- Blackburn, Darwen & Accrington
At Student Driving School, we help learners become safe, confident, and skilled drivers. From basic driving to advanced techniques, our qualified instructors provide manual and automatic driving lessons that match your learning style. We also offer intensive driving courses for those who want to pass quickly. We cover Blackburn, Darwen, Accrington, Preston, Nelson, and nearby areas. Join us and start your driving journey with friendly support and expert guidance.
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Blackburn, Darwen & Accrington
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Learning to drive a manual car takes focus, timing, and coordination. With the right guidance and consistent practice, you can master clutch control, gear shifting, and smooth driving on both quiet roads and busy traffic.
Manual cars have three pedals:
Clutch (left foot) – Press to change gears
Brake (middle) – Slows or stops the car
Accelerator (right foot) – Increases speed
You’ll also use the gear stick to shift between gears and the handbrake for parking and hill starts.
To start driving a manual car:
Press the clutch pedal fully down
Move the gear stick to 1st gear
Release the handbrake
Slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the accelerator
The key is balancing both feet to avoid stalling. This is called clutch control.
You’ll change gears as your speed increases.
1st gear: Moving off
2nd gear: 10–15 mph
3rd gear: 20–30 mph
4th gear: 30+ mph
5th/6th gear: For higher speeds on open roads
To shift:
Lift off the accelerator
Press the clutch
Move the gear stick to the next gear
Slowly release the clutch and press the accelerator
Controlling the clutch is key to smooth starts and stops. When starting on a slope:
Apply the handbrake
Press the clutch and accelerator
Release the clutch slowly to the biting point
Release the handbrake and continue pressing the accelerator
This prevents rolling back and ensures a smooth hill start.
To stop the car:
Press the clutch fully
Press the brake pedal gently
Shift to neutral when stopped
Apply the handbrake
Avoid braking harshly or skipping gears unless necessary for emergency stops.
Manual driving takes time to master. Regular practice helps improve gear timing, road awareness, and overall control. The more confident you become with the clutch and gears, the smoother and more natural your driving will feel.
