Few questions to work out some 'kinks'.

chin_grin

So, after doing a few lessons I've noticed myself 'slip' in to some bad habits. I'll format this in what I am doing, what I should be doing way.

Just wanted to get a few pointers or hints or even suggestions that my view of what I should be doing is right. Especially coming up to a test!

Going down gears (coming up to red lights or slowing down/stopping in general).

What I'm doing.

I'm braking, but then clutching and going from (if I'm going 50k) 4th straight to 2nd!

What I (think) I should be doing.

Stepping down gears and coming to a complete stop in neutral.

Handbrake. (At lights, stopped at a junction)

What I'm doing.

I don't handbrake at all to be honest! Bit nervous of cutting out when that light goes green! I just hold the brake and the clutch to bite.

What I should be doing.

Handbrake on. Neutral. Off clutch. Light goes green: Back on clutch and put in to gear. Clutch to bite, accelerate a bit and away I go.

So would I be penalised if I did this in a test environment?

Thanks for any/all help.

Alanstrainor

chin_grin wrote: »

So, after doing a few lessons I've noticed myself 'slip' in to some bad habits. I'll format this in what I am doing, what I should be doing way.

Just wanted to get a few pointers or hints or even suggestions that my view of what I should be doing is right. Especially coming up to a test!

Going down gears (coming up to red lights or slowing down/stopping in general).

What I'm doing.

I'm braking, but then clutching and going from (if I'm going 50k) 4th straight to 2nd!

What I (think) I should be doing.

Stepping down gears and coming to a complete stop in neutral.

Handbrake. (At lights, stopped at a junction)

.

By the sounds of it you're doing it correctly already. Just to be clear. Say you're driving at 50km/h, and you are slowing to a stop, at a stop sign.

*Start to apply the brake pedal to slow the car.
*When you are at approx 30km/h, clutch in, change to second, and release the clutch.
*Continue to brake until you have slowed right down, apply the clutch just before you stop.

chin_grin wrote: »

Handbrake. (At lights, stopped at a junction)

What I'm doing.

I don't handbrake at all to be honest! Bit nervous of cutting out when that light goes green! I just hold the brake and the clutch to bite.

What I should be doing.

Handbrake on. Neutral. Off clutch. Light goes green: Back on clutch and put in to gear. Clutch to bite, accelerate a bit and away I go.

So would I be penalised if I did this in a test environment?

Thanks for any/all help.

I tend to go by this rule. If I have time to think about putting on the handbrake, you should put on the handbrake!

Stopped at a set of traffic lights,(first in the queue). I would probably, apply the handbrake, leave the car in first, keep the clutch fully depressed and wait for the light to turn in my favour. With practise you will be able to tell when the lights are going to change by observing the lights and traffic, which will mean you can get ready by releasing the clutch to the biting point and being ready to release the handbrake.

Now, if I wasn't first in the queue, I would stop, apply the handbrake, put the car into neutral and relax my feet. And simply keep an eye on the lights, when you see they are about to change in your favour, put the car in gear and be ready to go.

When you're stopped at a set of lights, it's very bad practise to sit in traffic with the clutch pedal raised to the biting point. It's bad for your clutch, and it's dangerous. So i would at very least stop doing this.

chin_grin

Alanstrainor wrote: »

By the sounds of it you're doing it correctly already. Just to be clear. Say you're driving at 50km/h, and you are slowing to a stop, at a stop sign.

*Start to apply the brake pedal to slow the car.
*When you are at approx 30km/h, clutch in, change to second, and release the clutch.
*Continue to brake until you have slowed right down, apply the clutch just before you stop.




I tend to go by this rule. If I have time to think about putting on the handbrake, you should put on the handbrake!

Stopped at a set of traffic lights,(first in the queue). I would probably, apply the handbrake, leave the car in first, keep the clutch fully depressed and wait for the light to turn in my favour. With practise you will be able to tell when the lights are going to change by observing the lights and traffic, which will mean you can get ready by releasing the clutch to the biting point and being ready to release the handbrake.

