Driving test coming up - need help with gears

Melia

Hi all,

I failed my first driving test in Letterkenny last month. I wasn't too surprised - it was just after three weeks of not being able to drive due to the icy weather. Afterwards, he said I did pretty well, that I just needed to work on my gears and I'd be a 'fine wee driver'! Obviously not well enough to pass though!

I got six grade 1 faults (one for position turning right, one for misleading signals, one for progress on the straight, one for clutch and two for gears), ten grade 2 faults (one for position turning right, one for reaction to hazards, one for clutch, four for gears!, one for right of way at roundabouts, one for competently doing reverse and last but not least, one for competency doing the turnabout), and no grade 3s.

Out of sheer nerves, I conked out during the turnabout. I have no problems with this ordinarily - I quite enjoy it! I messed up the reverse around a corner but will work on that. I think the misleading signals one was for leaving my right indicator on too long while passing a parked car (I had to move out to leave some space).

He said afterwards that I wasn't always in the correct gear. Thinking about this, I thought I shifted up to third almost as soon as I could, and I don't think I had many opportunities to go up to fourth. Maybe one. There was a bit of slush on the roads too, so I was driving slightly slower than I usually would.

I know I have a tendency to coast a bit - could I get faulted on gears for this? When going around corners or slowing coming to a roundabout or junction where I might have to stop, I'd quite often leave my foot on the clutch to avoid stalling. I have been working on this - I sometimes do it without thinking but I've improved a lot. I'm making myself get to the correct speed, go into second/first gear and take my foot completely off the clutch just before getting to the junction.

I've just gotten notice that my next test will be on the 17th of February. I'm only home at weekends so I can't go out driving all the time, but I'm going to get a lesson this weekend, and one before the test, and get a bit of driving done with one of my parents. I'll hope for the best!

I was just wondering if any of you had any tips or other ideas on where the faults on gears might have arisen. All advice appreciated, and sorry for the essay!

ADI34722

Melia wrote: »

Hi all,

I failed my first driving test in Letterkenny last month. I wasn't too surprised - it was just after three weeks of not being able to drive due to the icy weather. Afterwards, he said I did pretty well, that I just needed to work on my gears and I'd be a 'fine wee driver'! Obviously not well enough to pass though!

I got six grade 1 faults (one for position turning right, one for misleading signals, one for progress on the straight, one for clutch and two for gears), ten grade 2 faults (one for position turning right, one for reaction to hazards, one for clutch, four for gears!, one for right of way at roundabouts, one for competently doing reverse and last but not least, one for competency doing the turnabout), and no grade 3s.

Out of sheer nerves, I conked out during the turnabout. I have no problems with this ordinarily - I quite enjoy it! I messed up the reverse around a corner but will work on that. I think the misleading signals one was for leaving my right indicator on too long while passing a parked car (I had to move out to leave some space).

He said afterwards that I wasn't always in the correct gear. Thinking about this, I thought I shifted up to third almost as soon as I could, and I don't think I had many opportunities to go up to fourth. Maybe one. There was a bit of slush on the roads too, so I was driving slightly slower than I usually would.

I know I have a tendency to coast a bit - could I get faulted on gears for this? When going around corners or slowing coming to a roundabout or junction where I might have to stop, I'd quite often leave my foot on the clutch to avoid stalling. I have been working on this - I sometimes do it without thinking but I've improved a lot. I'm making myself get to the correct speed, go into second/first gear and take my foot completely off the clutch just before getting to the junction.

I've just gotten notice that my next test will be on the 17th of February. I'm only home at weekends so I can't go out driving all the time, but I'm going to get a lesson this weekend, and one before the test, and get a bit of driving done with one of my parents. I'll hope for the best!

I was just wondering if any of you had any tips or other ideas on where the faults on gears might have arisen. All advice appreciated, and sorry for the essay!

Hi Melia, Good to see so much detail in a question to be honest. Ill help where i can. Please dont take this a definitive answer but more of a guideline to help you out.

