My spouse learned how to drive a stick in Manhattan. They are now doing the same for me. I loathe driving in NYC but I am comfortable with the system of driving in the four good boroughs and Staten Island (they know what they did).
I am an American who just got my first manual car, this channel has been invaluable for me as almost no one in the US drives a manual and those who do have no clue how to teach. Thank you for all of your videos, they are extremely easy to understand and literally answer all of my questions!
Enjoy your manual! It's a dieing breed in the world. In the UK we have a separate test for autos and as I understand it more and more people are passing an auto test (meaning they can't drive a manual. It's illegal). I've never had an automatic car. In 16 years on the road. When I do drive one It feels so strange. What your used to I guess!
They always go; just find the biting point then feel the engine. once you get use to start from complete stop and change gear from 1st to 2nd, just do the same to the other gears.
Richard, you are the goat. An absolute legend. Was up late last night revising all your control videos ingraining them to memory. Stressed out my head took my test today and I passed. Could not have done it without you. Thank you 🙏🏽
No other channel on youtube addresses these issues…there are tons of “how not to stall “ videos…but it is skills like these which makes your driving smooooooother and your fellow passengers will appreciate you for it..thank you to this channel
Thanks for all the tips throughout the videos, I passed today and couldn't do it without all the advice. I completely forgot to check around after the emergency stop but luckily it was a minor.
In practice, the most important thing is to remember WHY you should check around you after an emergency stop (or from any car stop). In a real emergency stop, you might experience some shock about what happened and you have to return your cool and look around before proceeding. A car might speed around a sharp turn and force you to stop in the middle of the near lane when turning right. You then might need to reverse to return behind the line to avoid obstruction, but in this spot you need to keep your cool and observe before reversing, looking for pedestrians who take advantage of the gap behind you, or a car that recently queued behind you. Others driving behaviour may anger you, but staying cool will help you avoid mistakes and stay in the present. If it takes a couple of seconds to return your cool, so be it, and stay put.
My first car was an automatic transmission. I had to downgrade due to financial difficulties this year. Seeing that manual transmissions are a few thousands cheaper than their automatic counterparts, I opted for manual. I thought I would seamlessly adapt but l was wrong. Driving manual proved extremely difficult but with the help of this channel, I was able to master gear shifting and clutch control without stalling and causing obstruction on the road during rush hour. Now I shift through the gears like a pro. I can downshift smoothly without jerking. I have also mastered rev matching. You Mr Fanders are a gift that keeps on giving!
Great video Richard, I've been an ADI since 2004 and totally agree that my training put a lot of pressure on me to eliminate coasting altogether. Years of experience in the job made me realise that coasting in certain circumstances makes things safer and easier. Like stopping in yellow box junctions people have one thing in their minds regarding coasting; that it's not permitted or tolerable in any circumstances!
I had this exact question for my driving instructor right before my test, i feel way safer putting the clutch down and rolling in second gear when i have no visibility so have been doing that. Used it on my exam last friday as well and passed with flying colors! Thanks for all your videos, they've helped a bunch!
I always felt weird about my habit of going through 90 degree turns with the clutch in because I've never seen anybody else do that. Happy to see I'm not the only one 😁
Hey, just wanted to say thanks for all your instructions here. I'm from India and started driving only 3 years ago. Even after taking formal driving lessons I couldn't confidently handle driving in city (Bangalore) no matter how much of driving experience I got and found driving really stressful. After following along your videos and testing them out on the roads daily on my manual car (Suzuki Swift), I'm not only better now with the control of my vehicle and responding to hazards but also find driving very joyful. Not to mention, with the confidence I built up in just 3 months of practise, in Dec 2022 I successfuly went on to have a long driving trip in the Western Ghats mountain range. I owe a big part of that success to the detailed videos you make. Cheers!🙂
I just passed my test today, all thanks to these videos! Thank you so much, Richard! For anyone looking to pass their test, or build their confidence with driving before getting behind the wheel, I highly recommend this channel!
Hi Richard. Great video. I agree with the content 100%. I’ve been driving for 35 years and have been an instructor (now an ADI) for the last 10 months. The technique you’ve described and demonstrated is what I call a “controlled coast”. Like you said, if you’re in control, it’s safe, hence my description. It definitely helps to keep things smooth and my students benefit from this.
Pretty amazing that this man’s videos essentially taught me to drive stick way back when and he’s still teaching me small tips years later, you never stop learning :)
I was always stubborn since my instructor would usually tell me to shift down to first and I never did and would play around with the clutch and gas. Here I think it's usually that instructors don't expect new drivers to be able to do that with a good enough degree of control. I passed my test a few weeks back, also in part because of this channel! Such a valuable resource to people taking driving lessons or even people like me, who have recently passed and have only really just started our journey of learning :)
I just wanted to say how well this video is presented. Having the clips of the rev counter, pedals and you presenting at the top is really helpful. I find they really help make things clear and are really helpful particularly if you are struggling with the pedals (like me) ect. Awesome video man!
Hi Richard! I've developed this exact same habit and always felt bad about it thinking I'd put a lot of unnecessary wear on my clutch ... Happy to see it's not so bad 🙏
Bless you richard this is exactly what i was looking for.I was puzzled by what to do in turns that are sharp enough to make you anxious of what gear to choose between 1st and 2nd.Driving felt so hard for me as a new driver after getting my license and driving my fathers car because my instructor taught me that in every turn inside the town i should brake while approaching,then gear down to 1st,then clutch up and then steer.When i was doing the lessons i thought nothing of it,it seemed normal and my instructor told me to,so i assumed, him with way more experience than i,must be right.When i finally got my license though and started driving my self i came to realise you never really go that slow to gear down, it is impractical to gear down to 1st. But because that was the way i learned it has now instilled fear to me and i kind of freeze and hope not to do anything stupid every time i need to take a turn in 2nd gear while keeping in mind that its better not to gear down to 1st and trying not to stall and keeping the clutch down for way too long.It feels so unfamiliar because i didnt learn that way and i am so unaccustomed and afraid and makes driving tiring. Also my father while a great driver himself ,he fails miserably to explain me anything about the topic and says its all about experience.Even though i am aware of that fact i still feel insecure about my driving,when it comes to turns at least.Nevertheless great video once again richard,i will watch it carefully probably a dozens of times and hopefully i will get better and more confident when i am taking turns.Sorry about the long essay to anyone reading this and wasting his time....
love the video! my instructors car is a turbo diesel, so this was a huge problem when i was starting out and he even recommends coasting in 2nd sometimes, and the shift from 1st to 2nd is so unbelievably jerky and gives a lot of turbo lag. Coasting can solve a whole lot of problems, yet so many instructors seem to have pressure on them to tell their students not to use it.
