The Student Room Group

Moving off from junctions

Can anyone help me please. Learning to drive at the moment, but going with my uncle because I really can't afford driving lessons. The thing I am having the most trouble with is moving off from a stop junction. When I have come to a stop without using my handbrake, checked it is ok to move, I have real trouble finding the bite in good time, so I can move before any other traffic comes my way. How does everyone else achieve this?

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Reply 1
Just accelerate while trying to find the bite. It takes practice trying to find it.
when you get to the biting point, it is the point as which the car will slowly start moving forward

gradually raise your left foot until the car suddenly feels liek it has a little power and will start to move forward - when this happens you can apply some gas to help move the car on (and then take your foot off the clutch)

dont worry - its one of those things you will get better with over time as you get used to the idea and the car.
Practice, practice, practice, practice and keep practicing.
Reply 4
Most people struggle with the stop-starting of driving but I promise you'll get there after a while.

When you need to move off try not to rush yourself, it's better to be a bit slower and not stall than to rush off and find yourself stuck in the road (and I should know :smile: ). Put yourself in gear and make sure you give it some gas (up to 1 and 1/2 or 2 on the dial) but keep your foot on the clutch. The front of car should move up little when you've got the bite point and struggle. Release your handbrake then slowly take your foot of the clutch (don't worry about doing this too fast either, it helps you keep it controlled until you're out the junction) and give the car a little more gas to get it going and you should be away. Like I said, you just need to get experience and practice and one day it'll just click :yep:
Reply 5
If you're not using your handbrake: Have your foot on the brake while slowly moving the clutch up to the bite (You should feel the car move slightly, or push up at an angle or maybe even judder) now lift off the brake (and if your bite is good you shouldn't roll backwards) and accelerate and fully release the clutch.
Reply 6
The Stig
If you're not using your handbrake: Have your foot on the brake while slowly moving the clutch up to the bite (You should feel the car move slightly, or push up at an angle or maybe even judder) now lift off the brake (and if your bite is good you shouldn't roll backwards) and accelerate and fully release the clutch.


I was under the impression that you shouldn't operate these two pedals simultaneously?
Reply 7
adboy91
Can anyone help me please. Learning to drive at the moment, but going with my uncle because I really can't afford driving lessons. The thing I am having the most trouble with is moving off from a stop junction. When I have come to a stop without using my handbrake, checked it is ok to move, I have real trouble finding the bite in good time, so I can move before any other traffic comes my way. How does everyone else achieve this?


Don't quote me on this: but over in Northern Ireland my driving instructor told me you need your handbrake to be applied at a Stop juntion - always?

Again, this was close to 2 years ago, but I'm almost sure!
Reply 8
NW8_SW1_EC3
I was under the impression that you shouldn't operate these two pedals simultaneously?

Stopping would be interesting if you weren't allowed to use both the brake and the clutch.
Reply 9
Rhys.
Stopping would be interesting if you weren't allowed to use both the brake and the clutch.


Obviously to roll to a stop without stalling the car, I just realised I was thinking of when I was learning and when performing maneuvers not to use both pedals, I can't see why now :s-smilie:

Haven't driven a manual since I passed :o:
Reply 10
practice it but not at junctions.
find a quiet road, like an industrial estate or something and just practice moving off without your handbrake on.
Reply 11
Just try to keep it smooth - that's the key. Bring it up too quick, you'll stall. If you just let it fly up, then you'll jolt forward.. then stall. Don't worry about taking time, youll get used to it eventually.
Reply 12
Why don't you use your handbrake?
Unless its on a flat then you dont need to keep your foot on the footbrake.
Just bring the clutch up until the bite comes and at the same time push the gas, while slowly lifting the clutch. Are you having problems because you stall?
I always find i stall because i dont push the gas enough and lift the clutch too soon- especially if theres someone waiting behind me and i feel ive held them up.
I agree with others, find somewhere quiet to practice it over and over- it will just come to you.
Put your foot to the floor and bring the clutch up so that the revs stay at peak power, taking off a bit of the loud peddle if the wheels start to spin.

Edit: sorry didn't read post. Get it just to the biting point then take the handbrake off, keeping the revs at about 1500 (depending on your car) by putting your foot down harder on the throttle when you bring up the clutch. You'll know when you've reached the biting point, if you can't feel it through your foot, because the front of the car will begin to rise slightly.
PhilMc
Don't quote me on this: but over in Northern Ireland my driving instructor told me you need your handbrake to be applied at a Stop juntion - always?

Again, this was close to 2 years ago, but I'm almost sure!


No, you just have to come to a complete stop.
NW8_SW1_EC3
I was under the impression that you shouldn't operate these two pedals simultaneously?


I agree, though it depends on the car. My car will just stall if I take the clutch anywhere near the bite point with my foot on the brake, it needs some revs.
Elementric
I agree, though it depends on the car. My car will just stall if I take the clutch anywhere near the bite point with my foot on the brake, it needs some revs.

are you sure its not just because you're clutch control is bad and you're taking it over the bite?
I can't people people are talking about holding the brake pedal and finding the bite. Especially when a learner is trying to get some advice. What's the problem with applying the handbrake?
The best advice is just to take it slowly and carefully. Remember to set the gas and you will get better with practice. Your speed will improve as you improve.
Reply 18
Elementric
No, you just have to come to a complete stop.


Must be different over here then, I was told if you were stopped for anytime longer than 2-3 seconds you should apply handbrake as well.
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are you sure its not just because you're clutch control is bad and you're taking it over the bite?


err, yes.
well hang on.. unless you are trying to say that you should bring it to just before the bite, then take your foot off the brake, then apply some throttle, then bring up the clutch, which would of course be ludicrous....