More Questions..

smemon

1. on a hill, if you can hold the car using clutch/brake, accelerator, do you HAVE to use a handbrake?

for example, it's a steep hill with a junction at the top... traffic is 3/4 cars tailed back, you join the queue.. 1 car escapes every so often, do i have to use the handbrake as i move up bit by bit?

2. A car is parked on the main road either half on the footpath or on the side of the road.

It it ok NOT to indicate past it? Also, i assume i have to indicate if i cross the white line into oncoming traffic even if there is no oncoming traffic?

3. Emergency vehicle comes up behind me.. am i supposed to indicate in or just move in to let it past?

4. Pedestrian is in middle of the road (no zebra lights or anything), do i let them cross safely and signal to them, or plough on as i have right of way?

5. Traffic is tailed back, there is a yellow box so i stay back and leave it empty. Once i see traffic is moving, do i enter the box (as i know all other traffic will move) or do i stay back until i can pass the box completely?

6. I'm coming to lights in 4th gear, do i change down the gears as i approach the lights or do i simply clutch, brake, handbrake etc..

7. A wasp enters the car and stings me. Do i pull in when safe to do so, or must i carry on?

8. I'm on flat ground / very gentle slope. MUST i use a handbrake or can i simply clutch brake..

basically, i never use the handbrake when driving. I can control the car 100% on hills etc... using clutch, brake, accelerator without rolling back. Surely if i can control the car / not roll back i don't need to use the handbrake, only if stopped for long periods?

That is all.

delta_bravo

smemon wrote:

basically, i never use the handbrake when driving. I can control the car 100% on hills etc... using clutch, brake, accelerator without rolling back. Surely if i can control the car / not roll back i don't need to use the handbrake, only if stopped for long periods?

That is all.

Handbrake isnt just for hills though. If a car were to ram into the back of you it prevents your car hitting one in front. Its good practice to use it, you may as well get used to it

smemon

delta_bravo wrote:

Handbrake isnt just for hills though. If a car were to ram into the back of you it prevents your car hitting one in front. Its good practice to use it, you may as well get used to it

but in that case the guy who hit me would have to pay for the damage i caused anyway

is it absolutely necessary to use it though? i will use it for the test to show i know it's there, but for small slopes, when really it's not necessary, are you supposed to use it?

Idleater

smemon wrote:

but in that case the guy who hit me would have to pay for the damage i caused anyway

is it absolutely necessary to use it though? i will use it for the test to show i know it's there, but for small slopes, when really it's not necessary, are you supposed to use it?

Using the handbrake means you are stationary and the car is not in gear.

If the person behind hits you, yes you are not at fault, but resulting from the impact, your foot comes up off the clutch and you inadvertently acclerate through a red light into the middle of a junction where vehicles are doing 100kph.

Now, you tell me, which is safer, rather than just being legally not at fault for an incident.

L.

Mitch Connor

1. on a hill, if you can hold the car using clutch/brake, accelerator, do you HAVE to use a handbrake?

for example, it's a steep hill with a junction at the top... traffic is 3/4 cars tailed back, you join the queue.. 1 car escapes every so often, do i have to use the handbrake as i move up bit by bit?
judgement call - if you are going to be stopped for any real length of time, yes, put the handbrake on. You should be able to release the handbrake and get moving quickly anyway.
2. A car is parked on the main road either half on the footpath or on the side of the road.

It it ok NOT to indicate past it? Also, i assume i have to indicate if i cross the white line into oncoming traffic even if there is no oncoming traffic?

if you are not moving far out, no, you do not have to indicate (according to two instructors, and teh fact i did not get done on my test for it. However, if you will be moving the car completely on to the other side of the road, or had to stop and wait for room to move in to, syou should indicate.

3. Emergency vehicle comes up behind me.. am i supposed to indicate in or just move in to let it past?

I would indicate, just to be sure
4. Pedestrian is in middle of the road (no zebra lights or anything), do i let them cross safely and signal to them, or plough on as i have right of way?
allow them to finish crossing, but DO NOT signal them - ever. It is not up to you to decide what is safe for another person to do. Do not signal (hand wave or the like) for pedistrians or cars.