Thank you for making this video, I'm sure it will help many learners! Too many people see coasting to be the biggest taboo in EVERY circumstance, which I've never understood... I mean, changing gear is technically coasting and I don't feel like I'm about to crash every time I do that. Unfortunately over here in Spain if you coast AT ALL it can lead to a mark against you, which really makes no sense. I'm glad to hear its not that way in UK
I passed april 2021 but I just had a thought about your YT channel and thought I'd come and say thanks. I never used an instructor, I solely practiced in my mums car and did my test in it, and purely relied on your channel for learning how to do the manouvers, the mirror checks to do etc. I passed 1st time with 1 minor in wolverhampton. I don't live there and never practiced there, I just picked it because at the time covid made it impossible to get tests. It at the time was also the lowest pass rate in the UK, so I was very pleased and it just shows if you're a competent driver you can pass anywhere. It also shows if you're committed you don't need an instructor (and if your parents are willing to do lessons with you haha). But again a big thank you! Never had an instructor so you were technically mine :)
Great video! I always had this question in mind however it was settled with many of your clutch control videos especially the traffic and hill but this video make it very clear for me. I’m glad I control my car just like your first example using 2nd since my car doesn’t want to go to 1st until almost complete stop. Thank you once again for your time and effort. Great job!!
Thanks a lot boss, am not even from the UK but I always have some question and I'd find no videos explaining it, but then boom one of your videos pop up! Seriously, thanks!
Lol, been driving for almost 12 years now. I do most of the things you say in your videos by instinct but the algorithm keeps recommending your videos and I keep watching them. So I finally subscribed. I'm not even from the UK haha.
My Honda really doesn't want to shift to 1st unless practically barely moving. I am hence used to doing the same thing as you showed. This was a very useful video. Thanks.
Great advice! Passed my test 8 months ago, and my first car is a 2010 Mazda 3, its super jumpy in 1st, but is forgiving in other gears, so using the clutch when going super slow in 2nd really helps! Took a little while to realise I needed to get out of 1st way quicker than when I was learning!
The Mazda's 3 are great like that. 1st gear is used to get rolling and as soon as you go around 10km, its 2nd gear and using the clutch when needed. I drive a 2005 (1st gen) Mazda 3. I had to overhaul all the gear lessons as they didnt work well for the Mazda 😂
Clutch down coasting is like a smooth decider in situations like this your in still control to select the appropriate gear when needed. You still have your brakes, rather than jerkin about in first or snuggling in second!!
I passed my test many years ago now, and suddenly get a load of driving instructor videos recommended, and you're the only one who actually explains the reality of the general rules, rather than "THIS PERSON FAILED BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T OBEY THIS ONE SIMPLE RULE"
Oh mate this is a treat! I've had my license for about a year now and I still run into this issue on a daily basis! This has helped me out tremendously thank you so much
Ive always wondered if coasting actually causes significant wear to the clutch because i do it often! Thanks so much for this wonderful video, it really helped!!
As a driving instructor in Portugal, I thank you for this video. I too was pressured to advice my students to engage 1st gear at very low speed turnings even when the car doesnt fully stop. And It hurts my soul to engage 1st gear when moving. I got tired of advicing to do something i consider wrong. So I teach them to coast when the speed is to low for 2nd gear, and ONLY in these cases, and if the street they are turning in too is not uphill or steep, or if that steeet is not too narrow for them to control the car when releasing de cluth in 2nd gear. I have never seen a student fail for doing this nor being reprehended. I am constantley telling then not to coast at speeds where coasting is dangerpus..I dont allow costing through junctiones or roundabouts nor as a reaction to about anything that happens in front.of them. I feel it is my duty to prepare them not only for the test, but also and mainly to be safe drivers. And I doubt that anyone, even those instructores who forbid costing at these kind of low speed, actually engage 1st gear themselves. Adaptabiliy must be encourage. A future driver must be able to distinguish a turn left at very low speed going uphill at a narrow and curvy street, from a turn left at very low speeds going into a street downhill with no potencial danger in sight. Thank you for this video
Hi,this is exactly the case of my car too-The 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra H with 1.7CDTi, 5 speed manual. I had often cases when my engine was stalling or I was going too slow for 2nd but my 1st gear is very jerky to be put into and use when above like 13km/h. What I do is the same as you did in the video-I slip the clutch a little in 2nd while giving a little bit of throttle,then fully release the clutch, its always quite smooth and works and its better than downshifting and using the 1st gear,jerking the soul out of myself and my passengers. I use this when driving on hilly roads and city quite often. I am glad someone explained this. Thanks for the vid! Very useful!
I got this habit when riding motorcycles to use the clutch on 2nd gear and when I got my car, same habits, people tell me it will wear out the clutch faster I keep telling them that wear is marginal since I'm not accelerating hard on 2nd and to say, there is only some slight rev mismatch. This is a great video to address that.
This is my last video to watch tonight, I’ve got my test in 11 hours from now😮 fingers crossed and thank u for all ur videos, specially the emergency stop one and the explaining of the full test one ❤
If you look at this video closely, the issue is not about the wrong gear... CLUTCH control is the key to success. 2nd gear is more for advanced drivers as you need to accelerate smootly and keep the biting point for a bit longer than in first gear, whereas in 1st gear is ALMOST as you would start from a standstill, that is my opinion. I enjoyed every bit of this video, and I hope it will reach more people! I live in South England and I see so many people on their brakes from a top of the hill all the way to the bottom, whereas I put my vehicle in 2nd or 3rd gear and keeps it nicely controlled. Coasting at 5-10mph isn't really dangerous as brakes can immediately stop you, whereas if you do 30-40mph it can be really dangerous as you have lack of control of the car
This is what i have been needing. new owner of a 2018 wrx manual. First ever manual. I was struggling with making turns. They were either to fast or i would lugg the engine because the rpms were low. Wasnt sure what i was doing wrong. Now i know i can use the clutch in 2nd gear. Thanks
That is actually something I have struggled with even though I've been driving for a couple of years now. I think I've learned something from this video, so thank you.
Ahhh I really appreciate you explaining the difference between types of coasting. I built up a habit of coasting at speed, so when I got rid of it I found the whole "jerky first vs too-fast second" hard to deal with.
Cool video, I often wondered about this when I was just starting out. But now with a bit of experience, it's hardly ever an issue. Whenever you're in that "grey area", you're either fast enough to be able to use just the clutch to accelerate back to 2nd, or slow enough to be able to quickly (but gently) slow down to 1st.
Really appreciated. Mosted of my life I have driven automatic but now I own a manual. So am improving my skills as driving it more and more. I do try to match my gears to my speed and have had confusing before if the car needs 2nd or 1st when approaching a round about. Plus when leaving my works there is a lot of stop and go slow traffic. So have been using my clutch a lot then to control the car. Thanks so much. Thanks.
