Stalling is a rite of passage, and every new driver will go through it at some point. The first stall always feels a bit historic, and you can trust us when we say that you will never forget it. But when you start stalling more consistently, it can become frustrating, and you’re left wondering how it’s happening and what you’re doing wrong as a driver.
The good news is that it’s a fairly simple fix, and stalling is something we all need to learn to get through. You might feel like a terrible driver, but it’s a learning curve you need to experience. We will take you through why you’re stalling your car and the fixes you can implement to make your driving experience smoother and way less stressful. If you’re feeling nervous about it, our guide to calming your nerves as a young driver may also help.
What is Stalling Your Car?
When you stall something, you are delaying or stopping a process from reaching completion. In the case of your car, you’re preventing the engine from turning. If the engine can’t turn, this means there is no power, and the stall will cut your car off. You lose power and must switch the car back on to get things going again.
Why Are You Stalling?
The main question is, why are you stalling? As a new driver or a learner, you’re expected to stall quite a bit while you’re getting used to how a manual car works. According to the RAC, most stalling is caused by releasing the clutch too quickly, which means you aren’t giving the car enough power to keep going. This is why you learn about the biting point.
It’s one of the first lessons you should receive when learning to drive. Finding the biting point of your car is when you discover the point at which your car does that noticeable dip that allows you to pull forward with some throttle while releasing the brake. Missing that point is why you stall, and learning to find it can be tough, but once you have it, the whole thing is simple. For more on this, see our guide to changing gears.
How to Stop Stalling Your Car
So, how do you stop stalling? Well, lucky for you, we have some quick and easy instructions that should make it a little easier for you to get over your current stalling streak. Just follow the steps below:
- Make sure you’re in first gear and press the clutch down with your foot
- Gently put pressure on the accelerator (but not too much)
- Slowly release the pressure from the clutch until you hit the biting point
- Release the handbrake
- Pull away gently and smoothly (no stalling in sight)
What to Do if You Stall During Your Driving Test
You might stall during your driving test, and if this happens, there is no need to panic. According to the RAC, stalling is highly unlikely to result in an automatic fail – providing it doesn’t happen in a potentially dangerous situation. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed, but your recovery and how quickly you react will have an impact. Remember to stay calm because panicking will only make things worse, and we all know how much harder it is to find the biting point when you’re stressed.
Check your surroundings, take a deep breath, and get the car moving again so you can continue your test. Check your mirrors and your blind spot before you pull away because that’s the thing that often causes a fail after stalling – forgetting to be observant in your moment of panic. A good recovery means a lot more than you think. For more tips on observation, see our guide on how to check mirrors and blind spots properly.
How to Stop Stalling on Hills
Hills can be tricky, and it’s quite common to stall on them as a young driver. They’re definitely the place it takes the longest to stop stalling, but we have a few tips that might help you overcome this problem faster:
- As you start stopping on the hill, get into a low gear as early as possible
- Get into first gear right before you need to stop, then press the clutch down and gently find the biting point
- When stopping, hold the clutch at the biting point and apply the handbrake
- Accelerate gently when traffic starts moving again, using the handbrake to ease you back into gently lifting the clutch and reaching the biting point
Keep an Eye on Your Car’s Health
While stalling is normal for new drivers, as you get more experienced, you might realise there can be other causes for stalling a car. According to the RAC, keeping on top of your car’s health is important, and these are some of the mechanical reasons why your car might be stalling (outside of you being new to driving):
- A faulty battery or alternator causing a loss of power
- A clutch that has become worn
- A blockage in the fuel system or a faulty fuel pump
If you suspect mechanical issues, it’s worth having your car checked by a garage. For more on maintaining your vehicle, see our guide on what a full car service is and why it matters.
Of course, stalling only applies to manual cars. If you’re still deciding whether to learn in a manual or automatic, our guide on should young drivers learn automatic or manual can help you weigh up the options.
Finding the Right Insurance
Once you’ve mastered clutch control and passed your test, you’ll need to think about insurance. Young driver insurance can be expensive, but there are ways to bring costs down. At MyFirst, we specialise in helping young and learner drivers find affordable cover. If you’d like to explore your options, you can get a free quote to see what’s available.
Disclaimer: Information in this article was accurate as of December 2025. Driving test rules and regulations may change – always check the latest guidance from the DVSA.
