If waiting a long time at traffic lights...

pog it

In terms of the driving test, does anyone know whether it matters if you put on your handbrake or just keep your front brake on for as long as necessary instead (at red light)?

Days 298

Generally the further back the queue the more likely you are to use the handbrake.

That said in the test the handbrake can be a handy tool to remind yourself to check mirrors from take off. Get into the habit before the test of checking your mirrors before you let it down. Thats what I did. Theres no harm in using it whenevery you come to a red light but you dont have to.

An adi will probably give you the technical answer here in a while.

kitten_k

My driving instructor told me if I think I am going to be stopped for more than a few seconds then put the handbrake on. He said it's good for safety so that is anyone crashed into me while I am stopped then my car won't fly across the road

pog it

Days 298 wrote: »

Generally the further back the queue the more likely you are to use the handbrake.

That said in the test the handbrake can be a handy tool to remind yourself to check mirrors from take off. Get into the habit before the test of checking your mirrors before you let it down. Thats what I did. Theres no harm in using it whenevery you come to a red light but you dont have to.

An adi will probably give you the technical answer here in a while.

Thanks for that advice.

Just from the observation point of view, does that by any chance also mean that if you are stopped in traffic at all and have to move off to progress in queue, you still need to act like you are taking off when you go to move off again, in terms of doing your mirrors check and observing carefully? Whether it is front brake of handbrake you use?

My instructor said you don't need to use the handbrake at any point, unless stopping (parking). Commented you can do the whole test without using it (unless for parking). I had a long wait at traffic lights in my test, and I used the handbrake. Not because I felt I needed to, but because I find i'm better at taking off when my foot is free to use the clutch to steady the car (ie; the car can't roll anywhere in the time it takes my foot to go from the brake pedal to the clutch pedal).

I find it comforts me a bit, that I can have the car biting and rearing to go whilst still having the saftey mechanism of the handbrake to ensure i wont roll back at all.

sityiatage

I think I am going to be stopped for more than a few seconds then put the handbrake on.

I can't tell you why

Lots of good advice above. If you reckon you are going to be stopped for more then 3 seconds I would suggest the handbrake.

Witcher

pog it wrote: »

Thanks for that advice.

Just from the observation point of view, does that by any chance also mean that if you are stopped in traffic at all and have to move off to progress in queue, you still need to act like you are taking off when you go to move off again, in terms of doing your mirrors check and observing carefully? Whether it is front brake of handbrake you use?

If the car stops at all and you're pulling off you have to check your mirrors. You'll probably be stopping and starting a lot and it'll be a mark everytime the tester notices you didn't do it so they'll add up quickly.

miss no stars

Deleted User wrote: »

My instructor said you don't need to use the handbrake at any point, unless stopping (parking). Commented you can do the whole test without using it (unless for parking). I had a long wait at traffic lights in my test, and I used the handbrake. Not because I felt I needed to, but because I find i'm better at taking off when my foot is free to use the clutch to steady the car (ie; the car can't roll anywhere in the time it takes my foot to go from the brake pedal to the clutch pedal).

I find it comforts me a bit, that I can have the car biting and rearing to go whilst still having the saftey mechanism of the handbrake to ensure i wont roll back at all.

Do you use your left foot for the brake? I've always used left foot solely for clutch and right for brake and accelerator (can't brake and accelerate at the same time, but can clutch and brake at the same time).

BuffyBot

Personally I tend to use it a lot, and I think for learners it is a good habit to get into. As pointed out above, apart from having less fear of rolling and being ready to accelerate away, it also gets you in the observation habit also which will help minimise the faults you occur during your test.

ceegee

[Deleted User] wrote: »

My instructor said you don't need to use the handbrake at any point, unless stopping (parking). Commented you can do the whole test without using it (unless for parking). I had a long wait at traffic lights in my test, and I used the handbrake. Not because I felt I needed to, but because I find i'm better at taking off when my foot is free to use the clutch to steady the car (ie; the car can't roll anywhere in the time it takes my foot to go from the brake pedal to the clutch pedal).

I find it comforts me a bit, that I can have the car biting and rearing to go whilst still having the saftey mechanism of the handbrake to ensure i wont roll back at all.

I presume you mean moving your foot from brake to acceleator? Left footed braking is a bit of a bad habit for a learner to get into

Mars Bar

Breaking with your left foot sounds like complete madness!

I use the handbrake almost whenever I'm stopped and picked up the habit of knocking the car in to neutral while waiting in traffic too. My left leg would be like jelly if I was holding the clutch for so long.

danoc

I heard that if you are going to be stopped for five seconds or more, then put on your handbrake. Especially if there's a car behind you so you don't slide back when taking off.

spurious

If you've time to think to yourself 'Should I put on the handbrake?', then do.

biko

Personally I don't use it, but for the sake of this discussion; if you're the third car at a light then put it on.
Keep your hand on the handbrake.
Once the brake lights of the first car go out (after lights go green) release so the when the second car (in front of you) pulls away - you're already ready to drive off.

Just my personal way to do it, been a long time since I got my licence.
But progression is key imo.