PASS THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST: CHANGING CAR GEARS

http://www.driving-test-success.com To change gear in a car: Release the accelerator pedal and at the same time press the clutch pedal down. Remove your left hand from the steering wheel, cup it around the gear knob and move the lever gently but positively from one position to another. Return your left hand to the steering wheel. Release the clutch pedal and simultaneously apply power by pressing down on the accelerator pedal. Remember: The low gears provide lots of acceleration but run out of steam before the vehicle is moving very quickly. The high gears provide the speed but not the acceleration. For a smooth ride you should avoid "snatching" (changing gear with too much force). To make the gear change smoother, let the gearshift pause for a second as it crosses the neutral zone. You don't have to use the gears in exact sequence. Where appropiate, you can miss a gear. This is called block changing.

FIRST - The gear giving the greatest power but lowest speed. Used for moving off, manoeuvres and negotiating hazards.

SECOND - Used for slow speed situations such as roundabouts and junctions, for moving off downhill and for increasing speed after moving off.

THIRD - Used for driving uphill, through a hazard at speed and where a greater degree of power is needed than fourth will allow.

FOURTH - Low power but the greatest speed range. Used for most driving situations at and over 30 mph where there are no hazard to negotiate.

FIFTH - Lowest power, highest speed. Used for high speed cruising on dual carriageways, motorways and other such open roads.

REVERSE - A high powered gear used for driving the vehicle backwards.

NEUTRAL - Disengages the engine from the wheels.

On your test, when changing gears, the examiner will expect you to:
Use the controls smoothly and correctly Balance the accelerator and clutch to move away smoothly Accelerate evenly Avoid stalling the car Choose the right gear and change in good time before a hazard Brake gently and in good time Know how and when to apply the hand brake

During The Driving Test When Asked To Stop A Car

the examiner will ask you to pull up and stop at a convenient place on the left side of the road. You will not be expected to this immediately. You will be required to use your judgment and pull up in a place where you will not be endangering, inconveniencing or obstructing anyone. DON'T PARK OR STOP A CAR:

Where you would prevent emergency access. Near a school entrance In front of an entrance to a property. On a bend. Where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane. Where the curb has been lowered for wheelchair access. Opposite another parked vehicle if it would cause an construction. Near the brow of a hill or hump bridge. At or near a bus stop or taxi rank. On the approach to a level crossing. Opposite a traffic island. Opposite or within ten metres of a junction.

On your driving test when performing a Basic Left Turn Manouevre the examiner will expect you to:
Use the MSM routine in good time, brake gently and in good time, position your vehicle correctly - choose the correct lane where there are lane markings and in a one-way street, look for obstructions, traffic and pedestrians. The examiner will also be looking to see that you:

Read Stop signs, give Way signs, etc, accurately, assess the speed of traffic. REMEMBER - When performing a basic left turn watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians as they are not always easy to see. If pedestrians are crossing a road into which you are turning then you must give way to them if they are already on the road.

The speed limit on a dual carriageway is 70 mph unless otherwise signed.

When using a slip road to join a dual carriageway don't take for granted that traffic already on the dual carriageway will make space for you. Always be prepared to use the full length of the slip road and, if you have to stop and wait at the end of the slip road before pulling out when safe to do so. The Joining clip deals with using a slip road to join a dual carriageway. Another way is to join a dual carriageway at a normal stop or give way junction. Here normal rules apply but remember to take into account of the higher speed of vehicles on the dual carriageway before moving out. Right Turns. Unlike on a motorway on a dual carriageway it is possible to turn right. When carrying out a right turn on a dual carriageway you need to consider the high speed of the traffic and start planning your turn at an early stage. Check your mirrors carefully, signal well in advance and consider a gentle press on the brakes at an early stage to signal to following traffic that you are slowing. Position your vehicle accurately inside the turning bay in the central reservation, and take care to check that the road you are turning on to is clear before pulling out. For how to overtake on a dual carriageway, see our overtaking tutorial

On your driving test, when performing a downhill start, the examiner will expect you to:
Move off safely and under control on a gradient, use the MSM routine, check your blind spot for traffic and pedestrians, make balanced use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering, use the appropriate gear, avoid rolling back. Driving Downhill The danger here is that driving down hill can make your car pick up unwanted speed. Slowing your car down by only using the brakes isn't best practice as this can overheat the brakes making them lose effectiveness. You should also use the engine brake. Do this by changing into a lower gear. The steeper the hill the lower the gear.