I tend to struggle with progress matching the gears with the speed of the car and speeding up faster on clear roads it's my driving test tomorrow thank you for all your videos they have made a difference in my journey to drive
@@adesportgt the serious faults were not looking in the left mirror before leaving the roundabout and turning right while a car was coming the examiner said there is a car coming then I braked.
Thank you so much I passed my test yesterday first time with 5 minors your videos are really helpful and informative it’s really help when you are driving thank you so much again
As an American, I kind of learned this intuitively but thank you so much for the clarification! It's good to know I'm not crazy! My first car (an old RWD Toyota AE86) did not make much power so sometimes I had to push the clutch in a bit to keep the revs up around certain maneuvers. You have to cause some slip in the drivetrain to allow the RPM to stay up for power sometimes and on the street, the clutch is there for that reason! Now I also have a 300hp V8 Mustang with aggressive gears so I have to slip the clutch while cruising in idle in traffic to keep the car from accelerating too much off idle, so much more torque now lol. This is such an underrated technique!
Also on the track, interestingly enough, AE86 drivers have to intentionally 4 wheel drift the car to keep RPM up even if it is technically a slower cornering method, so instead of slipping the clutch to maintain power (which would burn it up in racing application) you slip the tires! All comes down to what you gotta do to keep the car in the powerband!
I’ve been learning for a week and I have this issue in my car I kinda just instinctively clutch in and let the clutch out slow when I have to turn slowly in second, this video showed me that it’s not a bad habit to have picked up early on
passed with only 4 minors Signals - Timed, 1 Control - Steering, 1 Junctions - Approach speed, 1 Progress - Appropriate speed, 1 thanks for all the videos you had been posting!
great video! first I thought this is a video for a racetrack and clicked on it, haha. what a nice surprice, that you are out there giving good advice for other people!
the short of it is, if the car is in motion and you feel you need first gear, just keep on second gear. Now, with experience you can do whatever the hell you want, but as a newbie this is generally the rule to follow. You can even downshift into first if you know your car well enough - but I don't recommend this for new drivers who is the intended audience of this video. I live in Canada and did my test with an automatic simply because they ding you points for too much crap driving stick. But after passing I just hopped into my daily which is manual and over time you learn how to perfect driving it. Interestingly, these videos touch base on pretty much all techniques I found work best when I was getting accustomed to my car.
Those two coasting/over the line roundabouts made me really nervous. I’ve seen it happen when cars don’t realise there’s a roundabout there, go too fast, and drive over the give way line. Proves your point fairly well about having the engine power to go though.
I had a SEAT Leon just like yours - a 18 plate. It was SO jerky in 1st gear, to the point where if I was in that inbetween spot of 1st/2nd I would completely stop and pull off again. It’s one of the main reasons I changed it. I had it checked out at SEAT (and always serviced it) and there was no issue, it was just the way the car was. I’ve now got an Audi A3, ironically with the same engine, but it’s absolutely fine.
We have a 2014 1.2 TSI and I'm finally learning to drive. I don't think 1st has been jerky. But having a motorbike + licence for many years, I found it reluctant to downshift into 1st and would force it a bit. It's because I'm used to being able to go into 1st early when approaching the end of a T-junction. So it's less complicated pulling away without shifting gears too. From these videos it's because I was going too fast to select 1st and coast (10-15 mph?). So I dislike how I have to either approach in 2nd in hope of being able to continue OR brake suddenly. Or if it's a blind junction, just stop anyway and go into 1st then. I often find it hard to accelerate as fast as I would like from a junction, as releasing the wet clutch quickly on my MC increases speed. On the Leon I need to stay on the clutch longer and have kangarooed a couple of times otherwise. I know on my SV650 they became jerkier because of emission restrictions. There's a guide on how to simply reposition the TPS slightly (Throttle Position Sensor) so it adds fuel at 1450 rpm instead of at 3000.
I'm an unsupervised driver of 4 years, received my opens (fully licensed) a year ago, and I found your channel as i bought an auto in the meantime to save up for a better car and decided to go for a turbo charged manual (learned on a manual and thought i was really good) I learned rev matching and other techniques for driving manual cars that make my experience all the more enjoyable. Thanks for your videos! PS, is it okay to clutch coast/ coast in neutral with comtrolled braking in extremely heavy teaffic environments? Not that it matters so much now, and it actually works as sometimes i will be going to slow, even for first gear.
Seems like something Low Range in Dual Range transmissions might help with. Subaru had such in some of their older models. It reduces 2nd gears top speed to same as 1st gear so technicly it should be able to be smooth at lower speeds, and not be as jerky as first still. Operation of these dual range levers is the same as shifter itself, clutch in and switch between Hi or Lo settings and release.
Interesting. I was taught to coast with the clutch in when coming to a stop, which naturally leads you to waiting longer to shift into first; though, to be fair, I live in North America, where manuals aren't even part of driver's ed because nobody has them. Many drivers don't even know there can be three pedals. (or roundabouts.) Fortunately, that muscle memory sticks with you once you have it. It's interesting to note that some cars basically won't let you into first if you're moving, though that's probably more common in close ratio transmissions, where second gear is still quite slow.
I'm not entirely sure why TH-cam recommended me this video. I don't live in the UK, nor am I a learner or provisional driver. But I watched all the way through anyway. Excellent advice. Although one thing I will say as someone with a lot of experience driving different vehicles is to just get to know your car. Some cars have a nice 1st gear, other cars it's practically useless for everyday driving (unless you're towing, or offroading for example). Personally I've found modern cars (particularly utilities/4x4s and cars with 6spd gearboxes) have very "short" 1st gears - i.e. they don't go very high in speed before the engine is revving its nuts off... AKA, a low gear. Great for taking off but very hard to drive smoothly in. Older cars with 4 or 5 speeds are much more forgiving, taller gears are a bit more forgiving in smoothness to a point. Don't be afraid to experiment a little with it, so long as it's safe to do so. Get to know your vehicle and see what techniques feel right. You won't break your car at 5-10mph. Just don't try going to first on a highway. 👍
There are a few speed bumps in my city that are too slow for 2nd and First is jerky and what I do is: 1. Press the clutch, go to neutral and lift the clutch. 2. At the same time slow down to the appropriate speed for the speed bump. 3. When my front tires pass it I put the clutch down, go to 2nd, add a little bit of gas and slowly lift the clutch up.
Excellent, was having this problem myself sometimes and no one properly explained this to me. This will let me approach intersections in a more controlled manner. I used this channel to supplement my own driving (manual) even though my country rules and yours including driver seat position is entirely different. I've had my license for soon to be 2 years.