First is the misleading signal. While it is NOT required to signal while overtaking stationary vehicles your at no fault if you do. The fault can arise from if you do overtake, using your indicator, and there is a right hand turn close to you. My advice would avoid signalling around stationary cars unless you have to stop to allow an on coming car the right of way. Leave enough distance between you and the parked car at all times.

Second is gears. While you are making an active effort to be in the right gear at the right time you maybe over thinking the situation too much. What i do with pupils is simple. When your turning right from one road into another and you DO NOT have to stop then take the turn in second gear. When approching the turn get ready early. Mirror, Signal, Position to the white line, Speed, Gear (2), release the clutch, and then make your decision about if your going to go or not. If you have to stop then stop and engage 1st gear. If you can go then look into your turn for clearance and turn in. Its very important that you make sure that the turn is clear before you turn the wheel in. Being in the right gear is important to get good progress at all times. In the Honda Jazz we dont change gear until the rev counter gets to between 2000 and 2500 RPM. It does change from road to road so try it a different times and see which suits you best.

Please note that the advice given here is only advice and should not be taken as rule and can be adapted to suit your needs.

**Timbuk2**

^
That's good advice!

My instructor tends to go by speeds rather than revs (which I think is wrong, but who am I to disagree with an ADI). He reckons if you're over 30km/h you can be in 3rd gear, and if your over 40km/h you can be in 4th gear! (not sure if this is right, but it seems to work, but it's probably only relevant to his '09 Opel Corsa).

ADI34722, do you know whether I will get marked down in the test for shifting down through the gears when I know I will be coming to a stop? I know that it's recommended to stop in whatever gear you are in, but I am in the habit of shifting down through the gears, and then stopping in 2nd. Could I be marked for gears in this situation?

ADI34722

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

^
That's good advice!

My instructor tends to go by speeds rather than revs (which I think is wrong, but who am I to disagree with an ADI). He reckons if you're over 30km/h you can be in 3rd gear, and if your over 40km/h you can be in 4th gear! (not sure if this is right, but it seems to work, but it's probably only relevant to his '09 Opel Corsa).

ADI34722, do you know whether I will get marked down in the test for shifting down through the gears when I know I will be coming to a stop? I know that it's recommended to stop in whatever gear you are in, but I am in the habit of shifting down through the gears, and then stopping in 2nd. Could I be marked for gears in this situation?

Its a bit of a grey area this one and will differ most of the time. Think of it like this. "Gears are for going and breaks are for stopping". You will pick up a mark if you use the gearbox to slow down. If you change down too soon you will feel the car rapidly lose speed. This is causing stress on the gearbox and should be avoided. You can stop in any gear you like. With my pupils i advise that if it says stop then the only thing you actually have to is stop. No changing gears. If that means stopping in 4th then stop in 4th. Timing is critical. If you break too soon for the sign or light then you will need to change down to prevent stalling or have to coast. Too late and the car will be unstable on the way in and feel too fast. Smoothness is key.

As for the speed thing i wouldnt contradict your instructor. Try it in your own car with the revs. If you havent got one then ask your instructor if you can try it in his. 2500 is perfect in the Jazz with its 1.2 litre engine but maybe different in the corsa.

**Timbuk2**

Thanks for the reply! I didn't realise I'd pick up a mark for slowing down with the gears - sometimes I do this, such as approaching a roundabout I'd shift down to third. I'm not sure why I do it - the brake works fine!

The car I practice in ('98 Starlet) doesn't have a rev-meter (I think it's actually called a tachometer, I'm not sure), but I'll try it in the instructor's car. Normally I'd just go by the sound, but I still have to build up expierence. In the future, when I'm so used to driving, I probably won't even have to think about it!

ADI34722

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

Thanks for the reply! I didn't realise I'd pick up a mark for slowing down with the gears - sometimes I do this, such as approaching a roundabout I'd shift down to third. I'm not sure why I do it - the brake works fine!