Remember when driving downhill your stopping distance increases especially if the road is wet. The risk of skidding also increases so engage your brakes gently and try and leave a four second gap between you and any vehicle in front. Parking On a Hill Make sure your handbrake is firmly engaged. If facing downhill turn the front wheels into the kerb and put the car into reverse gear. If facing uphill turn the wheels away from the kerb and engage first gear. Start the reversing into a side road manoeuvre two to three car lengths away from the road you intend to turn into.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ At key points stop and check your mirrors, blind spots and general surroundings.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ Your end point is a good distance up the side road or, if on your test, continue until the examiner tells you to stop. Remember - your vehicles wheels must not mount the curb or cross the centre road markings. If they do you will fail your practical driving test. These video clips are taken from the 2005 version of our very own driving test DVD. To order the latest version click here for details. __________________________________________________________________________________________

On Your Driving Test The Examiner Will Expect You To Reverse Round A Corner:

Safely, correctly and smoothly whilst keeping your vehicle under control Whilst keeping reasonably close to the curb Without mounting or hitting the curb Without swinging out too wide Regularly check traffic and road conditions Look out for traffic and pedestrians Stop in a safe position

Reversing into a side road can be the safest and most convenient way to turn round. However, great caution is needed when performing this manoeuvre. Remember when reversing into a side road not only are you reversing against traffic emerging from the junction, but as you reverse into the side road the front of your car will swing out into the road. Because of this you must continually observe the environment - what's happening to the front, back and sides.

On your driving test, when steering a car, the examiner will expect you to: Hold the steering wheel at either the ten-to-two or quarter-to-three position. Steer smoothly and at the correct time, avoid crossing your hands over one another when turning, avoid letting the wheel spin back through your hands when straightening up, avoid weaving in and out between parked cars, obey lane markings. Dry Steering. Turning the steering wheel when the car isn't moving is called dry steering. This is something you should try and avoid as it puts undue strain on the steering mechanism and causes premature wear to the front tyres. If carrying out a low speed manoeuvre, such as turning in the road, you should get the car moving before you start to steer.

Steering Lock. When you turn the steering wheel as far as it will go it is at full lock. This is the

maximum angle the front wheels will reach, and on full lock the car's turning circle is at its smallest.

On your driving test when performing a Basic Left Turn Manouevre the examiner will expect you to:
Use the MSM routine in good time, brake gently and in good time, position your vehicle correctly - choose the correct lane where there are lane markings and in a one-way street, look for obstructions, traffic and pedestrians. The examiner will also be looking to see that you: Read Stop signs, give Way signs, etc, accurately, assess the speed of traffic. REMEMBER - When performing any right turn watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians as they are not always easy to see. If pedestrians are crossing a road into which you are turning then you must give way to them if they are already on the road.

Giving Way
If an obstruction is on your side of the road then it is you who should stop and give way to oncoming traffic. If the right of way is yours then never take for granted that an oncoming vehicle will stop and give way. Always be prepared to stop and give way.

Road narrows on both sides

Road narrows on right (left You have priority over if symbol reversed) oncoming vehicles

Give way to vehicles from other direction

PUFFIN CROSSINGS have automatic sensors which detect when pedestrians wish to cross and delay the green light until they have safely reached the other side. The light sequence is the same as a normal traffic light with no flashing amber stage. TOUCAN CROSSINGS are also used by cyclists who are allowed to ride across them. Again there is no flashing amber stage. They use a normal traffic light sequence.

At pedestrian crossings, the examiner on your driving test will expect you to:

Demonstrate consideration and courtesy for pedestrians

Stop at Pelican, Puffin, Toucan and Pegasus Crossings if the lights are red Stop when a school crossing patrol officer steps into the road Give way to pedestrians at Pelican Crossings if the lights are flashing amber Slow down and stop at Zebra Crossings if anyone is crossing or waiting to cross

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:

Control your speed on your approach to a Pedestrian Crossings move off, after looking carefully to ensure it is safe

Do not let the car roll backwards whilst performing a hill start as it could prove dangerous. If this happens on your test you will score a major or minor fault depending on how severe the rollback is.