Oh and basically the only thing that disturbs me is that you often keep your left foot below the clutch behind its pedal. I understand that it's a routine at this point but it would be very akward if your left foot got caught on that pedal when you need to do something quick.
We understand in cars where transmissions may not be great. You stated for us to use 1st gear as a low gear similar to a truck. L=1 1=2 2=3 3=4 4=5 6=5
Even if it’s weird seing you driving to the left, I take your advices because since I am still at a learning stade I take whatever advice there is that seem logical to me The only thing is during traffic because I have the feeling to pushing to much the clutch for doing « stop, putting neutral, putting 1st again and going forward » loop
My view is that if you are managing your speed with the footbrake, you are not coasting because the car is still under control. You had your right foot on the brake right up to the point where you lifted off ready to bring the clutch back to the bite to keep moving. The 'lift off' on the brake is the moment you decide it's safe to keep going instead of stopping. Your excellent video on emerging, ready to both stop and go springs to mind. John calls it a rolling stop, doesn't he?
finally someone understands me :) I was feeling insecure about the "coasting" I have the jerky first gear and I didn't understand what is expected, how to solve this issue. thank you :)
When I drive these days, I find when my speed is high or just a little bit high, gear lever just doesn't even slide in smoothly from second to first (yes, the clutch is on the floor, if you wonder). I have to be at or below 5 kmph to downshift from second to first. I usually don't choose to go below second gear until and unless my car is rolling. But sometimes, when I know I need to stop and have to pickup again. I tried to shift from second to first and that thing happened. I need to be really slow for first gear. I have got a hatchback with 1000cc engine. It's a pretty decent car.
I kept being annoyed by this. This video basically covered what i wanted to know, so thank you for this. However, one thing I always do without exception is using 1st gear in parking lots and such as the jump between 1st and 2nd is quite large in the car i use
Can't agree more. I just watched this video because the only manual car I ever drive is my mothers Meriva and driving around overfilled parking lot demads quite a lot of coasting. There is very little place and the first gear is so extremely jerky it's only good to get going and 2nd gear is very fast for some reason. Some cars just have awkward gearboxes I guess.
loads of cars will block the first gear if the car is traveling fast and the only way to get it engaged is some fancy double clutch rev matching that i don't really expect learners to be doing.
Or increase engine speed whilst changing into first. Declutch, raise revs to match road speed and bring everything back together nicely, easy for most learners. This also works with turning into an uphill or downhill gradient and would leave you with additional flexibility. If you can do this in all other gears you can do it in first. Secondly, please remember that a diesel will generally 'pull' as the engine management system will alter fuelling to avoid the stall. Therefore if you turn in using second gear, and bring the clutch up as you enter the new road, you can find yourself accelerating with the clutch and this can take less experienced drivers by surprise. Turn into a downhill scenario and fail to get back past the biting point in time and the car will run away. Thirdly, remember that skills should transfer to poor weather conditions and that in low grip scenarios such as ice and snow (the latter can need to be 'driven through) you need to be able to maintain safe momentum as, should you stop unintentionally, you may not get moving again - dangerous when close to a junction on an ungritted minor road. You are doing a great job in my opinion and your videos are appreciated Richard.
I've always been taught that first gear is best for moving off or at extremely slow speeds and that second gear (with or without slipping the clutch) is far smoother if you are already rolling, and especially so if you have a torquey engine that'll pull through anyway. I also find that many people get a bit too worked up about clutch wear - clutches are designed to allow for slip and small differences in engine and wheel speed. What actually damages them is a build-up of heat caused by riding it while at higher speeds or doing repeated back-to-back launches. Plus a clutch is a wear item, one that lasts many tens of thousands of miles and isn't a particularly expensive thing to replace either.
NYC drivers have a limited amount of tolerance for learners. Thanks to your videos, I got up to speed much quicker.
My spouse learned how to drive a stick in Manhattan. They are now doing the same for me.
I loathe driving in NYC but I am comfortable with the system of driving in the four good boroughs and Staten Island (they know what they did).
I am an American who just got my first manual car, this channel has been invaluable for me as almost no one in the US drives a manual and those who do have no clue how to teach. Thank you for all of your videos, they are extremely easy to understand and literally answer all of my questions!
Enjoy your manual! It's a dieing breed in the world. In the UK we have a separate test for autos and as I understand it more and more people are passing an auto test (meaning they can't drive a manual. It's illegal).
I've never had an automatic car. In 16 years on the road. When I do drive one It feels so strange.
What your used to I guess!
@@AdamMGTF what do you mean dying breed in the world, 80% of cars sold in europe are manual
Did I ask?
EY congrats on joining the manual elitist jerks gang!
They always go; just find the biting point then feel the engine. once you get use to start from complete stop and change gear from 1st to 2nd, just do the same to the other gears.
Richard, you are the goat. An absolute legend. Was up late last night revising all your control videos ingraining them to memory. Stressed out my head took my test today and I passed. Could not have done it without you. Thank you 🙏🏽
That's really great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
BAAAAAA
Driving for a couple of years but I still visit your channel from time to time, helps to keep tabs on my bad driving habits!
No other channel on youtube addresses these issues…there are tons of “how not to stall “ videos…but it is skills like these which makes your driving smooooooother and your fellow passengers will appreciate you for it..thank you to this channel
Thanks for all the tips throughout the videos, I passed today and couldn't do it without all the advice. I completely forgot to check around after the emergency stop but luckily it was a minor.
Welcome to the club brooo
@@jeankabumbu7633 still can't believe it, I got really lucky though
In practice, the most important thing is to remember WHY you should check around you after an emergency stop (or from any car stop). In a real emergency stop, you might experience some shock about what happened and you have to return your cool and look around before proceeding. A car might speed around a sharp turn and force you to stop in the middle of the near lane when turning right. You then might need to reverse to return behind the line to avoid obstruction, but in this spot you need to keep your cool and observe before reversing, looking for pedestrians who take advantage of the gap behind you, or a car that recently queued behind you. Others driving behaviour may anger you, but staying cool will help you avoid mistakes and stay in the present. If it takes a couple of seconds to return your cool, so be it, and stay put.
Great job! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
My first car was an automatic transmission. I had to downgrade due to financial difficulties this year. Seeing that manual transmissions are a few thousands cheaper than their automatic counterparts, I opted for manual. I thought I would seamlessly adapt but l was wrong. Driving manual proved extremely difficult but with the help of this channel, I was able to master gear shifting and clutch control without stalling and causing obstruction on the road during rush hour. Now I shift through the gears like a pro. I can downshift smoothly without jerking. I have also mastered rev matching.
You Mr Fanders are a gift that keeps on giving!
