Failed Yesterday - Quite Confused

Gator

So I received 6 grade 2's on gears and 7 grade 2's for Progress 'On the straight'

The tester was astonished I never got out of 3rd gear, I never go out of 3rd gear unless im heading over 50kmh (it helps me keep my speed under control)

We were driving around estates so there were obvioulsy no need for speed!

Everytime I was on a straight road he marked me under the two headings above for failing to go past 3rd gear, the car sounds fine under 50kmh in 3rd.

He stated that it was more fuel efficient to be in a higher gear.

Everything else went fine, 2 grade 1's for small things.

Im a little disillusioned with the whole process now to be honest.

Anyone else have the same experience?

ChrisM

I was always taught to advance through the gears as the engine doesn't have to work as hard, even if in a residential area.. Is there a reason you stayed in 3rd gear? Were you advised on this?

bazery

Don't get too worried. I'm fairly certain its just a money making thing. Make you pay twice to pass. The time I passed I remember giving the car a bit more welly then normal and they were happy out with my progress.

Outkast_IRE

To be fair , if he felt like you should of went to 4th you probably should of, he must of noticed the revs relatively high when at 50kph , or was there any section of dual carriageway ?

Mars Bar

Where did you do your test?

My instructor says once you should be getting in to 4th at around 40kmph. You'll get to that fairly quickly on any relatively decent straight stretch of road. The car must have been begging for 4th!

ek motor

I think generally the testers look for you to be in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine, you would generally be in 4th gear at 50kph, keep practicing doing it before your next test, im sure you'll have no problems passing it next time around mate .

MascotDec85

Tbh the tester is bang on. When at 50 you should be in 4th. Also sounds like you were doing below 50 when it was safe to do 50 and hence the progress marks. Nothing to do with money making whatsoever.

Better luck next time.

Rasmus

In the test, you need to show that you are competent with the gear shift, i.e . Move all the way up. I'm surprised your instructor didn't tell you this. How did you drive around for long in 3rd without cringing? Did you not pick up speed at all or was there heavy traffic?

Gator

Had a read over the responses and I was out driving yesterday, car is fine in 3rd up to 50, no excessive reving, sounds fine, didnt go on any roads around rathgar that are above 50kmh, no one behind me but I was behind quite slow drivers keeping my distance.

I appreciate the moving up through the gears etc, I was just trying to show awarenesss and not trying speed to 50 as quick a possible.

Il take on the advice and use 4th the next time,

cheers everyone