The car I practice in ('98 Starlet) doesn't have a rev-meter (I think it's actually called a tachometer, I'm not sure), but I'll try it in the instructor's car. Normally I'd just go by the sound, but I still have to build up expierence. In the future, when I'm so used to driving, I probably won't even have to think about it!

Yup Tachometer is right but most would know it as the Rev-counter. Just reading about the roundabouts there. What do you normally do on the approach to a roundabout. Can you talk me thru it.

**Timbuk2**

ADI34722 wrote: »

Yup Tachometer is right but most would know it as the Rev-counter. Just reading about the roundabouts there. What do you normally do on the approach to a roundabout. Can you talk me thru it.

Sure!

This is what I'd normally do (not saying I'm right, I'm only a learner!)
I'd usually be approaching a roundabout in 4th gear. When I come up to the yellow roundabout sign, I take my foot off the gas, and when the car slows down a bit, I shift down into 3rd (not using the brake, but I let the car slow down a bit first). I would then check the mirrors again and indicate (if applicable to the situation). As I'm approaching the roundabout, I'd downshift into 2nd (after letting the car slow a bit, using the brakes if necessary).
If I can get on the roundabout without stopping, I do so. If I can't, I stop and change to first gear.

In reality I probably should just approach in 4th gear, and block change to 2nd when getting close to the actual roundabout!

spurious

If there is someone behind you, I think you should brake using the brakes.

DrivingTestTips: Brian

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

Sure!

This is what I'd normally do (not saying I'm right, I'm only a learner!)
I'd usually be approaching a roundabout in 4th gear. When I come up to the yellow roundabout sign, I take my foot off the gas, and when the car slows down a bit, I shift down into 3rd (not using the brake, but I let the car slow down a bit first). I would then check the mirrors again and indicate (if applicable to the situation). As I'm approaching the roundabout, I'd downshift into 2nd (after letting the car slow a bit, using the brakes if necessary).
If I can get on the roundabout without stopping, I do so. If I can't, I stop and change to first gear.

In reality I probably should just approach in 4th gear, and block change to 2nd when getting close to the actual roundabout!

This is very good, You are thinking about what is ahead and you are dealing with it in a controlled manner. It is better to block change when you can because it gives you less to do, but if you are going down your gears 1 by 1 in the way you say, its fine and would be no problem.
(personally I would advise the block change)

Going up the gears should be based on the revs as you will get better quicker and listen to them rather than looking at the rev counter that cures the problem of not having a rev counter.

ADI34722

DrivingTestTips (Brian) wrote: »

This is very good, You are thinking about what is ahead and you are dealing with it in a controlled manner. It is better to block change when you can because it gives you less to do, but if you are going down your gears 1 by 1 in the way you say, its fine and would be no problem.
(personally I would advise the block change)

Going up the gears should be based on the revs as you will get better quicker and listen to them rather than looking at the rev counter that cures the problem of not having a rev counter.

Good point brian. Next time try this way.

100 Meter marker from the roundabout while at 50 kph.

Mirrors. Turning left or right.

Signal. Once again for left or right.

Position.

Speed for second gear. (25kph)

Gear change into second.

Observation.

Progress or stop.

If you start to slowdown too soon you will need to come off the break to allow the car to reach the roundabout. To late and you will be changing gear and sharply using the breaks and observing all at the same time. Too much to do. Space it out and do one thing after another.

leahyl

ADI34722 wrote: »

You will pick up a mark if you use the gearbox to slow down.

I never knew this! But this is good news for me cos i was obsessing about this for ages cos my istructor kept insisting that i had to come down the gears when i was stopping and i hate it!! So i'm delighted now:D!

af_thefragile

Sorry if this is like a hijack but maybe it could help the OP out too...

When I slow down my car, I just break until I feel the gear can't cope with the speed anymore and then press the clutch in to change to 2nd (if coming to a rounabout/turn/junction) or if coming to a stop I keep the clutch pressed in until the car has come to a stop and then pull up the hand break and change to 1st.