Now, if I wasn't first in the queue, I would stop, apply the handbrake, put the car into neutral and relax my feet. And simply keep an eye on the lights, when you see they are about to change in your favour, put the car in gear and be ready to go.

When you're stopped at a set of lights, it's very bad practise to sit in traffic with the clutch pedal raised to the biting point. It's bad for your clutch, and it's dangerous. So i would at very least stop doing this.

Exactly what I needed to know! Thanks a mil for clearing that up for me.

ADIDriving

Gears: What you are doing is fine. Do make sure you release the clutch between 2nd and stopping.
Handbrake: Generally apply handbrake if you get a chance at lights. If you are near the front be in gear with the clutxh down. As has already been said what you are doing is dangerous. If a car bumps you from behind, your feet will lift off the peddals and you will not skid or roll forward, but you will drive into the car infront.

cosmic

chin_grin wrote: »

What I (think) I should be doing.

Stepping down gears and coming to a complete stop in neutral.

You should never take your car out of gear when coming to a stop, only when fully stopped. Thsi is another form of coasting and is quite dangerous.

MascotDec85

chin_grin wrote: »

Going down gears (coming up to red lights or slowing down/stopping in general).

What I'm doing.

I'm braking, but then clutching and going from (if I'm going 50k) 4th straight to 2nd!

What I (think) I should be doing.

Stepping down gears and coming to a complete stop in neutral.

Start braking gently.
Changing from 4th to 2nd is perfectly fine.
Get off the clutch again whilst braking.
Just before the car stops press the clutch in to the floor.


Do not stop with the car in neutral, leave it in gear until you have come to a complete stop.
Handbrake (if necessary)
Neutral
Watch the other traffic lights to see them go to red, as they do clutch in, select first, get the biting point and get ready to move off when you get your green

**Timbuk2**

You don't actually have to change to 2nd while stopping (although it's fine to do so). If you are approaching something where you know you'll have to stop (red light, stop sign) then you can simply stop in whatever gear you are in, even if it is 4th or 5th.

If it was a roundabout however, I would change down to second once you are slow enough. This enables you to be ready to take a gap if it arises - remember roundabouts are all about keeping the traffic flowing. Ideally you should plan it so that you arrive at the yeild line when there is a gap in traffic. Obviously it's fine to stop at a roundabout though if there is no gap, just make sure to put it into first gear and be ready to go.

chin_grin

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

You don't actually have to change to 2nd while stopping (although it's fine to do so). If you are approaching something where you know you'll have to stop (red light, stop sign) then you can simply stop in whatever gear you are in, even if it is 4th or 5th.

See this is probably myself confusing..er....myself. When I'm slowing down and I know I'm taking the power out of the car I can feel the "chug" of the gears as I do (if I'm in 4th....haven't been on a motorway yet so 5th is the elusive gear! ).

So that's why I drop to second. But now I realise that I've been "coasting" to a stop and need to be more aware of that (especially coming up to a test!).

Thanks a mil for all the help guys, it's very much appreciated.

Leeg17

chin_grin wrote: »

See this is probably myself confusing..er....myself. When I'm slowing down and I know I'm taking the power out of the car I can feel the "chug" of the gears as I do (if I'm in 4th....haven't been on a motorway yet so 5th is the elusive gear! ).

If I'm in 4th and coming to a complete stop at a stop sign, I tend to go to 2nd just before the sign, and then 1st once I've stopped. I find it's alot easier (for me anyways) and smoother as our car tends to labour if I try and stop in 4th.

You shouldn't be clutching too early when coming to a stop in any gear.
4th -> 2nd, clutch down and back up again. Completely off the clutch, and slow with brakes. Clutch in again just before you come to a stop.

jimmyw

Alanstrainor wrote: »

By the sounds of it you're doing it correctly already. Just to be clear. Say you're driving at 50km/h, and you are slowing to a stop, at a stop sign.