That's really great to hear! Thank you for watching.
Great video Richard, I've been an ADI since 2004 and totally agree that my training put a lot of pressure on me to eliminate coasting altogether. Years of experience in the job made me realise that coasting in certain circumstances makes things safer and easier. Like stopping in yellow box junctions people have one thing in their minds regarding coasting; that it's not permitted or tolerable in any circumstances!
I had this exact question for my driving instructor right before my test, i feel way safer putting the clutch down and rolling in second gear when i have no visibility so have been doing that. Used it on my exam last friday as well and passed with flying colors! Thanks for all your videos, they've helped a bunch!
I thought clutch made you go faster?
@@TaxingIsThievingnot in 2nd gear when you're going as slow as possible where it would stall
I always felt weird about my habit of going through 90 degree turns with the clutch in because I've never seen anybody else do that. Happy to see I'm not the only one 😁
Hey, just wanted to say thanks for all your instructions here. I'm from India and started driving only 3 years ago. Even after taking formal driving lessons I couldn't confidently handle driving in city (Bangalore) no matter how much of driving experience I got and found driving really stressful. After following along your videos and testing them out on the roads daily on my manual car (Suzuki Swift), I'm not only better now with the control of my vehicle and responding to hazards but also find driving very joyful.
Not to mention, with the confidence I built up in just 3 months of practise, in Dec 2022 I successfuly went on to have a long driving trip in the Western Ghats mountain range. I owe a big part of that success to the detailed videos you make. Cheers!🙂
Great!! namma bengaluravru.. I just started learning driving.. learning in mysore.. have to drive in blore.. looks like I have found the right channel
I just passed my test today, all thanks to these videos! Thank you so much, Richard! For anyone looking to pass their test, or build their confidence with driving before getting behind the wheel, I highly recommend this channel!
That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Hi Richard. Great video. I agree with the content 100%. I’ve been driving for 35 years and have been an instructor (now an ADI) for the last 10 months. The technique you’ve described and demonstrated is what I call a “controlled coast”. Like you said, if you’re in control, it’s safe, hence my description. It definitely helps to keep things smooth and my students benefit from this.
I'm a big fan of situational intermittent clutch-coasting. I'm glad to see it addressed in a favorable light in this video.
Pretty amazing that this man’s videos essentially taught me to drive stick way back when and he’s still teaching me small tips years later, you never stop learning :)
I was always stubborn since my instructor would usually tell me to shift down to first and I never did and would play around with the clutch and gas. Here I think it's usually that instructors don't expect new drivers to be able to do that with a good enough degree of control.
I passed my test a few weeks back, also in part because of this channel! Such a valuable resource to people taking driving lessons or even people like me, who have recently passed and have only really just started our journey of learning :)
That's really great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
I love that this was filmed in Colchester. I was so surprised when I saw your driving on my exact route home!
I just wanted to say how well this video is presented. Having the clips of the rev counter, pedals and you presenting at the top is really helpful. I find they really help make things clear and are really helpful particularly if you are struggling with the pedals (like me) ect. Awesome video man!
Hi Richard! I've developed this exact same habit and always felt bad about it thinking I'd put a lot of unnecessary wear on my clutch ... Happy to see it's not so bad 🙏
Bless you richard this is exactly what i was looking for.I was puzzled by what to do in turns that are sharp enough to make you anxious of what gear to choose between 1st and 2nd.Driving felt so hard for me as a new driver after getting my license and driving my fathers car because my instructor taught me that in every turn inside the town i should brake while approaching,then gear down to 1st,then clutch up and then steer.When i was doing the lessons i thought nothing of it,it seemed normal and my instructor told me to,so i assumed, him with way more experience than i,must be right.When i finally got my license though and started driving my self i came to realise you never really go that slow to gear down,
it is impractical to gear down to 1st. But because that was the way i learned it has now instilled fear to me and i kind of freeze and hope not to do anything stupid every time i need to take a turn in 2nd gear while keeping in mind that its better not to gear down to 1st and trying not to stall and keeping the clutch down for way too long.It feels so unfamiliar because i didnt learn that way and i am so unaccustomed and afraid and makes driving tiring. Also my father while a great driver himself ,he fails miserably to explain me anything about the topic and says its all about experience.Even though i am aware of that fact i still feel insecure about my driving,when it comes to turns at least.Nevertheless great video once again richard,i will watch it carefully probably a dozens of times and hopefully i will get better and more confident when i am taking turns.Sorry about the long essay to anyone reading this and wasting his time....
Different junctions require a different speed. It's important to use the gear that's appropriate for that speed which will vary from car to car.
Great great advice as always. I've been following you for years at this point and the quality of your videos has been consistent
love the video! my instructors car is a turbo diesel, so this was a huge problem when i was starting out and he even recommends coasting in 2nd sometimes, and the shift from 1st to 2nd is so unbelievably jerky and gives a lot of turbo lag. Coasting can solve a whole lot of problems, yet so many instructors seem to have pressure on them to tell their students not to use it.
Thank you for making this video, I'm sure it will help many learners! Too many people see coasting to be the biggest taboo in EVERY circumstance, which I've never understood... I mean, changing gear is technically coasting and I don't feel like I'm about to crash every time I do that. Unfortunately over here in Spain if you coast AT ALL it can lead to a mark against you, which really makes no sense. I'm glad to hear its not that way in UK
I passed april 2021 but I just had a thought about your YT channel and thought I'd come and say thanks. I never used an instructor, I solely practiced in my mums car and did my test in it, and purely relied on your channel for learning how to do the manouvers, the mirror checks to do etc. I passed 1st time with 1 minor in wolverhampton. I don't live there and never practiced there, I just picked it because at the time covid made it impossible to get tests. It at the time was also the lowest pass rate in the UK, so I was very pleased and it just shows if you're a competent driver you can pass anywhere. It also shows if you're committed you don't need an instructor (and if your parents are willing to do lessons with you haha). But again a big thank you! Never had an instructor so you were technically mine :)
That's really great to here, what an achievement!
Damn, that's incredible. 👏
Great video! I always had this question in mind however it was settled with many of your clutch control videos especially the traffic and hill but this video make it very clear for me. I’m glad I control my car just like your first example using 2nd since my car doesn’t want to go to 1st until almost complete stop. Thank you once again for your time and effort. Great job!!
Thanks a lot boss, am not even from the UK but I always have some question and I'd find no videos explaining it, but then boom one of your videos pop up! Seriously, thanks!
Lol, been driving for almost 12 years now. I do most of the things you say in your videos by instinct but the algorithm keeps recommending your videos and I keep watching them. So I finally subscribed. I'm not even from the UK haha.