Sometimes I feel I left the gear change a wee bit late and the car shakes a little (you know the shaking when the gear can't cope with the speed) but then I quickly press in the clutch and shift down.

So firstly I was wondering if what I'm doing is right and second would I get penalised if I have left the gear change a bit late and the car shakes a little before I change gear.

Also I was wondering if by mistake I stall the engine while taking off from a standstill, how much would I end up being penalised for that?

Thanks...

ADI34722

af_thefragile wrote: »

Sorry if this is like a hijack but maybe it could help the OP out too...

When I slow down my car, I just break until I feel the gear can't cope with the speed anymore and then press the clutch in to change to 2nd (if coming to a rounabout/turn/junction) or if coming to a stop I keep the clutch pressed in until the car has come to a stop and then pull up the hand break and change to 1st.

Sometimes I feel I left the gear change a wee bit late and the car shakes a little (you know the shaking when the gear can't cope with the speed) but then I quickly press in the clutch and shift down.

So firstly I was wondering if what I'm doing is right and second would I get penalised if I have left the gear change a bit late and the car shakes a little before I change gear.

Also I was wondering if by mistake I stall the engine while taking off from a standstill, how much would I end up being penalised for that?

Thanks...

First if you do stall at a light or pulling off its not an mark but rather what you do to restart the engine. Progress is a bit part of the test and sitting at a setg of lights and applying the handbrake and neutral then turning off the engine and then back on and then first gear to try again could end up getting you marked for progress. Depending on where you are it will change the sequance you should follow. In our test centre there is a very sharp hill with a set of lights for turning left and right. From time to time people do stall the engine here. When stalled apply the handbrake and push the clutch in and restart the engine. Another set of lights and a filter for the right hand turn. If stalled you push in the clutch and turn the engine.

Second is the shaking going down thru the gears. During the test the car should feel smooth and controlled at all times. Try and find a sweetspot between to early and too late. I know its easy to say but when you find it you will know. The shouldnt shudder and shake at all. Get used to when its going to happen and act early.

Melia

Hi all, thanks for the replies. The nerves are beginning to kick in! Nobody at home knows I'm sitting the test so I wasn't able to convince anyone to come out driving with me this evening. I have a two hour lesson booked before the test. I've improved a lot on the coasting (I think!). I'm working on changing up/down gears more quickly too.

I was kind of nervous the last time because the roads weren't great and I hadn't been driving properly in weeks, but I'm a bit more confident about tomorrow. I just hope it doesn't turn out that I get no marks on gears and pick them up somewhere else I was fine previously!

There's one stretch of road in particular in the town that has a series of quite high speed bumps. I was told by one instructor to go up to third gear between ramps and down to second before going over them. I've been trying to do this but there's not much distance between them and it seems like I'm shifting up and then shifting down two seconds later - is there much point? I have a different instructor tomorrow so I'll clarify with him too.

There's no part of the test routes that I can think of where the speed limit is above 50 km/h. I never went above third gear in my last test. Do you think I should be in fourth at 50 km/h? I usually go by the engine sound and the revs but I'm not sure what the revs usually are at that speed - I don't usually let it go above 2500 without shifting up though. Again, I'll ask my instructor tomorrow. Making a little list here of questions for him! Hopefully tomorrow I'll be posting in the successful thread!

af_thefragile

Melia wrote: »

Hi all, thanks for the replies. The nerves are beginning to kick in! Nobody at home knows I'm sitting the test so I wasn't able to convince anyone to come out driving with me this evening. I have a two hour lesson booked before the test. I've improved a lot on the coasting (I think!). I'm working on changing up/down gears more quickly too.

I was kind of nervous the last time because the roads weren't great and I hadn't been driving properly in weeks, but I'm a bit more confident about tomorrow. I just hope it doesn't turn out that I get no marks on gears and pick them up somewhere else I was fine previously!

