Clutch control at junctions and crossroads

[@PSY0PZ]

I live in the USA, got my first manual transmission vehicle a few weeks ago at 28 years old after driving automatic since 16, and your videos have been incredibly valuable to me while I learn. I've been going out at night to practice, doing "drills" at roundabouts where I stop and then quickly start off again, and now I'm feeling more confident to begin daily-driving the manual. Thank you for your videos, sir.

[@JamesTravis]

Good to hear they are helping.. Happy driving.

[@matthewmcmahon684]

So helpful, had my third lesson doing this and really struggled when I had to stop and go again because I just panic and stall. This has calmed me down a bit just as I understand it a bit better

[@JamesTravis]

There is a playlist on clutch control if you are interested, it’s on the channel. Safe driving

[@bassbabs6500]

The stalling and clutch control is a nightmare for me.

[@Shirotsune-Tomuro]

Same here

[@MrBURGER1982]

Still struggling with this on my 3rd lesson hopefully get this improved and it will get better from there

[@JamesTravis]

Just keep trying and it will improve

[@daviddsouza4887]

I love the commentary driving, thanks for your time and efforts

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for your kind comment

[@daviddsouza4887]

@@JamesTravis Hi Travis a quick question, when going up the gears, one must release the clutch smoothly, do we accelerate after the clutch is completely up, or begin accelerating while coming up, thanks

[@JamesTravis]

David D'souza as your left foot comes off the clutch your right foot goes on the accelerator. It’s like you are balancing the movement

[@AshaAsha-rk5ff]

last week I finished my fourth lesson (8 hours ) but I didn't fully drive in all those hours and I felt so confused and panicked with all those cars and all the things I need to do when waiting at a junction and even my steering was a mess because I was losing my concentration due to clutch or changing gear but this video really made things clear to me thank you

[@JamesTravis]

Good luck with your driving lessons

[@FopDoodles]

Thank you so much for explaining about taking your time. I’m only on my fourth lesson having never driven before and I’m panicking about having to do it so quickly I’m missing gears or stalling. Need to keep reminding myself- I have time, other people can wait! Your videos are great for in between my lessons- thank you.

[@JamesTravis]

They are recorded for people like you. Good luck with your lessons and if you have time checkout my playlists on learning to drive.

[@fam967]

Best video explaining how to control the pedals,gears at junctions

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for your kind comment. Safe driving

[@nickzolfaghari1261]

This is by far the best video to practice clutch control while not actually driving.I would usually just imagine I was in a car while watching this video and I would try to reincarnate what you were doing , and in fact it really helped even though I wasn’t actually driving.This really helped my clutch control - which was my major problem when learning to drive. Thanks a lot mate

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching

[@othalashelton854]

This is so helpful. I have a bad habit of staying too long on the clutch so I come to junctions a bit too quick sometimes, or I enter a corner with my foot on the clutch (I just need the break). It’s also helping me to work out why I’m stalling so much from moving off (coming off the clutch too quickly). I’ve got my test booked in March so I’m hoping I pass. Your videos are very helpful. Thank you 😊

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you and good luck

[@suzannekirkwood777]

Glad i found you! Currently transitioning from auto to manual. didn't drive for 20+yrs for several reasons, bravely went auto 2yrs ago whilst living in Australia, (plenty autos on the market) Managed ok although still not really confident. Returned to UK and have bought a manual like 3 days ago. My driving anxiety has bitten me again, not as bad luckily. Your videos are going to be a great help. Comforting to know others struggle too! Thanks for sharing!

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching and feel free to watch more videos from my channel. Safe driving

[@thatgamingbloke2378]

I feel fine with my clutch control at left and right turns (I’ve had 7 hours of lessons so still a long way to go). But whenever I have to pull behind a parked vehicle to let another car past, I panic a little bit as I feel rushed but this video has really helped me a lot - thank you!

[@JamesTravis]

Sounds like you are getting to grips with clutch control. Thank you for watching

[@metro6567]

It's been a couple of years since I passed my test and I'm thinking of getting a car once everything's back to normal. I've been subscribed since I was having lessons and your videos are still so useful!

