New driver questions on clutch help please don't want to burn it out..

kmb500 wrote: »

What's engine braking?



I went out with both my mum and dad a good 50+ hours while learning.

How did you pass your theory test? Engine braking is fairly self explanatory, its where the engine slows the vehicle down in the proper and safe way that a vehicle should slow down.

Unless you are coming to a stop/crawl or going down a steep incline, you shouldn't have to touch the clutch or gears at all once you're in top gear.

There is no way you'd pass the emergency stop test if you'd plonked both feet to the floor instantaneously.

kmb500 wrote: »

this evidently not true given that I passed first time and not once did I do what you guys are telling me to.

It may have been that your invigilator didn't notice you excessively coasting. There really isn't an excuse - it's dangerous for yourself and other road users.

Really, though, don't do it. Think about it logically - if you're coasting and something hits you from behind at high speed you'll bear the brunt of their kinetic energy and become a high speed projectile for someone else. If gears are engaged and someone hits you, the braking provided by the engine will slow you down more quickly than brakes alone and possibly save someone else's life.

You should only be depressing the clutch when changing gear or when slowing to a speed lower than being in first gear with your foot off the accelerator, and even then only for a fraction of a second when deploying your handbrake.

GwylimT wrote: »

So you're confirming you have never read the highway code and don't actually know what road signs mean. You're style of 'driving' is dangerous.

Oh sorry, I hadn't noticed all those road signs that tell me what gear I should be in!


What on earth are you on about?