There's one stretch of road in particular in the town that has a series of quite high speed bumps. I was told by one instructor to go up to third gear between ramps and down to second before going over them. I've been trying to do this but there's not much distance between them and it seems like I'm shifting up and then shifting down two seconds later - is there much point? I have a different instructor tomorrow so I'll clarify with him too.

There's no part of the test routes that I can think of where the speed limit is above 50 km/h. I never went above third gear in my last test. Do you think I should be in fourth at 50 km/h? I usually go by the engine sound and the revs but I'm not sure what the revs usually are at that speed - I don't usually let it go above 2500 without shifting up though. Again, I'll ask my instructor tomorrow. Making a little list here of questions for him! Hopefully tomorrow I'll be posting in the successful thread!

My instructor tells me to remain in 3rd for ramps. Just break gently till you hit the ramp and then get back on the accelerator immediately, no real need to change gears.

And I usually drive at 50 km/h in 4th. I think this sorta depends on the car too, if its a powerful car with long gear ratios then 4th could be too small for the speed and you might need to stay in 3rd. I change fairly quickly up the gears, like around 2k rpm when I'm driving (except for 1st-2nd and sometimes 2nd-3rd where I usually let it go above 2.5k, upto 3k rpm depending on situation). Its like you're saving fuel when you're driving at a low rpm so its good for the economy to drive in 4th gear whenever you can...

Anyway, good luck with the test!

Melia

Bah! Failed.

I got five grade 2s... and one grade 3. I know exactly where it was. I'd love to go straight back and do the test again, I know I can pass!

Just a few minutes after the test started, I was coming up to traffic lights which were green and changed to amber. Since there were no cars behind me I braked and stopped - too abruptly - and picked up a grade 3. The lights turned red just as I stopped. He said afterwards that if it hadn't been for that I would have passed no problem. He was much friendlier than my last tester, I felt much more at ease.

I'm slightly frustrated but I suppose these things happen. About to apply again online for a cancellation, and hopefully I'll get it again soon.

Grade 2s: one each for position turning left, observation at roundabouts, clutch and gears, and one for conking out during the turnabout.

**Timbuk2**

Aw tough luck! Don't worry about it, lots of people fail twice! I like your attitude - applying for another test straight away, it shows determination rather than frustration! I like how you don't hold any ill against the tester - it's funny how people that fail always say "The tester was very unfair" and those that pass always say "The tester was very friendly!".

Best of luck in your next test! Afaik, you didn't tell anyone that you were doing your test last time. That's a good idea - it's much less pressure, and if you fail, you don't have to say anything to anyone. I am doing a test in 3 weeks (very nervous!), and I'm planning not to tell many people (he announces on an internet forum that receives thousands of hits per day :P). I'll just tell them I'm doing a driving lesson, and if I fail I won't say anything about having done a test!

Were your Grade 2s for coasting etc. (the problems you outlined in the original post)? Also, I notice that you conked out during the turnabout in both your tests. This is really easy to do due to nerves, but if you practice turnabouts a lot between now and your next test, you should be more confident at them and won't cut out as easy. You could also practice cutting out (ok, that sounds silly). But what I mean is that if you cut out, but recover from it really quickly, almost as if it never happened, the tester won't always mark you down!

Best of luck!

Melia

Thanks for your post, I'm feeling a lot better about it now. I accept that it was entirely my own fault, but it's something I'd never usually do - I was worried about getting a mark for ignoring a traffic light so I jammed on the brakes. I did look to make sure there were no cars behind me.

In fairness, the tester was really nice - he sat with me for about ten minutes after and answered all my questions about where exactly I picked up marks.

The best of luck in your test - I'm so glad I didn't tell anyone about either of mine. Nobody is going to know I'm sitting tests till I pass! It makes it awkward getting to the test centre and back because I don't drive without an accompanying driver, but it's worth it for the lack of pressure. I did the same thing, telling them I had a lesson.