My Honda really doesn't want to shift to 1st unless practically barely moving. I am hence used to doing the same thing as you showed. This was a very useful video. Thanks.
Great advice! Passed my test 8 months ago, and my first car is a 2010 Mazda 3, its super jumpy in 1st, but is forgiving in other gears, so using the clutch when going super slow in 2nd really helps! Took a little while to realise I needed to get out of 1st way quicker than when I was learning!
fellow 2010 mazda 3! I also had the same experience with my car as well, super jumpy in 1st but going slow in 2nd is super helpful
The Mazda's 3 are great like that. 1st gear is used to get rolling and as soon as you go around 10km, its 2nd gear and using the clutch when needed. I drive a 2005 (1st gen) Mazda 3. I had to overhaul all the gear lessons as they didnt work well for the Mazda 😂
@@nathaliebrinkman4607 my 06 miata is the same way lol. 1st gear on the 6 speed is an odd one.
Same here on a 08 Mazda 6.
Same here with Mazda 2014! Took me months to realize, 1st is useless for any driving - either jumpy or revs too high and I need 2nd.
Easy: just put it in 1.5th gear
Platform nine & three quarters
Clutch down coasting is like a smooth decider in situations like this your in still control to select the appropriate gear when needed. You still have your brakes, rather than jerkin about in first or snuggling in second!!
I passed my test many years ago now, and suddenly get a load of driving instructor videos recommended, and you're the only one who actually explains the reality of the general rules, rather than "THIS PERSON FAILED BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T OBEY THIS ONE SIMPLE RULE"
Oh mate this is a treat! I've had my license for about a year now and I still run into this issue on a daily basis! This has helped me out tremendously thank you so much
Ive always wondered if coasting actually causes significant wear to the clutch because i do it often! Thanks so much for this wonderful video, it really helped!!
As a driving instructor in Portugal, I thank you for this video. I too was pressured to advice my students to engage 1st gear at very low speed turnings even when the car doesnt fully stop. And It hurts my soul to engage 1st gear when moving. I got tired of advicing to do something i consider wrong. So I teach them to coast when the speed is to low for 2nd gear, and ONLY in these cases, and if the street they are turning in too is not uphill or steep, or if that steeet is not too narrow for them to control the car when releasing de cluth in 2nd gear. I have never seen a student fail for doing this nor being reprehended. I am constantley telling then not to coast at speeds where coasting is dangerpus..I dont allow costing through junctiones or roundabouts nor as a reaction to about anything that happens in front.of them. I feel it is my duty to prepare them not only for the test, but also and mainly to be safe drivers. And I doubt that anyone, even those instructores who forbid costing at these kind of low speed, actually engage 1st gear themselves. Adaptabiliy must be encourage. A future driver must be able to distinguish a turn left at very low speed going uphill at a narrow and curvy street, from a turn left at very low speeds going into a street downhill with no potencial danger in sight. Thank you for this video
My guy, I have had no idea how to explain this as a question for so long. Thank you.
Hi,this is exactly the case of my car too-The 2010 Opel (Vauxhall) Astra H with 1.7CDTi, 5 speed manual. I had often cases when my engine was stalling or I was going too slow for 2nd but my 1st gear is very jerky to be put into and use when above like 13km/h. What I do is the same as you did in the video-I slip the clutch a little in 2nd while giving a little bit of throttle,then fully release the clutch, its always quite smooth and works and its better than downshifting and using the 1st gear,jerking the soul out of myself and my passengers. I use this when driving on hilly roads and city quite often. I am glad someone explained this. Thanks for the vid! Very useful!
Appreciate all of your videos and tips, I have my test on Thursday
Good luck!
I got this habit when riding motorcycles to use the clutch on 2nd gear and when I got my car, same habits, people tell me it will wear out the clutch faster I keep telling them that wear is marginal since I'm not accelerating hard on 2nd and to say, there is only some slight rev mismatch. This is a great video to address that.
This is my last video to watch tonight, I’ve got my test in 11 hours from now😮 fingers crossed and thank u for all ur videos, specially the emergency stop one and the explaining of the full test one ❤
I hope it went well!
If you look at this video closely, the issue is not about the wrong gear... CLUTCH control is the key to success. 2nd gear is more for advanced drivers as you need to accelerate smootly and keep the biting point for a bit longer than in first gear, whereas in 1st gear is ALMOST as you would start from a standstill, that is my opinion.
I enjoyed every bit of this video, and I hope it will reach more people! I live in South England and I see so many people on their brakes from a top of the hill all the way to the bottom, whereas I put my vehicle in 2nd or 3rd gear and keeps it nicely controlled.
Coasting at 5-10mph isn't really dangerous as brakes can immediately stop you, whereas if you do 30-40mph it can be really dangerous as you have lack of control of the car
My car has a really jerky 1st and people seem take so long to get moving at greens when I'm just arriving. This is super helpful advice, thank you.
This is what i have been needing. new owner of a 2018 wrx manual. First ever manual. I was struggling with making turns. They were either to fast or i would lugg the engine because the rpms were low.
Wasnt sure what i was doing wrong. Now i know i can use the clutch in 2nd gear. Thanks
WHAT A TIMING. I was thiking about being more smoother with first and second gears and here you are with this video. THANK YOU :)
Fantastic subject again Richard loved it.. "cut the drive" is the way I explain 'coasting' at low speeds. Thanks again.
That is actually something I have struggled with even though I've been driving for a couple of years now. I think I've learned something from this video, so thank you.
Excellent demonstration. It shows people need to get familiar with their own car and use their own judgments..
You are a LIFE SAVER these are the kind of finnicky questions that I could never put into words! Thank you!
Thanks for clarifying coasting and when it makes sense to do it. Really helpful for a beginner
Ahhh I really appreciate you explaining the difference between types of coasting. I built up a habit of coasting at speed, so when I got rid of it I found the whole "jerky first vs too-fast second" hard to deal with.
Cheers mate, I love your advice. I really improved my driving since I start watching your videos.
just had a first manual driving lessons today, your videos helped me a lot! cheers
i've already passed my test and been driving for a while now and these still helped me a lot!
Cool video, I often wondered about this when I was just starting out. But now with a bit of experience, it's hardly ever an issue. Whenever you're in that "grey area", you're either fast enough to be able to use just the clutch to accelerate back to 2nd, or slow enough to be able to quickly (but gently) slow down to 1st.
Really appreciated. Mosted of my life I have driven automatic but now I own a manual. So am improving my skills as driving it more and more. I do try to match my gears to my speed and have had confusing before if the car needs 2nd or 1st when approaching a round about. Plus when leaving my works there is a lot of stop and go slow traffic. So have been using my clutch a lot then to control the car. Thanks so much. Thanks.