On your driving test, when performing a hill start, the examiner will expect you to:
Move off safely and under control on a gradient, use the MSM routine, check your blind spot for traffic and pedestrians, make balanced use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering, use the appropriate gear, avoid rolling back. Driving Uphill When driving uphill your car will need more power to maintain its speed so you may need to change down a gear. The steeper the hill the lower the gear. Parking On a Hill Make sure your handbrake is firmly engaged. If facing downhill turn the front wheels into the kerb and put the car into reverse gear. If facing uphill turn the wheels away from the kerb and engage first gear. On your test, if asked to perform the turn in the road (three point turn) manoevure the examiner will expect you to turn the car round:

safely, smoothly, under control, making proper use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering without touching or mounting the curb

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:

show good observation and are aware of other road users, keep looking all around throughout the manoeuvre.

Remember: on your test you do not have to perform the turn in the road manoeuvre in just three turns. Although you should aim to make as few turns as possible, on a narrow road you may need to take up to seven turns. So a three point turn can actually be a seven point turn.

Video clips taken from The Visual Guide To Passing Your Practical Driving Test 2006. The updated 2008 version, offering a clearer, more detailed view on how to perform the turn in the road manoeuvres can now be bought here for 3.99 inc P&P - driving test dvd.

Your Driving Road Position

In normal driving conditions you should position your car in the centre of lane you are driving in. Avoid driving too close to the kerb unless you need make space for on coming traffic.

Passing Parked Vehicles

When passing a parked vehicle you should always try and leave a space of at least the width of an average car door. This is to safeguard against a vehicle unexpectedly pulling out or a car door suddenly opening. Creating this space will also help you see children moving out from between parked cars to cross the road. If such can't be created and you are forced to pass closer to the parked vehicles then reduce your speed and be ready to stop. When passing a series of parked cars you should maintain a straight path. Don't weave in and out of them. Maintaining a straight path will allow other road users to clearly see your intentions.

Following Traffic
The key questions you should ask yourself when following traffic is: if the car I'm following suddenly hits the brakes, have I enough space to be able to react and brake to a safe halt? If the answer is no then you need to slow down and pull back in order to create a safe gap. On a day when the road is dry you can use the two second rule to show you what a safe gap is considered to be. As the vehicle in front passes an object such as a sign post begin counting. If you reach the same object in less than two seconds you are too close to the vehicle in front. A safe time is two or more seconds. If the road is wet then the two second rule becomes the four second rule as stopping times double in the wet. In icy conditions stopping distance distances are ten times longer.

Following Large Vehicles

When following a large vehicle such as a lorry or coach you should leave extra space between you and it. If you get too close your view past it will be limited and you won't have a clear view of what's happening ahead. This can make overtaking the vehicle very dangerous. The driver of the large vehicle may also have difficult seeing you through his side mirrors. Keeping well back will also protect your windscreen from any spray the large vehicle throws up.

Tailgating
You are being tailgated when another vehicle follows you too closely behind. It is dangerous because if you had to suddenly stop it is likely the vehicle behind would crash into you. If you find yourself being tailgated try not to feel intimidated. For you own safety slow down and increase the gap between you and any vehicle in front. This means that if the vehicle in front slows suddenly you will have plenty of time to react, decreasing the chance of the tailgater crashing into you. It also gives more opportunity for the tailgater to overtake you thus ridding yourself of the problem.

Driving In Traffic Jams

When in slow moving traffic the first rule is don't obstruct and exits or junctions, even a left turn. Hold back until the traffic ahead has moved forward far enough for you to clear any exit or junction. When the traffic stops it is always wise to leave a space of 2 to 3 metres between you and the car in front. This way, if the vehicle in front stalls or breaks down you will have enough space to safely manoeuvre past.

SIGNAL IF NECESSARY - signals should be given to help other road users, to tell them of your intent. Whe moving off, if you see oncoming traffic or pedestrians, you must signal. STALLING: If you stall the car try and keep calm. This isn't usually considered a serious fault. However, if you panic, restart the engine and drive off without checking your mirrors and blindspot, it will be. COCKPIT DRILL: On your test remember to carry out the cockpit drill before you move off. This involves the following checks, to be done before you turn the key in the ignition.