*Start to apply the brake pedal to slow the car.
*When you are at approx 30km/h, clutch in, change to second, and release the clutch.
*Continue to brake until you have slowed right down, apply the clutch just before you stop.




I tend to go by this rule. If I have time to think about putting on the handbrake, you should put on the handbrake!

Stopped at a set of traffic lights,(first in the queue). I would probably, apply the handbrake, leave the car in first, keep the clutch fully depressed and wait for the light to turn in my favour. With practise you will be able to tell when the lights are going to change by observing the lights and traffic, which will mean you can get ready by releasing the clutch to the biting point and being ready to release the handbrake.

Now, if I wasn't first in the queue, I would stop, apply the handbrake, put the car into neutral and relax my feet. And simply keep an eye on the lights, when you see they are about to change in your favour, put the car in gear and be ready to go.

When you're stopped at a set of lights, it's very bad practise to sit in traffic with the clutch pedal raised to the biting point. It's bad for your clutch, and it's dangerous. So i would at very least stop doing this.

Yeah my instructor also told me to do this many moons ago but doing this will do your clutch no favours.Its best to apply the handbrake and gear in neutral and foot off the clutch when stopped at lights.


I better mind myself getting down from my high horse;)

Alanstrainor

jimmyw wrote: »

Yeah my instructor also told me to do this many moons ago but doing this will do your clutch no favours.Its best to apply the handbrake and gear in neutral and foot off the clutch when stopped at lights.


I better mind myself getting down from my high horse;)

Well, as i said in my post, if you are first in a queue, then that is probably the best course of action for someone learning.

And anyway, a clutch cable is not expensive to fix, well it's nothing compared to a clutch plate or flywheel!

ADIDriving

For the driving test definately wait in first. If there is even the slightest delay moving off, you risk gettting a mark for progress. Also it may mean someone further back does not get through the lights. The car is there to be used. It really takes a lot of misuse to damage the clutch.

erwinvr101

chin_grin wrote: »

See this is probably myself confusing..er....myself. When I'm slowing down and I know I'm taking the power out of the car I can feel the "chug" of the gears as I do (if I'm in 4th....haven't been on a motorway yet so 5th is the elusive gear! ).

So that's why I drop to second. But now I realise that I've been "coasting" to a stop and need to be more aware of that (especially coming up to a test!).

Thanks a mil for all the help guys, it's very much appreciated.

i think you need to drop down in gears specially during the test as the tester will take note if you have complete control of the car. your gears need to match your speed

J_R

erwinvr101 wrote: »

i think you need to drop down in gears specially during the test as the tester will take note if you have complete control of the car. your gears need to match your speed

Hi,

You will not be marked in the test either way.

But best driving practice is not to change down.

Even the BMW car manual says not to change. When you come off the gas and brake, fuel is now not needed and all the energy from the wheels is channeled to charge the battery. All you are wearing out are the brake pads which are relatively very cheap compared to clutches.

Change down and you are needlessly burning fuel, wearing out the clutch and taking your hand off the wheel unnecessary

J_R

chin_grin wrote: »

See this is probably myself confusing..er....myself. When I'm slowing down and I know I'm taking the power out of the car I can feel the "chug" of the gears as I do (if I'm in 4th....haven't been on a motorway yet so 5th is the elusive gear! ).

So that's why I drop to second. But now I realise that I've been "coasting" to a stop and need to be more aware of that (especially coming up to a test!).

Thanks a mil for all the help guys, it's very much appreciated.

It is physically impossible to stop without "coasting"

Only time you could stop without coasting is if you ran out of fuel or drove into a wall or some such.

Brake, then before the car would begin to "chug" press the clutch in fully irrespective what gear you happen to be in...

See Stopping

That stop sign is on a test route and applicants do not get marked for stopping as above

ADI34722

chin_grin wrote: »

So, after doing a few lessons I've noticed myself 'slip' in to some bad habits. I'll format this in what I am doing, what I should be doing way.

