Use only foot brake at traffic light/junctions

infinita · 20-10-2015 5:52pm #1

Hi,

Could someone provide an affirmative answer to my question below:

If I only use footbrake at traffic light or junctions during the test，will it be marked as fault?

I understand it's not the best way. I just want to figure out how it can affect my test ....

thanks!

5W30 · 20-10-2015 7:02pm

Do you mean instead of pulling the handbrake?

I only use the handbrake if I know I'll be stopped for a while at a junction. If it's just a normal stop light there is no trouble just using the foot brake.

biko · 20-10-2015 7:08pm

As I understand it there is no regulation to use handbrake at all.
There is only guide rules taught by instructors:
"If a pause becomes a wait, then apply the handbrake"

Hence there is no effect on your test if you decide not to apply handbrake.

cantdecide · 20-10-2015 9:44pm

I went through my test many moons ago but I think the theory at the time was 'secure the car' with the handbrake.

I can't say if there's a rule about it at the moment but I believe firstly, keep your brake lights on just for extra visibility and secondly, don't blind people immediately behind you at night with your brake lights on. Also, in some cars (heavy luxury cars such as a Lexus my dad used to have or so the owners' clubs would say), it's not a good a idea to have your brakes clenched for long periods of time if they're hot as it can create hot spots on the discs that can warp them under certain circumstances.

That's why I do combinations of brakes handbrake depending on the situation.

MascotDec85 · 20-10-2015 10:44pm

In short, no

infinita · 21-10-2015 8:10am

thanks guys!

I can't tell you why · 22-10-2015 11:19am

YES.

Depending on how long you are stopped. I have seen learners getting marks for the handbrake in their driving test. The testers had told them that the mark was for, the length of time they were stopped without the handbrake. I even questioned one drivers result with a senior tester.

MascotDec85 this may be regional variations, that of course don't ever happen. lol.

22-10-2015 11:21am

At lights, we learn to apply hand brakes if there are more than two cars in front. Then you have a lot of time to be ready when the change comes

MascotDec85 · 22-10-2015 11:55pm

I can't tell you why wrote: »

YES.

Depending on how long you are stopped. I have seen learners getting marks for the handbrake in their driving test. The testers had told them that the mark was for, the length of time they were stopped without the handbrake. I even questioned one drivers result with a senior tester.

MascotDec85 this may be regional variations, that of course don't ever happen. lol.

I've only ever seen 1 tester mark it, a Grade 1 at that.

caldew · 23-10-2015 4:34pm

Yes it can affect your test result. If you are stopped for a prolonged period you should apply the handbrake.
Why not do it anyway, you already stated what you do is not the best way.
Applying the handbrake is safer and also more thoughtful to your fellow motorists.

greyc · 25-10-2015 11:03pm

MascotDec85 wrote: »

I've only ever seen 1 tester mark it, a Grade 1 at that.

A friend of mine got 4 grade 2 faults in Tallaght last year for not putting on her handbrake. She said that she never let the car roll back at any stage but the tester told her that as she was stopped for prolonged periods she should not have been using the footbrake. She only had 11 faults in total, so it cost her the test

Use only foot brake at traffic light/junctions

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