I tend to struggle with progress matching the gears with the speed of the car and speeding up faster on clear roads it's my driving test tomorrow thank you for all your videos they have made a difference in my journey to drive
I hope it went well!
@@ConquerDriving it was a fail two serious and three minors
@@hinaparmar9055 what were your serious faults
@@adesportgt the serious faults were not looking in the left mirror before leaving the roundabout and turning right while a car was coming the examiner said there is a car coming then I braked.
Thank you so much I passed my test yesterday first time with 5 minors your videos are really helpful and informative it’s really help when you are driving thank you so much again
That's fantastic news! Congratulations on passing!
As an American, I kind of learned this intuitively but thank you so much for the clarification! It's good to know I'm not crazy! My first car (an old RWD Toyota AE86) did not make much power so sometimes I had to push the clutch in a bit to keep the revs up around certain maneuvers. You have to cause some slip in the drivetrain to allow the RPM to stay up for power sometimes and on the street, the clutch is there for that reason! Now I also have a 300hp V8 Mustang with aggressive gears so I have to slip the clutch while cruising in idle in traffic to keep the car from accelerating too much off idle, so much more torque now lol. This is such an underrated technique!
Also on the track, interestingly enough, AE86 drivers have to intentionally 4 wheel drift the car to keep RPM up even if it is technically a slower cornering method, so instead of slipping the clutch to maintain power (which would burn it up in racing application) you slip the tires! All comes down to what you gotta do to keep the car in the powerband!
The AE86 is a legendary car.
I’ve been learning for a week and I have this issue in my car I kinda just instinctively clutch in and let the clutch out slow when I have to turn slowly in second, this video showed me that it’s not a bad habit to have picked up early on
Big fan. Can't lie Richard taught me how to drive my first big body 6 gear. First manual I ever owned.. all the way from overseas!
Thank you so much for making these videos, I don't think I could have passed without them!!
That's really great to hear, thank you!
Finally passed my driving test! Thanks for the videos, will keep watching for the continued wisdom :D
That's great news! Congratulations on passing!
Your videos are really informative! Been thinking about getting a manual so I’ve been watching a lot of your videos for tips of what to or not to do!
This is one question I've had about driving for ages now!
passed with only 4 minors
Signals - Timed, 1
Control - Steering, 1
Junctions - Approach speed, 1
Progress - Appropriate speed, 1
thanks for all the videos you had been posting!
That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Awesome video Richard through out my journey to becoming a driver i must say your contribution had been emense
Amazing video Richard, I was waiting for a video about this topic on your channel
Wonderful video, everyone should watch your videos to perfect driving, driving is something people are underestimating nowadays.
Passed today with no minors, 1 of 8 in 8500 students, your videos helped a lot, thanks✌🏼
Exact same! Let's gooo
@@dc1564 congrats mate
That's great news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Im American, but ive never owed a manual transmission before (most cars here are automatic) and I just have to thank you for all of the helpful info
It's more work, but it's more fun when you want to zoom around
Have my license for some time now but this video definitely had some useful tips I'll be sure to take into account, thanks for uploading this
great video! first I thought this is a video for a racetrack and clicked on it, haha. what a nice surprice, that you are out there giving good advice for other people!
This video may interest you from my other channel: th-cam.com/video/anJyquvshsY/w-d-xo.html
Explaining coasting technique beautifully for beginners, to become well versioned in driving more successfully.
the short of it is, if the car is in motion and you feel you need first gear, just keep on second gear. Now, with experience you can do whatever the hell you want, but as a newbie this is generally the rule to follow. You can even downshift into first if you know your car well enough - but I don't recommend this for new drivers who is the intended audience of this video. I live in Canada and did my test with an automatic simply because they ding you points for too much crap driving stick. But after passing I just hopped into my daily which is manual and over time you learn how to perfect driving it. Interestingly, these videos touch base on pretty much all techniques I found work best when I was getting accustomed to my car.
Thanks Richard your videos are very helpful ,practical and informative, passed my uk driving test in 1st attempt 😊😊, your inputs were very important
That's really great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Helpful as always! My 2L diesel is forgiving on the gears (I can pull away in second there's so much torque) but I've had cars like you've explained
Don’t pull away in second as a habit because you’ll do the clutch and duel mass flywheel in.
@@Alexander_l322 I don't lol, just when I forget what gear I'm in
Those two coasting/over the line roundabouts made me really nervous. I’ve seen it happen when cars don’t realise there’s a roundabout there, go too fast, and drive over the give way line. Proves your point fairly well about having the engine power to go though.
I had a SEAT Leon just like yours - a 18 plate. It was SO jerky in 1st gear, to the point where if I was in that inbetween spot of 1st/2nd I would completely stop and pull off again.
It’s one of the main reasons I changed it.
I had it checked out at SEAT (and always serviced it) and there was no issue, it was just the way the car was.
I’ve now got an Audi A3, ironically with the same engine, but it’s absolutely fine.
You may have had a different engine. First gear in my Leon is easy and smooth.
We have a 2014 1.2 TSI and I'm finally learning to drive. I don't think 1st has been jerky. But having a motorbike + licence for many years, I found it reluctant to downshift into 1st and would force it a bit.
It's because I'm used to being able to go into 1st early when approaching the end of a T-junction. So it's less complicated pulling away without shifting gears too.
From these videos it's because I was going too fast to select 1st and coast (10-15 mph?). So I dislike how I have to either approach in 2nd in hope of being able to continue OR brake suddenly. Or if it's a blind junction, just stop anyway and go into 1st then.
I often find it hard to accelerate as fast as I would like from a junction, as releasing the wet clutch quickly on my MC increases speed. On the Leon I need to stay on the clutch longer and have kangarooed a couple of times otherwise.
I know on my SV650 they became jerkier because of emission restrictions. There's a guide on how to simply reposition the TPS slightly (Throttle Position Sensor) so it adds fuel at 1450 rpm instead of at 3000.
I'm an unsupervised driver of 4 years, received my opens (fully licensed) a year ago, and I found your channel as i bought an auto in the meantime to save up for a better car and decided to go for a turbo charged manual (learned on a manual and thought i was really good) I learned rev matching and other techniques for driving manual cars that make my experience all the more enjoyable.
Thanks for your videos!
PS, is it okay to clutch coast/ coast in neutral with comtrolled braking in extremely heavy teaffic environments?
Not that it matters so much now, and it actually works as sometimes i will be going to slow, even for first gear.
Just passed my 3rd test today with 3 minors. thanks man your videos really have been such a great suppliment to my driving.
well done bro
That's really great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!