Just wanted to get a few pointers or hints or even suggestions that my view of what I should be doing is right. Especially coming up to a test!

Going down gears (coming up to red lights or slowing down/stopping in general).

What I'm doing.

I'm braking, but then clutching and going from (if I'm going 50k) 4th straight to 2nd!

What I (think) I should be doing.

Stepping down gears and coming to a complete stop in neutral.

Handbrake. (At lights, stopped at a junction)

What I'm doing.

I don't handbrake at all to be honest! Bit nervous of cutting out when that light goes green! I just hold the brake and the clutch to bite.

What I should be doing.

Handbrake on. Neutral. Off clutch. Light goes green: Back on clutch and put in to gear. Clutch to bite, accelerate a bit and away I go.

So would I be penalised if I did this in a test environment?

Thanks for any/all help.

Ill throw my 2cents in to if nobody has any objections.

Rather than stopping in second try third. Block changing from Fourth to Second and accidently using the Gearbox to slow your car down could result in a mark for Gears on your test sheet.

Remember Gears For Going Brakes For Slowing.

As for the Handbrake at lights. Yes you should use it. You are well able to have the biting point on the clutch and holding the footbrake, just transfer the brakes to your left hand. Takes practice. If your first or second in the lights you should be in First Gear with the handbrake on waiting for the lights. When it goes Green DONT PANIC. Just pull off.

anthonymax

I wouldn't be at all sure about the gears,but when I had some driving lessons I remember my instructor ROARING at me if I ever attempted to sit at the lights with the car in first gear and the handbrake on! He said always always have it in neutral when the handbrake is applied waiting at the lights. Was he wrong so,or have I misinterpreted the thread?

ADI34722

anthonymax wrote: »

I wouldn't be at all sure about the gears,but when I had some driving lessons I remember my instructor ROARING at me if I ever attempted to sit at the lights with the car in first gear and the handbrake on! He said always always have it in neutral when the handbrake is applied waiting at the lights. Was he wrong so,or have I misinterpreted the thread?

Ill put it this way. When the light goes green and your first in the lights and your not ready to go you may get marked for progress and the lights! You can try to judge the lights but why take the chance. Be ready!

**Timbuk2**

It's hard to explain the whole handbrake, neutral thing, as every situation is different.

If you are first in the queue, keep your handbrake on but leave it in first. Why? So you are ready to go when the lights change to green.

If you are at a familiar junction, and/or you can see the lights of the traffic going the other direction, then keep your handbrake on and leave it in neutral. By examining the other lights, you will be able to tell when the lights are going to go green. You can then move it into first.

If you are far back in a queue of traffic, say anything from the third car back, waiting at lights, leave it in handbrake and neutral. Why? It gives your foot a rest, and if you happen to be rear ended, you have less chance of being shunted into the car in front (the handbrake will resist the forward motion, and if you have your foot on the clutch, it could slip off due to impact and cause the car to jerk forward).

In the test, there will be situations where it's fine to do it either way. As long as you are ready to move once the lights turn green. Make sure not to hold the clutch at the biting point in anticipation of the lights - this is extremely bad for the clutch - they are very expensive to replace!

However, holding the clutch completely down will not burn out your clutch. You could argue that it wears out the clutch cable, but being honest it's actually very difficult to wear out a clutch cable and it isn't a common problem, so you could say it has negligible wear - i.e. keeping your foot on the clutch (completely in) has the same effect as putting the car in neutral.

As you drive more you will learn to judge it easier. Soon you won't have to think much about it. Plus, the more experienced you get, the quicker you can move off. When I started learning to drive, I always made sure I was ready to go as it would take me a while to get going. Now, that I have been driving for well over a year and have a licence and whatnot, if it arises that the lights turn green and I am still in neutral, it doesn't take me long to put it in first and move off - without delaying the cars behind by any tangible amount.

Best of luck!