As an Approved Driver Instructor, I have noticed that many pupils are coasting without realising it. It also can be a habit that learner drivers acquire on a regular basis and need to take driving lessons to cure as excessive coasting will result in failing the Driving test. It is also dangerous.
Our blog will help you to understand what impact coasting will have when driving.
Coasting means to move your vehicle, and make progress without using power. Coasting while driving means keeping the clutch fully pressed, i.e. free-wheeling and not using the engine to move.
The diagram shows how the engine is disengaged when the clutch is depressed.
1) Engine A: shows when the clutch is depressed it disengages the engine, effectively making the car free-wheel. Keeping the engine engaged in
2) Engine B allows the car to slow down using the engine, reducing wear on the brakes and increasing control of the car making it safer.

Coasting in a car explained
While driving the most frequent use of coasting is when the driver is:
– To keep the clutch depressed while changing direction 🙁 making a left, right turn or at roundabout).
– To depress the clutch too soon before coming to a stop.
– To keep the clutch depressed too long after changing gears.
– To depress the clutch or keeping the gear in neutral in general driving to save on petrol
Coasting is potentially dangerous as it leads to less control of the vehicle. Keeping the clutch depressed while turning or negotiating a round-about will turn your vehicle into a free-wheeling go-cart as the engine is disengaged.
Heavy coasting is potentially dangerous, the Tester will mark you as you are not in control of your vehicle which will may result as a fail for not driving safely. A little coasting here and there such as putting the clutch down a little too early before a stop occasionally will not fail a test but impose a minor fault and if repeated to often may will result as a grade two.
In order to avoid coasting keep applying pressure on the foot brake until you reach an appropriate speed for the turn 25 Km/H, skip into second gear, release clutch while holding foot brake, release clutch half way to reach 20 Km/H, than release brake as the rotation of the second gear is engaging and take control of your vehicle.
When coming to a full stop in your vehicle, follow routine B-B-C (Brake, Before, Clutch Technique) to prevent coasting. As above, cover the brake and clutch, keep gently applying pressure to the brake. Good braking techniques such as progressive braking makes for safer driving, and reduces wear on braking systems and tyres and clutch in good time for a full stop of your vehicle. It is not necessary to change gears as this an old technique that is not used in modern driving.
If you are struggling with coasting, maybe you need to practice with an ADI instructor to build up your technique to become a safer driver which will help you to pass your driving test.
If you need any driving lessons contact us on 086 044 0157 or email us on francis@castletownsom.com

Thanks for reading our blog.
Castletown School of Motoring
ADI number 35 371
Francis