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for your kind comment. I always try and put out a variety of videos to help others. Good luck and stay safe

[@laksyy]

Just started driving my own car after passing 3 years ago - Very helpful videos and voice-over of what you're doing and why. Thanks!

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for your kind comment. Safe driving

[@tahnx47]

Just wanted to say your videos are amazing and very underappreciated. Personally I think your videos are better than many channels out there!

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for your kind words. Safe driving

[@nestatonik]

Out of all the videos. This channel hits the nail!

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching. Safe driving

[@grimphil]

JUST COME ACROSS YOU TUTORIAL , AS AN OLDER GENT LEARNING TO DRIVE I HAVE FOUND THIS MOST HELPFUL ( THE OLD BRAIN STRUGGLES LOL )

[@JamesTravis]

Happy to help. Safe driving

[@paulpablo2543]

I had 2 lessons and clutch is making me apprehensive as I need to pass for work. Hopefully next few lessons will smooth out or I might think of automatic…. Thankyou for these videos, very helpful

[@JamesTravis]

Good luck on your lessons

[@lewuz1]

thank you - finally a helpful video that doesn't dilly dally taking forever t say nothing. Real time, can see pedals, brill!

[@JamesTravis]

If you get time checkout playlist on how to improve clutch control, I have a few more similar to this. Thank you for watching

[@matthewmcgagh6968]

Hi thanks for the videos really appreciate them I had my first lesson today here in Ireland and was doing this moving off turning left and right and doing juncions your videos are like a recap of my lesson and very useful

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching and enjoy your driving

[@phillipabodunwa8107]

very helpfull step by step instructions on how to use the control pedals

[@JamesTravis]

Safe driving

[@michaellucas9038]

Thanks, This is really helpful I'm off for a lesson later and I've been struggling with this. Hopefully I won't panic so much.

[@JamesTravis]

Enjoy your lessons

[@JayTraversJT]

Got my test next week and I still have issues knowing how or when to use clutch on various corners. Even now when Im far more confident I just know all my issues now completely stem from my control over a manual transmission- I can’t wait to get an auto. I’m not a very optimistic person but I 100% believe I could pass a test in an auto right now in comparison to manual.

[@JamesTravis]

Good luck on your driving test

[@JayTraversJT]

@@JamesTravis Thank you :)

[@angels77100]

Great lesson.

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you

[@nicoleeady889]

Thank you so much for giving me the repetition i needed to remember and become comfortable with stopping shortly at junctions. Although i'm still wondering, if you are in 3rd gear is it dangerous to drop to 1st gear all the while braking? I ask in terms of driving on an unfamiliar road, where you may not know there is a traffic light and you have to slow down and stop quite fast (i hope my question makes sense)

[@JamesTravis]

Hi Nicole, if you are unfamiliar with an area, you can always approach in 2nd gear like you mentioned. Thank you for watching

[@adriienne04]

YESSSSSS! i needed to see this video travis! as always, you’re a life saviour! thankyou again. great watch!🙏🏼👏🏼

[@JamesTravis]

Safe driving

[@philrichmond7567]

Thank you for sharing. I think MK roads are the best to master apart from London. A lot of unmarked junctions. Great challenge

[@JamesTravis]

I agree, there seems to be a lot of unmarked junctions.

[@louisemonaghan3534]

Great advice just what I need I am struggling with junctions I like it you show were your feet should be thanks Trevor 😁

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching

[@mikevfx7108]

Very straight forward. Thank you for making this video it helps alot

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching

[@Charlie-jt6uk]

Thank you for a very great video!

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for your kind comment

[@BD-qm5lv]

Excellent thank you! Really helpful to see the feet on the pedals too!

[@hannahsandhu4520]

Really helpful, thanks!

