Going from 4th to 2nd gear

woodchuck

Is it acceptable or not to go directly from 4th to 2nd gear on the test?

I’ve been told not to slow down if the traffic light ahead is green, but obviously there are times when as I approach it turns orange. In the cases where I’m not going to make it through the light, but am still reasonably close to the light and at speed (usually 50kpm) when it goes orange, is it ok to slow by going from 4th to 2nd gear directly? I’ve done this a few times recently and it feels fine to me; not bumpy and breaking quick enough that I don’t think it counts as coasting. I just feel like I don’t have the time to go from 4th-3rd-2nd taking the clutch in and out each time (but I am capable of this if I see the lights change and I’m a bit further back).

Or would I be better off going from 4th to 3rd and stopping in 3rd? I have also done this the odd time, but again I don’t think it’s ideal for the test? I try to stop in 2nd gear when possible.

(I do plan on getting a pretest in the not too distance future btw and bombarding the person with questions, but I’m not quite there yet, so hoping your good selves can help me out in the meantime )

Faith+1

woodchuck wrote: »

Is it acceptable or not to go directly from 4th to 2nd gear on the test?

It's very acceptable Woodchuck. It's called block changing, it's considered eco-driving. You're putting less wear on tear on the gearbox, your less likely to coast and it will give you more control of the car promptly.

I did it in both my car and truck tests and never got marked for controls. Alot of older drivers/instructors still prefer the old methods of going up/down every gear.

ADIDriving

All three options, if done correctly are acceptable in the test. Personally, I prefer to change from 4th to 2nd and then stop. Just make sure any gear you change into, you actually use. That means coming up off the clutch. Regarding slowing for green light: If you are confident they are staying green, you can maintain your speed. But remember that all traffic lights actually do, is change colour. So check your mirrors and be ready to stop.

woodchuck

Thanks a million guys, that's good to know