Driving & Driving Test Tips: driving, mom and dad, heavy traffic

Question
Thursday, January 24, 2002
Dear Sir
I am a learner and am having a problem with driving , I am having a bit of a problem , I shall explain it Below
Well, my parents have just got the clutch replaced and that is the problem
When I change a gear I have to press the clutch fully then change the gear , the problem arises with leaving the clutch , if I leave it too suddenly the car gives violent jerks and stops
I mean I know driving I have practiced it in the class and before the clutch was changed on my car .  I used to hold it for a se and then leave it (probably it was worn out since I was learning driving at that stage)
At the slope yesterday , the car was in neutral handbrake up., the signal started and the normal procedure is to press the brake (so that the car does not go behind), release the handbrake , press the clutch , change into first gear then slowly release the clutch and press the accelerator, I left it too suddenly and the car jerked and went behind, my mom who was beside me had to pull up the handbrake so that I don't collide with the car behind me
I don't want that happening again
So please tell me ,how to deal with this new clutch, my mom and dad have no problem  since they have been driving since many years ,…but I cannot deal with the new clutch
Pls help
Also provide driving tips or give some good links on how to drive well under heavy traffic conditions

Thank you,
Nitin
Bgolani16@rediffmail.com

Answer
Nitin-

Well, I can understand getting used to a new clutch.  The only thing I can suggest is taking the car to the parking lot and finding the friction point (the point where the gas and clutch are equal to keep the car from moving forward or backward).  This will work out some stiffness in the clutch and make you more comfortable with it.

Also, give just a little more gas when starting.  That may ease some of the problem.

As far as driving in heavy traffic, there really isn't any literature on the subject.  My best suggestion is to practice in it to get experience.

Hope this helps and if you have more questions, please email me.

Michael