[@JamesTravis]

Happy to help. Safe driving

[@fin2754]

I’ve had one lesson so far and this was the only thing I struggled with my instructor was impressed otherwise I’m going on main road next lesson

[@JamesTravis]

Sounds like you are driving ok. This will happen

[@I__saaif__I]

This was very helpful sir

[@JamesTravis]

Happy to help

[@Philos360view]

Well explained very informative useful video super

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you. Safe driving

[@fatemasyed5021]

Thank you. It was very useful.

[@JamesTravis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@oblivious3973]

Still watching these videos two years after passing!

[@JamesTravis]

You must be enjoying watching them. Thank you

[@ollylynch1818]

Very helpful and informative video, thank you 😊

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching

[@kalhorious1935]

Great video, what a place to be practising too. All the crossroads in London are just jam packed so practising usually features quite a few horns.

[@CheekySailor18]

This is a reallllly good video

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching

[@thatnaturegirlfibroawarene3521]

I had to stop driving manual as I suffer with my lower back. I'm on to auto so much easier. But your videos are helping me. To remember x

[@JamesTravis]

That’s great the videos are helping. Thank you for watching

[@lucywhitehurst633]

Thanks for this! Extremely helpful because the minute I’m in the car with my instructor I panic & forget what I’m doing in these situations lol! Have a lesson today so fingers crossed no stalling & I’ll be more at ease after watching this 😁🙏.

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching and safe driving on your next lesson.

[@adamelahi5044]

Would you fail if you stop at give way instead of rolling to make sure its safe or if its on a hill?

[@JamesTravis]

If you cannot see or it is busy, then stop at give way. If you stop at give way when you can clearly see it is clear, you will get an observation fault.

[@adamelahi5044]

​@@JamesTravisWould that be a minor fault?

[@27531]

Very helpful, do you press on the gas once the clutch has come all the way up or do you press the gas while you are releasing the clutch at the same time?.

[@JamesTravis]

Press the gas whilst you are lifting clutch

[@nadiaa237]

Thankyou i find this so useful especially as I am learning x

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you. Checkout the playlist on learning to drive.

[@khalildagher7055]

this is awesome. can i ask why you keep your foot on the clutch? supposing you stopped at the junction, could you not put the car in neutral, then when traffic clears up, back in first?

[@JamesTravis]

Yes you could do that. But most of time you are only at a junction for a short period of time.

[@khalildagher7055]

@@JamesTravis Awesome, what about when you are stuck in stop/start traffic? I find myself moving between neutral and first gear, but of course if there's a better way that would be great to know too.

[@saffronkalirai188]

Hi very helpful, can I ask is the sequence when you wanna set back off the following: foot off break, bit of gas, find biting point then release clutch and more gas?

[@JamesTravis]

Very close to that. Foot off brake, set gas, find biting point. Then let the car move before releasing clutch, but at the same time increasing gas( both feet together at the same time).

[@lj2football58]

Very good vid mate juss passed my theory doing my hours now helped a lot 👍

[@JamesTravis]

Good luck with your driving lessons. Thank you for watching

[@solangemantho2084]

Thank you so much.

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching

[@rizzor001]

hi mate,great vid,i have a question ,i am on my pink and have been given 16 new pupils ,all no experience,i am teaching the way i was taught to teach in my part 3 training,but am finding it difficult to tell the pupil to put the handbrake on at every junction,in my extra 20 hours my trainer told me its wrong NOT to put handbrake on as they could roll back, your doing exactly want i want to teach ..any advice mate..ty steve.

[@JamesTravis]

Ummm. I think use the handbrake for the first few lessons so your students get used to it and understand what it’s for. Then you will find some students are making quicker progress than others. The ones that are making good progress, introduce stopping at junctions with foot on brake waiting for gaps, then tell them that if they are waiting for over 30 seconds to use handbrake. But remind them that on hills always use handbrake. Then as they progress and you feel they can cope, introduce balancing the pedals at junctions, if you feel they can cope. But along the way at each stage talk to them and ask them questions to make sure they understand. Hope that makes sense.

[@rizzor001]

@@JamesTravis ok ty ,yes it makes sense ,i will talk to them and start to introduce the foot brake and clutch more when they are more confident ,ty for you help.