Check that the boot and doors are correctly closed. Adjust your seat & steering wheel to give the correct driving position. Check that your head restraint is in the correct position. Put on your seatbelt. Check the handbrake is on. Check your mirrors are properly adjusted. Ensure the gear lever is in neutral.

On your driving test, when moving off, the examiner will expect you to:
Move off safely and under control on a level road, from behind a parked vehicle and on a gradient, use the MSM routine, check your blindspot for traffic and pedestrians, make balanced use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering, use the appropriate gear.

Staggered Junction

T-Junction

Junction on a bend

Crossroads

For more information on road junctions see our pages on roundabouts, basic right/left turns and box junctions. Our driving test DVD has chapters on T-junctions, junctions on a bend, crossroads and staggered junctions.

When taking your practical driving test your examiner will expect you toUse the MSM routine effectively and in good time- Brake gently and in good time- Position your vehicle correctly- Look for pedestrians, obstacles and traffic- Read road signs correctly- Assess the speed of traffic. Priorities At Junctions

Priorities are indicated by give way signs and road markings, stop signs and markings and traffic lights. On an uncontrolled junction, where there are no signs or markings indicating priority all vehicles have equal priority. If you encounter an uncontrolled junction you should slow down, look for traffic in all directions and be prepared to stop and give way if necessary. Pedestrians and Priority If you turn into a road that pedestrians have already started to cross then they have priority and you must give way. Emerging From Junctions When emerging from a junction you may be joining heavy or fast moving traffic. If making a right turn there is the additional hazard of crossing the path of oncoming vehicles. Cautious and careful judgment needs to be exercised and you should be constantly assessing the changing road environment. When approaching and emerging left from a junction:

as you approach the junction check your mirrors signal if necessary position your car to the left of the road with the front bumper just behind the stop or give way line reduce your speed and be prepared to stop and give way before pulling out look in all directions, check your left mirror for cyclists and motorcyclists passing on your nearside as you pull out check your mirrors and accelerate to a safe speed make sure your indicator is canceled

When approaching and emerging right from a junction:

follow the above procedure but position you car as close to the centre of the road as you can

Whenever you have to stop at a junction for more the a few seconds you should apply your handbrake. This will prevent your car being shunted into traffic if hit from behind. Assessing Traffic Speed Remember you must be able to pull out of a junction without forcing other vehicles to slow down or change position. On the other hand you mustn't hesitate and miss an valid opportunity to pull out (do this on your driving test and you will earn a minor fault). To make such judgments takes a driver sometime to learn. However weather an experienced driver or not it is likely that you have experience in crossing a road on foot. So when waiting to pull out into traffic ask yourself this question given the current road traffic situation would I cross the road on foot? If the answer is yes then it is likely to be safe to pull out in your car.

On your driving test, when dealing with a box junction the examiner will expect you to:
Use the MSM routine in good time, not to enter a box junction unless your exit road is clear, slow down and stop before the box junction if your exit road is not clear. The examiner will also be looking to see that you: Control your speed on approach to box junctions. Move off, after looking carefully to ensure it is safe.

Box junctions are designed to stop the junction becoming blocked by queuing traffic. It is illegal to enter the area of yellow crisscross lines marked on the road at a box junction unless your exit road is clear. The one exception to this rule is: you can enter a box junction when you want to to turn right but are prevented from proceeding by oncoming traffic or right turning vehicles. Keep traffic flowing freely. Don't enter a box junction illegally.

Overtaking is an essential driving skill. If as a driver you lack the confidence to overtake, in situations where it would be safe to do so, you can cause long queues of slow moving traffic to build up, causing congestion and frustration among your fellow drivers. However, overtaking is also one of the most potentially dangerous driving manoeuvres you can undertake, so every overtaking manoeuvre you do undertake requires careful judgment and a full assessment of the risks involved. Remember the golden rule:

IF YOU'RE NOT SURE IT IS SAFE TO OVERTAKE, DON'T!

