, and add gas at the same time. When You feel that the rear suspension will buckle at 2500 engine rpm, release a handbrake.
I teach my pupils the hand brake method as well as other methods. Hill start assist is stronger though and the rear suspension doesn't dip if you have a rear wheel drive car with the handbrake on.