[@iimSky]

Love the videos, is it wrong that i always release my clutch before i apply the gas. Once stopped at a junction should i apply some gas, then find the biting point and relase for a faster and smoother exit?

[@JamesTravis]

The best way is gas then clutch, but if you can pull off in your own car using clutch then gas without stalling, then great.

[@dainanbutler]

Will be on my 4th or 5th lesson in 2 weeks and this makes me understand what I need to do when I’m coming up to a junction a lot better, also my question is if your coming up to a junction should I always break slowly and clutch down into gear 1 and then when I’ve give way looking right left right, do i slowly lift the clutch and put pressure on the gas then clutch down into gear 2 ?? Because I often panic when I have to think about it, Thankyou 👍🏻👍🏻

[@JamesTravis]

You have most of the routine correct. A couple of things. After stopping at a closed junction and checking right, left, right, and it’s ok to proceed. I teach, gas then clutch to move off then when I have picked up enough speed, off gas, clutch down for 2nd gear. Some instructors teach moving at junctions lift up clutch then gas. So it’s down to you and your instructor but the second method has its drawbacks if wanting to move off faster.

[@dainanbutler]

@@JamesTravis hi Thankyou for your reply, yeah my instructor teachers me to slowly lift the clutch to get that bit movement (while in gear 1) then when getting abit of speed i clutch down into gear 2 then gas

[@JamesTravis]

@@dainanbutler are you learning to drive in a diesel car or petrol?

[@dainanbutler]

@@JamesTravis I think it’s a petrol if I can remember, the car is a Minni Cooper countryman I’m learning in

[@JamesTravis]

@@dainanbutler that’s interesting. I only ask because petrol cars are less forgiving and learning the gas then clutch has its advantages after you pass. Diesel cars tend to stall less. Hope that makes sense. Good luck with your lessons and feel free to checkout the learning to drive playlist or browse the channel. Safe driving

[@saleemhussain1201]

I an understanding i done my 6th lesson i always but my gluch up before break should i but break up the clutch on biting

[@JamesTravis]

Hi, there are different way to do this. I ask students to lift break off and clutch to biting point

[@thomasathey5265]

if you don’t put the clutch down when you’re going slow at like 5mph coming up to a junction will you stall? and are you able to come up to a junction in second gear without having to drop it down to first or will that stall it too?

[@veggiesaurus5834]

This was really helpful having these camera views on the pedals thank you. Any tips for creeping out on steeper hills? I can do hill starts ok but when i need to creep and peep I Keep either rolling back or stalling because I'm worried about shooting forward I think.

[@JamesTravis]

These are all great videos which should help; kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJjGfHZrgtOBqsU kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqubp4R_dqebpqs

[@veggiesaurus5834]

@@JamesTravis thank you!

[@m4ri5a8]

@@JamesTravis Was going to ask the same, thank you so much.

[@kalyansrinivas8345]

very beautiful skill is you are able to hold the car on uphill with no brake/handbrake, just playing around biting point Travis

[@JamesTravis]

It just takes practice and not being afraid to stall. Good luck

[@siani5299]

Wouldn’t the car stall if u were to bring the clutch to the biting point to hold the car without brake?. My instructors car is diesel so even on a steep hill if i bring it to the biting point it will move off without gas.

[@JamesTravis]

Diesel cars are more forgiving. Petrol cars you can lift towards the biting point(not at the top of biting point)with gas. It takes practice but you can certainly do this and not stall

[@siani5299]

@@JamesTravis can u hold diesel car on hill aswell by just using below biting point?

[@JamesTravis]

Of course. Just takes practice. Ask your instructor to show you.

[@XitizGamingYT]

Sir stay safe

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you, you too

[@taher9358]

Lifting my left foot for biting point causes thigh pain for me. Any advice?

[@JamesTravis]

You could be too close or too far away. Try adjusting your seat.

