Dipping the clutch during tight turns and pulling up

[joelpython]

Hi,

First time post here. Not an advanced driving question as such, more something I'd like to get the opinions of advanced drivers on.

I'm learning to drive and am approaching test standard. My driving instructor sometimes tells me to fully depress the clutch briefly when entering side roads that require a tight turn (e.g. 90 degrees!) as it stops us from being dragged around and makes things easier. I'm in second gear (never first) whilst doing this and typically doing about 15mph or less, but not slow enough for first gear. I do indeed find that it makes the turn easier, but I'm wondering if this is bad practice?

He also says to do the same thing when pulling up on the side of the road. Obviously you need to press the clutch before coming to a stop to avoid stalling, but he’s telling me to do it whilst I’m still in second gear and slowing down whilst gradually moving over to the side of the road. I change down to first whilst pulling in, but never actually engage it because the clutch is still down.

I don't want to get any faults on my test for coasting. Advice and thoughts appreciated!

[joelpython]

I do take the advice of my driving instructor.

I was just curious as to whether this putting-the-clutch-down-if-turning-into-a-side-road-maybe-slightly-too-fast technique was something that other drivers ever did. Obviously the ideal is to approach the turn at the correct speed and in the correct gear and usually I do, but not always because I’m inexperienced.

It’s not that I doubt my instructor, because it does make the turn more manageable. I’ve just never seen it mentioned on any of the numerous websites or YouTube videos about learning to drive. I have no of way of knowing other than to ask.

[joelpython]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! To follow up on a few of the points:

watchnut said:

Just a thought.....has your driving instructor got a pink badge on display or a light green one in his windscreen?

I’ll have to check. What do the badges mean? My instructor’s latest standards grade is A 49/51 and he has RoSPA Gold.

Boosted LS1 said:

I've seen numerous driving instructors of late doing it wrong imo. I think standards have dropped but then, they're a younger breed then my instructor.

Hmm, my instructor’s in his fifties!

waremark said:

I wonder why you are arriving at the junction in 2nd.

Because more often than not we’re driving around busy residential roads with lots of parked cars, so aren’t going particularly quickly.

Hammy98 said:

Have you done your theory test yet? There's a common question that comes up that asks in which situation you have most control of the vehicle slowing down. You're given 3 options, in neutral, coasting in gear using the clutch, and in gear. The correct answer for the test is in gear.

Yes, I passed it in November. I scored 49/50 for the questions. I would have got that question right.