How To Move Off Uphill

It is important when you move a car off from a stationary position on a hill that you do not roll back. To be able to do this correctly you need to be able to co-ordinate the accelerator, clutch pedal and handbrake.

Hill Start - To move off up a hill select 1st gear as you would do normally. Set the gas as you would do normally. However, on this occasion you should press the accelerator pedal down just a touch more than normal so the engine noise is slightly louder than normal. This will ensure there is sufficient power to get the car moving uphill. When you bring the clutch pedal up to the 'biting point' ensure you go 'slightly' past it until you feel the car tug forward slightly. This will prevent the car from rolling back when you release the handbrake. Keep both feet still at this point.

When you have carried out your observations, release your handbrake as normal and start to bring your clutch pedal up as you would normally do at the same time keeping your accelerator pedal pressed down in the same position.

To Recap

POM - PREPARE, OBSERVE AND MOVE: Prepare to move off as you would do normally. The most important thing to remember is when you find the 'biting point' ensure you feel the car tug forward slightly or see the bonnet rise slightly and press the accelerator pedal down just a touch more than normal so the engine noise is slightly louder than normal.

How To Move Off Downhill

Down Hill Start - To move off downhill you will need to ensure the car does not pick up speed too quickly. Prepare to move off. Select 1st gear if it is only a gradual decline. Select 2nd gear if the hill steep. Apply the foot brake and keep your clutch pedal 'just' below the biting point.

Carry out your normal observations. When it is safe to move off, release the handbrake. Start to move your foot off the footbrake a touch at a time until the car starts to slowly move. Start to bring the clutch pedal up in the usual gradual manner. When it is fully raised apply the accelerator in the normal progressive manner.

To Recap

POM - PREPARE, OBSERVE AND MOVE: Prepare to move off as you would do normally. On this occasion the most important thing to remember is to hold the clutch pedal just below the biting point and apply the foot brake when preparing to move off. Consider whether 1st or 2nd gear is appropriate to move off in.

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