[@taher9358]

@@JamesTravis I’ll try that on my next lesson mate cheers

[@rapidzhits5291]

Quick question does one need to get the clutch to the biting point first then add gas or can you add gas first then biting point?

[@JamesTravis]

It is better to go gas then lift clutch to biting point

[@rapidzhits5291]

@@JamesTravis how much gas does one need to put

[@josswort5793]

Really helpful, thank you. :)

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching

[@javierhillier4252]

thank you so much, I can't thank you enough

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you for watching

[@amz0254]

Really good at explaining 👌. Next time could u put your speed somewhere on the screen like ur other videos makes it easier. Thanks for the help.

[@JamesTravis]

I will try. Thank you for watching

[@jameshale9901]

I have been going out with my dad lately and been struggling a bit with the timing of my clutch. I find it much easier with my driving instructor because when approaching a junction he will tell me to tap the break with quite a bit of distance away, and pretty much straight after, fully press the clutch, and then gradually break more and more until stopping at the line. I told my dad this and he seemed fairly surprised, and when telling my sister who’s been driving a year, said this is bad, because of something to do with engine breaking. This has further worried me when noticing near the middle of your video as an example, you put the clutch down quite close to the junction. I find it much easier the other way, however am now worrying that I am being taught lazily so to not stall etc. It’s funny as well because I’ve always felt I have a very good driving instructor, any advice ?

[@JamesTravis]

Sounds like you are was called coasting. Watch this video about how to avoid coasting kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYu3e5Zvl5loa6c I explain in detail. Its a lazy habit that experienced drivers pick up and some learner drivers. Your driving instructor should be spotting this and telling you not to do it. Plus on the driving test, the examiner will mark you down for coasting and if the coasting is very bad, then eventually a serious fault.

[@ewingsdrivertraining]

Great video! Could I ask which cameras you've used and how you mounted your pedal cam?

[@JamesTravis]

Hi, These are the cameras Recording equipment used on my channel 🎬Campark action camera 4K WiFi amzn.to/2ZunaGc 🎬Jeemak action camera 4K WiFi amzn.to/2vbOO9s 🎬Akaso V50 Pro action Camera 4K WiFi amzn.to/3d3d4PP Suction cup for windscreen amzn.to/303o6hx External Mic amzn.to/2LJEHSm The action cameras come with lots of attachments to attached under steering column

[@jackfoley2192]

Thanks i have it

[@JamesTravis]

Excellent

[@katiedunn9946]

Very helpful going for my first drive in my own car after passing test today, I’m getting better at clutch just seem slow when I get going

[@JamesTravis]

Congratulations on passing and thank you for watching

[@ridan6155]

My instructor's car starts juddering and is about to stall when it reaches below 10 mph so when I am taking turns am I allowed to hold down the clutch? My instructor says it is allowed and the examiner can't fail you for that but I want to make sure. I know you can't unnecessarily coast, especially when you are at high speed but that is different situation.

[@JamesTravis]

If you are in first gear and it is juddering then yes lower the clutch a bit to help the engine. If you are in second gear and the car is juddering, then the car is going too slow for the gear and you need to go to first gear. If you lower the clutch into every turn you will get into a habit of lowering the clutch a lot which is coasting.

[@ridan6155]

@@JamesTravis The problem is that if I change it to gear 1 then the car will jerk forwards so it is not really an ideal solution. From what I know the examiner gives you a fault for unnecessary coasting but in my case it is necessary like how coming to a stop and changing gear requires holding the clutch down for a bit.

[@JamesTravis]

@@ridan6155 the car is jurking when going into first gear because you need to lift off the clutch a lot slower

[@ridan6155]

@@JamesTravis Ok so should I change into gear 1 half way during every turn? My instructor advises against doing that. He told me the clutch down method when it judders and says it is fine and all his previous students passed doing this.

[@JamesTravis]

@@ridan6155 give it a try and see which one is best suited. Good luck

[@CoolzTR]

Hi there, im currently learning to drive at the moment and my instructor tells me to use the biting point when doing junctions turns but no gas. Is this okay? Because i feel that the biting point does not last long when moving at 2mph as it slows to stopping. Therefore i feel i need to add gas but i get shouted at for using gas.