5. Traffic is tailed back, there is a yellow box so i stay back and leave it empty. Once i see traffic is moving, do i enter the box (as i know all other traffic will move) or do i stay back until i can pass the box completely?

only move forward when you are positive you will not have to stop inside the yellow box.

6. I'm coming to lights in 4th gear, do i change down the gears as i approach the lights or do i simply clutch, brake, handbrake etc..

if you are certain you are going to stop, just brake coming to the lights, then clutch in to first as you stop. DO NOT COAST!

7. A wasp enters the car and stings me. Do i pull in when safe to do so, or must i carry on?
i'd pull over when safe to do so

8. I'm on flat ground / very gentle slope. MUST i use a handbrake or can i simply clutch brake..

when ever you are stopped (at a junction, lights etc) you should apply the handbrake. I don't hink it is required in slow moving traffic when you are forced to stop for a second. In fact, i just used clutch control for this in my test, only applying thehandbrake when i came to a stop and had to stay for more then a second.

basically, i never use the handbrake when driving. I can control the car 100% on hills etc... using clutch, brake, accelerator without rolling back. Surely if i can control the car / not roll back i don't need to use the handbrake, only if stopped for long periods?

That is all.
I can do this too, but you'll fail your test if not applying the handbrake where appropriate.

cold_filter

Tauren wrote:

I would indicate, just to be sure
4. Pedestrian is in middle of the road (no zebra lights or anything), do i let them cross safely and signal to them, or plough on as i have right of way?
allow them to finish crossing, but DO NOT signal them - ever. It is not up to you to decide what is safe for another person to do. Do not signal (hand wave or the like) for pedistrians or cars.
/b]

I was failed for this, 2 old people red man was on, crossed as i was turning left, they were on the other side of the road though hasnt stepped onto the path and when i got back to the test centre the instructor said he had to give me a grade 3, i was very unhappy but what can you do, they need to clear the entire road before you proceed

Jimoslimos

smemon wrote:

6. I'm coming to lights in 4th gear, do i change down the gears as i approach the lights or do i simply clutch, brake, handbrake etc..

When practising for my test I was told by my instructor that block gear changes (4th to 2nd, 4th to 1st, or even coming to a stop from any gear) were perfectly fine in cars today - only older cars (30-40yrs old) require going down (or up) gears sequentially. In fact it is prefeable that you change gears in this way since you spend more time with two hands on the steering wheel.

Can't remember the exact reason why, think he might have said something about the weight of the chassis and the quality of brakes on older cars but I'm not sure, feel free to correct me anybody.

bonkey

Jimoslimos wrote:

Can't remember the exact reason why, think he might have said something about the weight of the chassis and the quality of brakes on older cars but I'm not sure, feel free to correct me anybody.

You're pretty-much spot-on.

In older cars, the clutch was more solid and the brakes less-so. It was considered "smarter" to let the clutch do as much of the braking work as possible, to save on brake-wear.

In a similar vein, "block-changing" was discouraged, as it put too much strain on the gear-train (typically the clutch), forcing it to run in either high- or low-revs and switch between both, rather than staying in the mid-range and having smaller changes.

On a modern car, the brakes and clutch are better, and the engine is less likely to stall from high-to-low block-changing. I have a 20-year-old Peugeot 205 (cabrio ) at home, and my driving instructor's car is a Mini Cooper. The differences are literally unbelievable....my car is jumpy in low revs, has soft brakes, and needs a lot more clutch-work.

Added to this is increasing consciousness regarding fuel efficiency, particularly in the "coming to a halt" sittuation. down-shifting will use the engine to brake the car, which basically means using petrol to save on your brakes.

As for the whole "do I have to use the handbrake" thing....my response would be that it doesn't matter if you have to or not, its a question of whether or not you should. Consider what will happen if your foot clips off the clutch (with or without someone rear-ending you). Consider also that on steeper hills, you're straining your clutch to no good end.

"Have to" is a question for passing your exam. "Should" is a question about being a better driver for the rest of your life.