Seems like something Low Range in Dual Range transmissions might help with. Subaru had such in some of their older models. It reduces 2nd gears top speed to same as 1st gear so technicly it should be able to be smooth at lower speeds, and not be as jerky as first still. Operation of these dual range levers is the same as shifter itself, clutch in and switch between Hi or Lo settings and release.
Interesting. I was taught to coast with the clutch in when coming to a stop, which naturally leads you to waiting longer to shift into first; though, to be fair, I live in North America, where manuals aren't even part of driver's ed because nobody has them. Many drivers don't even know there can be three pedals. (or roundabouts.) Fortunately, that muscle memory sticks with you once you have it.
It's interesting to note that some cars basically won't let you into first if you're moving, though that's probably more common in close ratio transmissions, where second gear is still quite slow.
I'm not entirely sure why TH-cam recommended me this video. I don't live in the UK, nor am I a learner or provisional driver. But I watched all the way through anyway. Excellent advice. Although one thing I will say as someone with a lot of experience driving different vehicles is to just get to know your car. Some cars have a nice 1st gear, other cars it's practically useless for everyday driving (unless you're towing, or offroading for example).
Personally I've found modern cars (particularly utilities/4x4s and cars with 6spd gearboxes) have very "short" 1st gears - i.e. they don't go very high in speed before the engine is revving its nuts off... AKA, a low gear. Great for taking off but very hard to drive smoothly in. Older cars with 4 or 5 speeds are much more forgiving, taller gears are a bit more forgiving in smoothness to a point.
Don't be afraid to experiment a little with it, so long as it's safe to do so. Get to know your vehicle and see what techniques feel right. You won't break your car at 5-10mph. Just don't try going to first on a highway. 👍
There are a few speed bumps in my city that are too slow for 2nd and First is jerky and what I do is:
1. Press the clutch, go to neutral and lift the clutch.
2. At the same time slow down to the appropriate speed for the speed bump.
3. When my front tires pass it I put the clutch down, go to 2nd, add a little bit of gas and slowly lift the clutch up.
I always thought that because of bad clutch control, i used too jerk in first gear. Thanks for the tip 😊
Excellent, was having this problem myself sometimes and no one properly explained this to me. This will let me approach intersections in a more controlled manner. I used this channel to supplement my own driving (manual) even though my country rules and yours including driver seat position is entirely different.
I've had my license for soon to be 2 years.
Oh and basically the only thing that disturbs me is that you often keep your left foot below the clutch behind its pedal. I understand that it's a routine at this point but it would be very akward if your left foot got caught on that pedal when you need to do something quick.
We understand in cars where transmissions may not be great.
You stated for us to use 1st gear as a low gear similar to a truck.
L=1 1=2 2=3 3=4 4=5 6=5
Could have done with this video when I started learning, there doesn't seem to be any videos out there explaining this like you have.
I prefer to clutch in and yank the handbrake, but this coasting method seems cool too.
Even if it’s weird seing you driving to the left, I take your advices because since I am still at a learning stade I take whatever advice there is that seem logical to me
The only thing is during traffic because I have the feeling to pushing to much the clutch for doing « stop, putting neutral, putting 1st again and going forward » loop
My view is that if you are managing your speed with the footbrake, you are not coasting because the car is still under control. You had your right foot on the brake right up to the point where you lifted off ready to bring the clutch back to the bite to keep moving. The 'lift off' on the brake is the moment you decide it's safe to keep going instead of stopping. Your excellent video on emerging, ready to both stop and go springs to mind. John calls it a rolling stop, doesn't he?
This video may be of interest: th-cam.com/video/FjsbTxTIDUg/w-d-xo.html
finally someone understands me :) I was feeling insecure about the "coasting" I have the jerky first gear and I didn't understand what is expected, how to solve this issue. thank you :)
I am just looking for this question! nice timing
When I drive these days, I find when my speed is high or just a little bit high, gear lever just doesn't even slide in smoothly from second to first (yes, the clutch is on the floor, if you wonder). I have to be at or below 5 kmph to downshift from second to first. I usually don't choose to go below second gear until and unless my car is rolling. But sometimes, when I know I need to stop and have to pickup again. I tried to shift from second to first and that thing happened. I need to be really slow for first gear. I have got a hatchback with 1000cc engine. It's a pretty decent car.
Me too and when I do manage to get it in it then jumps back out of gear! I have 2010 ford fiesta 1.25
This video may be of interest: th-cam.com/video/2010sGSrD88/w-d-xo.html
I kept being annoyed by this. This video basically covered what i wanted to know, so thank you for this. However, one thing I always do without exception is using 1st gear in parking lots and such as the jump between 1st and 2nd is quite large in the car i use
Can't agree more. I just watched this video because the only manual car I ever drive is my mothers Meriva and driving around overfilled parking lot demads quite a lot of coasting. There is very little place and the first gear is so extremely jerky it's only good to get going and 2nd gear is very fast for some reason. Some cars just have awkward gearboxes I guess.
very easy to understand explanation, and the incident was in my car. thanks for this video
loads of cars will block the first gear if the car is traveling fast and the only way to get it engaged is some fancy double clutch rev matching that i don't really expect learners to be doing.
Or increase engine speed whilst changing into first. Declutch, raise revs to match road speed and bring everything back together nicely, easy for most learners. This also works with turning into an uphill or downhill gradient and would leave you with additional flexibility. If you can do this in all other gears you can do it in first. Secondly, please remember that a diesel will generally 'pull' as the engine management system will alter fuelling to avoid the stall. Therefore if you turn in using second gear, and bring the clutch up as you enter the new road, you can find yourself accelerating with the clutch and this can take less experienced drivers by surprise. Turn into a downhill scenario and fail to get back past the biting point in time and the car will run away. Thirdly, remember that skills should transfer to poor weather conditions and that in low grip scenarios such as ice and snow (the latter can need to be 'driven through) you need to be able to maintain safe momentum as, should you stop unintentionally, you may not get moving again - dangerous when close to a junction on an ungritted minor road. You are doing a great job in my opinion and your videos are appreciated Richard.
Nice explanation.
Good job buddy.
I've always been taught that first gear is best for moving off or at extremely slow speeds and that second gear (with or without slipping the clutch) is far smoother if you are already rolling, and especially so if you have a torquey engine that'll pull through anyway. I also find that many people get a bit too worked up about clutch wear - clutches are designed to allow for slip and small differences in engine and wheel speed. What actually damages them is a build-up of heat caused by riding it while at higher speeds or doing repeated back-to-back launches. Plus a clutch is a wear item, one that lasts many tens of thousands of miles and isn't a particularly expensive thing to replace either.
I agree. Although the clutch can be quite expensive depending on your car.
Even non torquey engine. My 900cc with 40hp in a city with some heavy climbs, manage to do it. 30% is the norm, and no handbrake for launches