[@JamesTravis]

In certain situations just the bite might work, but that would also depend on the car you are driving. Me personally would encourage the student to keep a little gas on and have the bite low and for longer(the same as if you were completing a manoeuvre at slow speeds). Ask your instructor to o explain fully why they think their way is better. Ask your instructor to teach you both ways so you can understand the difference and you can make the decision on which is best for you.

[@CoolzTR]

@JamesTravis Yes, but that is the thing. My instructor thinks her way is so much better than your way for example (which I personally prefer as it makes more sense to use bit of the gas/accelerator) that she would scold me for even thinking of your way/ saying to her I want to try your method of turning. I'm kind of at mixed emotions with my instructor at the moment so what should I do in my situation regarding the method of turning

[@JamesTravis]

@@CoolzTR I would not teach the gas only because there is a chance you will stall the car and lose confidence

[@CoolzTR]

@JamesTravis Oh no no no. I don't mean gas only, what I mean is I would like to do the bite point and bit of gas when turning (Your way). Rather than my instructor way of just using the bite point to turn.

[@JamesTravis]

@@CoolzTR yes I use gas with some bite. It is better and when you master the pedals you will see the difference

[@louiseegleton7621]

My car is a petrol and I struggle with when I come off the break I roll back before being able to get the bite? How can this be stopped without the hand break

[@JamesTravis]

Sounds like your biting point on the clutch is a bit low. If your car is new to you, you will adjust by practice this more in a quiet area to fine tune your biting point.

[@louiseegleton7621]

@@JamesTravis thank you ! So I will have to apply the hand break at a junction whist finding the bite to pull away

[@JamesTravis]

@@louiseegleton7621 if on a hill, probably. But if you are very good with clutch, then maybe not.

[@kalyansrinivas8345]

release the clutch with brake on till the biting point where the car vibrates, then hold the clutch there, now step off the brake and step on accelerator , @Travis correct me if wrong

[@abdalqadr1]

❤❤❤good

[@JamesTravis]

Thank you. Safe driving

[@gazmach1685]

Missed your observations, every time you passed parked cars

[@JamesTravis]

Thanks

[@missbritishchick]

My instructor makes me bring clutch up before adding gas.

[@JamesTravis]

That’s a different way of moving off. Are you driving a diesel car?

[@arsalanyounis7244]

I see you set the gas and the bite on a hill but when you came off the brake the car didn't roll back but when I do it does

[@JamesTravis]

That’s because your clutch is too low off the biting point. Try lifting the clutch so it’s just below biting point, then when you come off brake and go gas and bite, you will find it quickly.

[@arsalanyounis7244]

@@JamesTravis Does that mean I will be finding the bite while on the brake isn't there more chance of stalling then

[@JamesTravis]

@@arsalanyounis7244 no, not finding the biting point. Just lift up the clutch pedal and stop just below the biting point. Then when you go gas and bite, you find biting point faster, less roll.

[@arsalanyounis7244]

@@JamesTravis That makes sense usually I don't come to a stop on junctions I use the method which you used to catch the bite while slowing and balance clutch and accelerator if I stop I then clutch down and brake is that a good way to do it

[@ridan6155]

Please answer my previous comment if you know the answer thanks.

[@JamesTravis]

Just read your message and answered it. Safe driving

[@JacobKinsley]

Why does this suburb look so... orange...

[@JamesTravis]

It’s very dry

[@JacobKinsley]

@@JamesTravis reasonable explanation

[@brianm2881]

I was told that using your clutch to hold yourself on a hill is a bad habit because it causes excessive wear and tear on the clutch, and your supposed to always use the handbrake in this scenario. Obviously you know what you're doing, but I wanted to get your thoughts on this, thanks.

[@JamesTravis]

For a short period of time then it will be ok. But I would not hold it at the biting point for a long time in traffic, you could get clutch burn(smelly fish smell).