Wishbone Ash

smemon wrote:

Pedestrian is in middle of the road (no zebra lights or anything), do i let them cross safely and signal to them

:eek: Never ever signal to a pedestrian or other motorist during a test. It can lead to an instant failure. If you are unsure about what they are going to do, stop and wait. Only proceed if it is safe to do so.

fasty

I would have thought using the clutch to control the car on a hill for anything more than a few seconds would be bad for it. Doesn't it wear it out faster to ride the clutch? I tend to only use the clutch like that on hills if I know I'll be stationary for only a few seconds, the same goes for on level ground otherwise I use the handbrake and put it in neutral.

As a driving skill, I found it harder to learn how to get the car going quickly from stop using the handbrake than just clutching and using the footbrake. There's some anticipation involved as well as being comfortable with the car's controls.

I know the driving test isn't perfect and passing doesn't make you a "good" driver but they passing it requires control and anticipation which do matter for driving, at least that's what I've learned.

Dave!

Definitely use the handbrake during the test! As was mentioned, if you get rammed from behind, your foot will come off the clutch, and the car can crash into the car in front, or else go straight out into the junction. Danger, Will Robinson!

I don't always use it, but certainly in the test I did Always err on the side of caution TBH. Rather them think you're "too safe" than careless.

Capt'n Midnight

smemon wrote:

3. Emergency vehicle comes up behind me.. am i supposed to indicate in or just move in to let it past?

don't pull in or slow down if it's unsafe for the Emergency Vehicle to pass you - you won't get all the way off the road in time. Drive on until the road widens or you can pull in with slowing them down.

Obviously if it's safe for them to overtake pull in, - almost everyone does this even if it means them slowing down the ambulance.

4. Pedestrian is in middle of the road (no zebra lights or anything), do i let them cross safely and signal to them, or plough on as i have right of way?

Traffic already crossing has right of way. The normal rules of precedince only apply if you will all arrive at the same time. Also pedestrians are first class road users, while motorists are only third class, so if all else were equal they would have right of way.

5. Traffic is tailed back, there is a yellow box so i stay back and leave it empty. Once i see traffic is moving, do i enter the box (as i know all other traffic will move) or do i stay back until i can pass the box completely?

I've been caught in junction boxes too many times to "know" all the other traffic will move. On a test you should stay out.

6. I'm coming to lights in 4th gear, do i change down the gears as i approach the lights or do i simply clutch, brake, handbrake etc..

That should be fine. Brakes cost less than gearboxes. But on a test you might want to show you can use the gears. Drive the car up to the lights don't try the slowing down gradually so you will get there when the lights just go green.

7. A wasp enters the car and stings me. Do i pull in when safe to do so, or must i carry on?

you must not put any other road user in danger. You should pull in as soon as it is safe to do so. Don't stop on a bend etc.

basically, i never use the handbrake when driving. I can control the car 100% on hills etc... using clutch, brake, accelerator without rolling back. Surely if i can control the car / not roll back i don't need to use the handbrake, only if stopped for long periods?

this is one of the reasons why some garages don't offer cover on clutches on second hand cars. you can wear out a clutch in 300 miles. Clutches are far more expensive than brakes and if someone rear ended you at the lights your foot is likely to slip ... Many cyclists wait ahead at the lights in front of cars because if they stayed to the left they wouldn't be seen especially by suv drivers turning left, your foot slips or you loose concentration...

smemon

thanks for clearing that up lads..

i've my test in 3 weeks..

not worried about it at all as i know how to drive/can do everything required in test.. it's just a case of knowing the correct procedures for everything..

didn't know about the signal thing.. basically you never signal to anybody? that'll be tricky for me as i'd often let pedestrians cross or cars out from side roads if there were tail backs etc..

with regards the handbrake-v-clutch debate, i'd normally use the handbrake if i know i'll be stopped for say 7+ seconds.. but i find it much easier just to clutch and take off, rather than handbrake, clutch etc... i lose the biting point, and thus lose a split second which could have been valuable in getting out from a busy junction.