Never Overtake

where the road ahead narrows where there are road junctions or driveways from which a vehicle could pull out in front of you where you cannot see the road ahead to be clear i.e. when approaching a bend, the brow of a hill, a dip in the road or a hump back bridge where traffic is queuing at a level crossing between the kurb and a bus or tram when it is stopped when approaching a school or pedestrian crossing

Overtaking On The Left As a rule you will overtake on the right however there are a few occasions when you can overtake on the left.

where a vehicle is signaling to turn right where traffic is moving slowly in queues on a multi-lane road road in a one-way street in a lane turning left at a junction

Overtaking Large Vehicles Overtaking a large vehicle such as a lorry or bus needs extra care and attention. Follows these guidelines.

pull back from the vehicle in order to give yourself a greater view ahead. If you get too close to the vehicle your view ahead will be limited and you may fail to see hazards such as a slow moving vehicle in front of the large vehicle. be certain that there is enough room for you to complete the overtaking manoeuvre before you commit to overtaking. Remember it takes longer to overtake a larger vehicle. never assume you can follow a vehicle ahead which is overtaking a long vehicle. If a problem occurs the

vehicle may abort the manoeuvre and pull back in

TURNING LEFT Approach in the left-hand lane. Signal left as you approach Once on the roundabout keep to the left Countinue to signal until you have left the roundabout

GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD Approach in the left-hand lane. Do not signal. Once on the roundabout keep to the left. After passing the exit before the one you want signal left.

TURNING RIGHT Approach in the right-hand lane. Signal right as you approach. Once on the roundabout keep to the right. Signal left after passing the exit before the one you want.

Road sign: Roundabout ahead

Road sign: Mini roundabout ahead

Road markings: indicating traffic lanes

Road sign: Details of exit routes

Roundabouts allow traffic to merge smoothly together and in doing so keep the overall traffic stream flowing smoothly.

Remember - at a roundabout you must give way to traffic approaching from your right, unless told otherwise road signs, road markings or traffic lights. Vehicles already on the roundabout may fail to signal correctly. If doubt, hold back! Look out for vehicles:

Turning right without indicating Indicating right but going straight on Using the right hand to go straight ahead Making a U-turn.

At all stages use Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre (MSN).

Mini-Roundabouts: approach these as you would a normal roundabout but remember there is less space and will have less time to signal. You must pass around the centre markings.

On Your Driving Test When Taking A Roundabout The Examiner Will Expect Yo To:

Use the MSM routine Position your car correctly and use the correct speed Choose the correct lane where there are road markings Watch out for motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists Take effective observations Assess the speed of the traffic.

On your driving test, the examiner will expect you to perform the Bay Parking Manoeuvre:
Safely, smoothly, under control, making proper use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering, without crossing the white bay marking.

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:Are aware of other road users, keep looking all around throughout the manoeuvre. Why Reverse park - As a rule most car parks have parking bays marked out with white lines. Reversing into these bays is normally the best option as it is easier to manoeuvre a car in reverse. It is also safer to drive out forwards. On your test you will only be asked to perform the bay parking manoeuvre if the test centre has a car park with marked bays. You cannot perform the bay parking manoeuvre elsewhere. This video tutorial is taken from the DVD The Visual Guide To Passing Your Practical Driving Test 2005 The latest version is now on sale and has a much more comprehensive chapter on bay parking.

On your driving test, if asked to perform a reverse parallel parking manoeuvre the examiner will expect you to:
Reverse into a space of about two car lengths, park your car at the curb safely, smoothly and under control. The examiner will also be looking to see that you: Take all-round observation, do not get too close to the parked car, do not mount the curb, stop reasonably close to the curb. Reverse parallel parking, parking in the gap between two vehicles, is a vital driving manoeuvre. You may think it easier to drive forward into the gap however it is nearly impossible to park neatly this way. A car has greater manoeuvrability when driven in reverse hence reverse parallel parking. With practise you'll be able to reverse parallel park into a gap of 1.5 times your own car length. All reversing manoeuvres are potentially dangerous, reverse parallel parking is no exception. Good and precise observation is essential when performing a parallel park. On your practical driving test, if asked to perform the reverse parallel parking manoeuvre, you will not necessarily be required to park between two vehicles. It may be that only one parked car, the lead car, is present. If so, you will still need to park within a space of about two car length in order to pass. Video clips taken from The Visual Guide To Passing Your Practical Driving Test 2004. The updated 2006 version, offering a clearer and more detailed view on all driving manoeuvres can now be bought direct from this site for 3.99 inc P&P - driving test dvd.