Few questions

gunnerman1100

When stopped at traffic lights do you put on the handbrake or just put your foot on the brake and what gear should I be in ?

Anyone got any idea how long it takes to find out when your test is going to be ? Booked it there last week (for raheny) and haven't heard back yet. How long does it normally take to find out the date and what i should do in the run up to it aswell .

Thanks

FortyMedals

I'm a learner too, got 11/12 EDT lessons done, so no one kill me if I'm wrong.,but if you stopped you should be in 1st gear, you can use the break or handbrake its up to you but it's easier with the handbreak, that way both you feet are free and you can have the revs ready(2000 revs) and clutch about 20% up when the lights hit green slowly release the clutch, when you feel the car slightly tug, release the handbrake and you will move off, best way on small hills etc too, I'm sure going for the full licence they prefer it too. And you can just ring and find out about your test, remember you need to wait 6 months prior to when you got your provisional license..I must wait until February for mine

N17er

FortyMedals wrote: »

I'm a learner too, got 11/12 EDT lessons done, so no one kill me if I'm wrong.,but if you stopped you should be in 1st gear, you can use the break or handbrake its up to you but it's easier with the handbreak, that way both you feet are free and you can have the revs ready(2000 revs) and clutch about 20% up when the lights hit green slowly release the clutch, when you feel the car slightly tug, release the handbrake and you will move off, best way on small hills etc too, I'm sure going for the full licence they prefer it too. And you can just ring and find out about your test, remember you need to wait 6 months prior to when you got your provisional license..I must wait until February for mine

Sorry, you're sitting at lights waiting for green at 2000revs? In first gear with the clutch not fully depressed? You need a new instructor before your test.

fasttalkerchat

Should be handbrake.
You cant use the clutch, rev and footbrake together so that would be impossible!

gunnerman1100

Thanks for the replies have all 12 edt's done just couldnt remember what to do . So basically 1st gear and footbrake or handbrake ?

Have my provisional since march so im well over the 6 months just waiting for the date now .

Any other advice pass it this way

Thanks

ElChe32

OP I think you can ask to be put on a list where if someone cancels their test you can take? At least I did that for mine back in Feb..put my name down for it got called after 2 weeks - passed first time too!

challengemaster

If the car is stopped, put the handbrake on.

If you're stopped for a very short duration, it is acceptable to put the car in first gear in preparation for moving off again. If you're going to remain stationary for over 20-30 seconds, take the car out of gear.

Do not use the footbrake or clutch to hold the car stationary at traffic lights, particularly the clutch & first gear method, as it causes unnecessary wear on parts and if you're shunted from behind, you'll take your foot off the brake pedal and go straight into the car in front.

FortyMedals

N17er wrote: »

Sorry, you're sitting at lights waiting for green at 2000revs? In first gear with the clutch not fully depressed? You need a new instructor before your test.

no you do it as cars in front move off, i wouldn't do it for the entire time at the lights at all, sorry

gunnerman1100

ElChe32 wrote: »

OP I think you can ask to be put on a list where if someone cancels their test you can take? At least I did that for mine back in Feb..put my name down for it got called after 2 weeks - passed first time too!

Not to worried about when it is was just curious how long it takes for them to get back . Would rather have a good bit of notice anyway than a few days . Make myself better prepared that way lol.

FortyMedals

gunnerman1100 wrote: »

Not to worried about when it is was just curious how long it takes for them to get back . Would rather have a good bit of notice anyway than a few days . Make myself better prepared that way lol.

i asked, it takes from 6 - 8 weeks here to do your driving test, guessing a long waiting list ?? anyway best of luck to you

gbob

When I learned many moons ago the the answer was, if you're stopped long enough to apply the handbrake then you should apply it. Also its courteous to the following driver because he/she is not blinded by your brake lights.

Also I'd leave it out of gear until you're ready to pull off, the theory is if your foot slipped off the clutch or if you were rear-ended the car wouldn't lurch forward and possibly hit the car/pedestrian in front.