Mechanics and Maintenance6 min read
Engine, drivetrain and gearbox
Understanding the simplified workings of the engine, clutch and manual and automatic gearbox.
Updated 13 June 2026
What this lesson covers
The drivetrain: from engine to wheels
Types of engine
The role of the gearbox
The role of the clutch
Changing gear correctly
The automatic gearbox
Engine braking
Causes of stalling
Recap
- The drivetrain: engine, clutch, gearbox, wheels.
- The clutch (left pedal, left foot) connects or disconnects the engine from the wheels.
- Change up when the engine roars (over-revving), change down when it shudders (under-revving).
- Engine braking only works when the clutch is released and you are not accelerating.
- Depressing the clutch downhill is dangerous: no engine braking.
- Automatic gearbox: 2 pedals only. P = park, R = reverse, N = neutral, D = drive.
- The engine stalls if the clutch pedal is raised too quickly or if the gear is too high.
- Electric and hybrid engines reduce consumption and pollutant emissions.
This lesson is part of the Pass
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Unlock with the PassSources: Sécurité routière (securite-routiere.gouv.fr) and service-public.fr.