Position of Car Brake, Clutch, and Accelerator?

Automatic transmission cars have only two pedals for the accelerator and brake, arranged from left to right as the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal. Manual transmission cars, on the other hand, have three pedals, ordered from left to right as the clutch pedal, brake pedal, and accelerator pedal. Typically, the left foot controls the clutch, while the right foot controls the brake and accelerator. The brake, clutch, and accelerator work in coordination:

Starting:

Press the clutch with the left foot and the brake with the right foot, shift into first gear, release the handbrake, then slowly lift the left foot off the clutch. When the car begins to vibrate slightly, move the right foot to the accelerator pedal and gently apply some gas while continuing to release the clutch. Once the car starts smoothly, fully release the clutch with the left foot and press the accelerator to prepare for shifting.

Upshifting:

Release the accelerator pedal, quickly press the clutch pedal with the left foot, shift the gear lever to the appropriate gear, and release the clutch pedal while gradually pressing the accelerator with the right foot.

Downshifting:

First, lightly press the brake to reduce speed, then gently press the accelerator with the right foot and release it. Quickly press the clutch pedal with the left foot, shift the gear lever to the appropriate gear, and release the clutch pedal while gradually pressing the accelerator with the right foot.

The brake, clutch, and accelerator pedals in a manual car are positioned in a specific order from left to right. The clutch is on the far left, the brake is in the middle, and the accelerator is on the far right. In an automatic car, there is no clutch pedal, so you'll find just the brake (left) and accelerator (right).

This layout is standard across most right-hand-drive vehicles, including popular models like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Corsa. The design ensures intuitive operation, with the clutch used for gear changes, the brake for slowing or stopping, and the accelerator for speed control.

1. Clutch (far left) – Press to change gears or come to a stop.
2. Brake (middle) – Apply pressure to slow down or stop the car.
3. Accelerator (far right) – Press to increase speed, release to slow down.

For automatic cars, the left foot typically rests on the footrest, while the right foot operates both the brake and accelerator. This setup prevents accidental simultaneous pressing, improving safety.