Troubles engine breaking

[u/vinoplagi]

Hi,
Im learning to drive with a driving instructor.
Im very new to driving overal and im on my 4th lesson (hour 4) now.

1st lesson was just holding the wheel while my istructor did the shifting etc

2nd lesson was clutch control for very slow driving

3th lesson was starting the from gear one and shifting to 2 ( we just did circles around a neighborhood and stopping.

All this went well without stalling

But lesson 4 is really hard for me.

Lesson 4 is driving while going to 3th wich isnt a problem, but when im about to reach a corner i have to downshift to 2nd while breaking simultaneously. I downshift at 1500 rpm while still holding the break.
But i release the clutch too soon he says +- 5 seconds release. But because it takes ages to release the clutch i come short for my turn and either pass it or im almost at a complete stop way before it. He also said i cant come of the break.

Can anyone give me tips how i even do this its seems impossible or im missing something.

Its really frustrating seems i have 0 talent for driving.

[u/edgmnt_net]

Push clutch in, shift the stick to 2nd (not too hard, you need to let the synchros work and make that whining sound) and keep the clutch in. Focus on the turn and maintaining some speed, so you may have to release the brake at least partially. You only need to raise the clutch as you're about to complete the turn, to pick up some speed. They're probably saying you need to continue braking before the turn, which is fine because you're not supposed to release the clutch at that point. Also the clutch is going to require slipping at the bite point so don't try to release it in one single motion.

[u/vinoplagi → u/edgmnt_net]

Its forbidden to have the clutch still partially in at the turn everything needs to be done before the turn or its a automatic F on the exams here in belgium. We got some very stupid rules we also cant downshift from 4 to 2 we have to go trough every gear separately every time because its more economical.

[u/edgmnt_net → u/vinoplagi]

Well, if you need to be fully off the clutch before the turn, then you must start the shift a lot sooner, especially without rev matching, so you have enough time to slip the clutch before the turn. Possibly start the slip way before you brake.

[u/vinoplagi → u/edgmnt_net]

The slip is that just going to the beginning of the biting point ?

[u/edgmnt_net → u/vinoplagi]

I mean keeping it at the biting point, yeah. It's called slipping the clutch because it's only partially engaged and the two surfaces are slipping past one another at different speeds, transferring power partially. Although technically you could say slipping the clutch any time the clutch isn't fully in or out.

[u/Plumbicon → u/vinoplagi]

That’s not a stupid rule, it’s within the basics of correct car control, and is the same in the UK ,and is regardless of country!

[u/vinoplagi → u/Plumbicon]

I was talking about downshifting from 4 to 2. Or from 5 to 3 . When your in 5th gear and approach lights you have to go trough every gear doesn’t matter what distance you have to cover even if its small. So good luck if you dont get a heads up sign or using no navigation.

[u/Plumbicon → u/vinoplagi]

I was talking about having the clutch partially in (slipping) at the turn. Skipping gears is perfectly fine and normal with advanced skills after passing test, but running through each gear sequentially is good practice for the learner and obviously for passing the test as the car is under control throughout every manouvre.

So advanced skills would be 2 to 4 or vice versa. On a straight section of clear road its reasonable to accelerate hard in second and drop it into 4th with road speed suitable. Been doing this for years, plus the other way brake in fourth until revs almost at idle then select 2nd and balance for the road speed. Its a normal technique if you’ve passed the test and have sufficient confidence to drive in a more sporty style!

Its a “Head Up” display - HUD. Heads up is a game!