Which One Is the Brake and Which Is the Gas?

The brake is the wider pedal to the left (center pedal in a manual), and the gas/accelerator is the narrower pedal on the far right. In most cars: from left to right it’s clutch (manual only), brake, then gas. This arrangement is standard in both left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive vehicles and remains the same in electric vehicles.

The Standard Pedal Layout Explained

Across modern passenger cars worldwide, pedal placement is standardized for safety and consistency. Whether you’re in the U.S., Europe, Japan, or elsewhere, you can expect the brake to sit immediately to the left of the gas pedal. Manuals add a clutch on the far left. Electric vehicles and hybrids retain the same brake/gas layout even if they offer strong regenerative braking.

Automatic Transmissions

Automatics have two pedals: the brake on the left and the gas on the right. Use your right foot for both pedals; resting or using your left foot on the brake is discouraged because it can cause unintentional brake application and slower emergency reactions.

Manual Transmissions

Manuals have three pedals, left to right: clutch, brake, then gas. Use your left foot only for the clutch, and your right foot for both the brake and gas. The brake remains in the middle, immediately left of the gas.

How to Identify the Pedals by Sight and Feel

If you’re unfamiliar with a vehicle, these cues help you confirm which pedal is which before moving off.

• Position: The gas is always the far-right pedal; the brake is directly to its left. In manuals, the clutch is on the far left.
• Size and shape: The brake pedal is typically wider and may sit slightly higher; the gas is narrower and longer.
• Pedal resistance: The brake feels firm with short travel; the gas moves more smoothly with lighter pressure and longer travel.
• Markings and coverings: Some cars label pedals (B for brake, A for accelerator) or use different textures; the brake often has a grippier surface.
• Foot rest: A dead pedal (foot rest) is usually to the left of the clutch (manual) or left of the brake (automatic), helping position your feet correctly.

Using these checks reduces confusion and helps build consistent muscle memory across different cars.

Quick Safety Check Before You Drive

Confirm pedal functions while stationary in a safe area to avoid mistakes when you set off.

1. Seat and mirrors: Adjust your seat so your right foot pivots comfortably between gas and brake without lifting your heel excessively.
2. Transmission in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual): Engage the parking brake.
3. Test the brake: Press the left (or middle) pedal; it should feel firm. In a dim area, you may see brake lights reflected behind you, or ask a passenger to confirm.
4. Test the gas: With the car still stationary and secure, tap the right pedal lightly; you should hear/see the engine revs rise (on EVs, you may see a power/energy meter respond).
5. Build the habit: Practice moving your right foot from brake to gas and back several times before shifting into Drive or first gear.

These quick checks take seconds and reinforce correct, safe pedal use before the vehicle moves.

Variations and Special Cases

Most everyday driving follows the standard layout, but a few contexts can differ or add nuance.

• Left-hand vs. right-hand drive: Steering wheel position changes, but pedal order does not.
• Electric vehicles: Same brake/gas positions; “one-pedal” driving via regenerative braking does not replace the brake pedal.
• Accessible/hand controls: Adapted vehicles may add hand-operated brake/accelerator; the floor pedals usually remain in standard positions.
• Go-karts/ATVs/older equipment: Layouts can vary; always verify before operating.
• Motorcycles/scooters: Controls are different—front brake is the right-hand lever; rear brake is the right foot pedal or left-hand lever (on many scooters); throttle twists on the right grip.

If you’re switching vehicle types or using specialized equipment, take extra time to learn the control layout before driving.

Tips to Avoid Confusion

Simple habits can prevent pedal errors, especially when learning or changing cars frequently.

• Use only your right foot for the brake and gas (automatic and manual).
• Practice pedal transitions while parked to build muscle memory.
• Wear thin, flat-soled shoes for better feel and control.
• Check the owner’s manual for any model-specific notes.
• Keep the driver footwell clear of bottles, floor mats, or debris that can obstruct pedals.

Consistent technique and a clean, well-adjusted driving position reduce the risk of misapplying pedals.

Summary

The brake pedal is on the left (middle in manuals), and the gas/accelerator is on the far right—standard across modern cars, regardless of where the steering wheel sits or whether the vehicle is electric or gasoline-powered. Use your right foot for both pedals, confirm feel and function before moving, and build steady habits to stay safe.

Is the brake on the left or right?

In most vehicles, the brake pedal is on the left, to the left of the accelerator pedal (gas pedal), which is on the right. You use your right foot to operate both pedals, keeping your heel on the floor and pivoting your foot between the two.
 
Key Details

• Location: The brake pedal is the left pedal, and the accelerator (gas) pedal is the right pedal. 
• Foot Operation: Both pedals are controlled by the right foot. 
• Manual Transmissions: If the vehicle has a manual transmission, there is also a clutch pedal located to the far left, with the brake pedal in the middle and the accelerator to the right. 
• Why This Layout? This arrangement, with the accelerator on the right and the brake to its left, is a standardized safety feature used worldwide for driving comfort and efficiency. 

Which side is gas and brake?

In all standard cars, the gas (accelerator) pedal is on the right and the brake pedal is to its left. For manual transmission vehicles, the clutch pedal is on the far left. For automatic transmission vehicles, the brake is the left-most pedal. To switch between the pedals, keep your heel on the floor and pivot your right foot to the left for the brake or to the right for the gas. 
This video demonstrates the proper foot position for gas and brake pedals: 59sHelpful DIYYouTube · Jan 2, 2018
For Automatic Cars

1. Gas Pedal: This is the long, thin pedal on the right side of the driver’s footwell. 
2. Brake Pedal: This is the leftmost pedal. It is wider and more horizontal than the accelerator. 

For Manual Cars 

1. Gas Pedal: The rightmost pedal.
2. Brake Pedal: The middle pedal.
3. Clutch Pedal: The leftmost pedal.

This video explains the gas, brake, and clutch pedals in a manual car: 59sBlue Steel Auto SchoolYouTube · Aug 27, 2022
How to Switch

• Keep your heel on the floor for stability. 
• To switch from gas to brake, move your right foot to the left. 
• To switch from brake to gas, move your right foot to the right. 
• This pivot motion prevents accidental acceleration or braking. 

Which one is the brake on a car?

The brake is the pedal on the floor to the left of the accelerator in both automatic and manual cars. It’s generally wider and larger than the accelerator pedal. To use it, press down on it with your right foot to slow down or stop the car.
 
Identifying the brake pedal

• Position: In a standard car, the brake pedal is to the left of the accelerator. 
• Size: The brake pedal is often wider and larger than the accelerator. 
• Function: Pressing the brake pedal engages the vehicle’s braking system to slow it down or bring it to a complete stop. 

Automatic vs. manual cars

• Automatic transmission: The brake pedal is the leftmost pedal on the floor. 
• Manual transmission: The brake pedal is the middle pedal, positioned between the clutch and the accelerator. 

This video explains the difference between the gas, brake, and clutch pedals: 38sLearn to drive TravisYouTube · Sep 15, 2022
How to use it safely

• Right foot only: Always use your right foot to operate both the brake and accelerator pedals. 
• Smooth pressure: For gentle slowing, lift your foot off the accelerator and apply pressure to the brake pedal smoothly. 
• Emergency stop: A harder press on the brake pedal will bring the car to a faster stop, but a smooth, firm press is better for a controlled emergency stop. 

How to know which is gas and which is brake in a car?

The pedals

1. There are two pedals in an automatic car.
2. The accelerator is on the right. The brake is on the left.
3. You control both pedals with your right foot.