I didn't coast at all today, I was delighted! I felt really good driving, I was relaxed and didn't do anything too stupid (except the obvious). The clutch mark was for stalling during the turnabout, he said. I stall more often when I'm nervous. It was somewhere I hadn't done the manoeuvre before, and on a bit of an incline. I very rarely stall when I'm out with my mother or father, and I usually do a perfect turnabout - it's just nerves. I'll practice till I get over it. The gear mark was for taking a corner in fourth when I thought I was in second. Practicing cutting out is actually a good idea, I'll know how slow I can go without stalling then and be a bit more relaxed!

Melia

I PASSED!

Thanks for your help! I was absolutely convinced I'd failed - which weirdly helped me to relax.

It hasn't quite sunk in yet. We just had a ceremonial cutting-up of the L plates.

af_thefragile

Good job!!
You didn't have to wait too long for your retest I see.

Just hoping my test comes soon and I pass it as well...

Till then enjoy your full license!! It should surely feel great!

Melia

af_thefragile wrote: »

Good job!!
You didn't have to wait too long for your retest I see.

Just hoping my test comes soon and I pass it as well...

Till then enjoy your full license!! It should surely feel great!

Thanks! I applied for a cancellation slot, but I'm not sure if it was one. I heard on the 12th of March that it would be the 25th (having applied on the 17th of February). I'm grateful I didn't have to wait too long.

The best of luck with your next test - you'll have that pink licence soon enough.

I had two drives this evening on my own (I'm already being used as a chauffeur) and I was a bit nervous not having my accompanying driver. Hopefully it'll pass! I just have visions in my head of causing a horrific crash.

gagiteebo

Melia wrote: »

Hopefully it'll pass! I just have visions in my head of causing a horrific crash.

It will pass You're streets ahead of me, I've cancelled my test twice due to unbelievable nerves! Just reading through your posts has left me with sweaty palms :eek: I'm determined to do it by the end of the summer though...without causing a horrific crash *gulp*

Congratulations by the way :pac:

Melia

The best of luck!

DrivingTestTips: Brian

Well done,

ADI34722

Congrats....

StinkySocs

Congrats! That's brilliant!

I have mine tomorrow I'm so scared! it'll b my FOURTH time such a loser!

but I feel a bit a happier now after reading this:o

I will master the reverse round the corner, I will I tell you, I will!!!

MartMax

StinkySocs wrote: »

Congrats! That's brilliant!

I have mine tomorrow I'm so scared! it'll b my FOURTH time such a loser!

but I feel a bit a happier now after reading this:o

I will master the reverse round the corner, I will I tell you, I will!!!

Don't worry it too much. Myself will be doing the fourth time soon as I failed the third one today. For me it's down to myself being calm and ready. No panic n confuse self. It was a confusion that brought me down today unfortunately.

Loads of practice. And calm, that's my advice.

Melia

Bribe someone into coming out with you, buy them a magazine or a book and just practice it over and over and over until you can do it blindfolded. If your instructor can point out some common places it's done in the tests, even better.

I swear I could do it in my sleep at this stage, and it used to be torture.

The very best of luck tomorrow! I know it's easy to say and hard to do, but take a few deep breaths when you get in the car and try to relax. If you fail you can do it again - you will get it sooner or later.

StinkySocs

Thanks guys!

I passed today...messed up the reverse round the corner, but fixed it - by the skin of me teeth!

Passing on the good karma to allllllll.....:p

Melia

StinkySocs wrote: »

Thanks guys!

I passed today...messed up the reverse round the corner, but fixed it - by the skin of me teeth!

Passing on the good karma to allllllll.....:p

Congratulations! It's such a great feeling, isn't it?

erwinvr101

Melia wrote: »

I PASSED!

Thanks for your help! I was absolutely convinced I'd failed - which weirdly helped me to relax.

It hasn't quite sunk in yet. We just had a ceremonial cutting-up of the L plates.

same thing happened to me. all of my mistakes were from the first 5-7 mins of the exam and i felt that i already failed it which made me drive how i normally drive. congrats by the way