How Do You Set Off When Driving?

Setting off smoothly when driving is a fundamental skill that requires coordination, observation, and precision. It's the first step in moving your vehicle safely from a stationary position.

The Essential Steps to Setting Off

Mastering the art of moving off involves a sequence of coordinated actions, ensuring both your safety and the safety of other road users. This process combines vehicle control with comprehensive awareness of your surroundings.

1. Preparation: Getting Ready to Move

Before your vehicle can even think about moving, you need to prepare it correctly. This involves setting up the car's controls for departure.

• Depress the Clutch: Fully push down the clutch pedal with your left foot. This disengages the engine from the wheels, allowing you to select a gear without stalling.
• Select First Gear: With the clutch pedal fully down, use the gear stick to select first gear. This provides the necessary power for initial movement.
• Find the Bite Point: Slowly lift the clutch pedal until you feel a slight drop in the engine's RPM or hear a subtle change in its sound. This is the "bite point," where the clutch begins to engage the engine with the wheels.
• Apply Gentle Gas: Once you've found the bite point, simultaneously add a little gas, aiming for approximately 1000 RPM. This provides the engine with enough power to prevent stalling as the clutch engages.

2. Comprehensive Observation: Looking All Around

Before you move an inch, it's crucial to check your surroundings thoroughly. This observation phase is paramount for safety.

• All-Round Check: Look over both shoulders to check your blind spots, and use all your mirrors (interior and side mirrors) to get a full view of your environment.
• Identify Road Users: Pay close attention to pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles that may be approaching from any direction. Ensure there's a clear and safe path for you to move into.
• Anticipate Potential Hazards: Consider if any parked cars might open doors, or if children are playing nearby.

3. Signalling Your Intentions

Once you've confirmed your path is clear, you need to communicate your intentions to other road users.

• Signal if Necessary: If there are other road users present who would benefit from knowing your intentions, signal right. This indicates you intend to move away from the curb and into the flow of traffic.

4. The Manoeuvre: Smooth Departure

With preparation, observation, and signalling complete, it's time to put the car into motion.

• Release the Handbrake: As you slowly release the clutch further and feel the car wanting to move forward, release the handbrake. The car should begin to move very slowly and smoothly.
• Balance Clutch and Gas: Continue to smoothly release the clutch pedal as you gently increase the gas. This coordination is key to a seamless start without stalling or jerking. The goal is a gradual transfer of power to the wheels.

5. Adjusting Position and Speed

Once you're moving, it's important to integrate yourself safely into the traffic flow.

• Establish Road Position: Guide your vehicle to a safe and appropriate position on the road, maintaining a safe distance from parked cars or the curb.
• Increase Speed Smoothly: Gradually increase your speed to match the flow of traffic, changing to higher gears as needed to maintain momentum. Always be ready to react to changes in traffic or road conditions.

Key Considerations for a Smooth Start

Mastering the move off takes practice, but understanding common issues can help.

Tips for Mastering the Move Off

• Practice the Bite Point: Spend time finding the clutch's bite point repeatedly without adding gas, just to get the feel.
• Listen to Your Engine: The sound of your engine can tell you a lot about whether you're giving enough gas or if the clutch is engaging.
• Look Far Ahead: As you move off, look well down the road to anticipate any potential hazards or changes in traffic flow.
• Avoid Over-Revving: Too much gas before the clutch is engaged wastes fuel and can cause the car to jump forward.
• Be Patient: Don't rush the process. A slow, controlled start is always safer than a fast, jerky one.

For further information on driving techniques and safety, you can consult official driving resources such as the UK Government's guide to learning to drive or similar reputable driving guides in your region.