But i suppose it's better to be over the top for the test and do everything to the book...

I also have to add, and this is before i even sit a test - it's too easy. I'd regard myself as a safe driver, but admittedly have never drove on motorways, come to 2/3 lane roundabouts / parallel parking..

I could theoretically never have parked a car in between white lines, never have changed a wheel etc..

i find it hilarious i can be fully qualified to do all that without ever having been tested on it. :rolleyes:

it's way too easy for someone like me to come along, take a few pre-tests and pass. ok, the pass rate is 50% or whatever but i feel the test should be much, much tougher and based over a few hours / days with different examiners.

If i've got faults, they should be exposed, nailed and i should be failed. But i doubt that will happen as i basically know exactly what i have to do in order to pass :rolleyes: They should throw in parallel parking, reversing in/out of car park spaces and leaving appropriate space etc..

Think of how easier our lives could be if everyone could park between two lines

also, check out this clown i snapped recently.. pure ignorance/stupidity.

Stark

smemon wrote:

didn't know about the signal thing.. basically you never signal to anybody? that'll be tricky for me as i'd often let pedestrians cross or cars out from side roads if there were tail backs etc..

If you're in a line of traffic, just leave junctions free (ie: treat them all like box junctions). People will know they can use that space to get out. If you find yourself needing to signal people, then it's probably misplaced courtesy. I actually find it annoying if someone stops in the middle of a clear road to let me out of a side road. If he'd continued at the pace he was doing, we would both have been on our way more quickly.

smemon wrote:

with regards the handbrake-v-clutch debate, i'd normally use the handbrake if i know i'll be stopped for say 7+ seconds.. but i find it much easier just to clutch and take off, rather than handbrake, clutch etc... i lose the biting point, and thus lose a split second which could have been valuable in getting out from a busy junction.

You don't need to overuse the handbrake. For example, at roundabouts, you'd rarely use the handbrake as you want to be able to move off fairly sharply. Similarly at a stop sign, you needn't bother with the handbrake unless the main road is busy and you know you'll be a while. You should use the handbrake at traffic lights though.

smemon wrote:

I also have to add, and this is before i even sit a test - it's too easy. I'd regard myself as a safe driver, but admittedly have never drove on motorways, come to 2/3 lane roundabouts / parallel parking..

You can get taken on nasty roundabouts. The Wilton roundabout and Sarsfield Road roundabouts in Cork being too examples. Other than that, I agree with the routes being very easy. They can be very finnecky in how they examine you though, and even on a very easy stretch, they'll expect you to be showing that you can react to any possible situation. For example, looking in about 50 directions before exiting an empty parking lot

smemon wrote:

I could theoretically never have parked a car in between white lines, never have changed a wheel etc..

Well you'll be asked to park your car at the end of the test As for changing a wheel, then you just need to put on a skirt and stand at the side of the road looking helpless

smemon wrote:

If i've got faults, they should be exposed, nailed and i should be failed. But i doubt that will happen as i basically know exactly what i have to do in order to pass They should throw in parallel parking, reversing in/out of car park spaces and leaving appropriate space etc..

Don't get cocky. Plenty of people mess up on the day and fail despite being well able to drive normally. Your first test can go either way really. Think about how stupid you'd feel if you failed after going in with that attitude.

Wishbone Ash

smemon wrote:

basically you never signal to anybody? that'll be tricky for me as i'd often let pedestrians cross or cars out from side roads if there were tail backs etc.

Most of us do that but avoid it on your test. You could allow a pedestrian to cross and then they could be killed by a motorcycle coming up your off-side! If another vehicle pulls out half way into your route slow down and wait to see if they continue. Don't use gestures or flash lights etc. If someone lets you out, it is acceptable to make a small "thank you" gesture with your hand. No flashing hazzard lights!

Stark wrote:

I actually find it annoying if someone stops in the middle of a clear road to let me out of a side road. If he'd continued at the pace he was doing, we would both have been on our way more quickly.

Or the person at the end of a long line of vehicles who stops to let someone out! What's the point? They will have got out next anyway and no time would have been wasted.:(