Uncontrolled closed junction - stop and/or peep and creep?

briany

I probably don't need to clarify this, but just to be sure of what I mean - an uncontrolled junction is one with no signs or lights, and closed means there is an obstructed view of traffic.

So, say I am heading towards a closed T junction, up the stem of the T. Is the correct procedure always to (assuming the other perquisites of correct mirror, signal, braking) stop, and then peep and creep, or is it to slow down to a crawl, but keep the momentum going, back into 1st, and peep and creep?

On on the subject of stopping, from the perspective of a driving test, do testers have much leniency on using the handbrake, i.e. do they find it acceptable only to use the footbrake when stopping for only a few seconds on a flat road, or is it a case of always use the handbrake whenever stopping dead for any amount of time?

Wishbone Ash

If there is a STOP sign, you must come to a complete stop at the sign and are then free to move forward if you need to get a better view.

You don't have to use the parking brake unless you are on an incline where you could roll back.

Dravokivich

There is usually some indication of Major/Minor elements of a junction. If not (or obscured typically by hedges), approach the junction with caution. Stop before entering it. Also keep in mind the stem of the T-Junction could be a major road which continues onto the left (from you're POV), meaning you aren't joining another road at the end of it, unless you are turning right.

Regarding use of handbrake/footbrake in the test. The Examiner is concerned with 3 things while you are driving (in no particular order), your ability to observe what's happening around you, your control of the vehicle and your rate of progress (to some degree this also refers to how your actions can impede other drivers, more so than you being able to keep up with traffic).

The Hill Start segment is about control of the vehicle and you'll be marked against for not using the handbrake.

If you are amongst the front, waiting on a set of lights to turn in favour, using the handbrake and putting the car in neutral could be perceived as an issue that'll impact progress.

briany

If you're peeping and creeping out of a junction, and something comes along such that you have to brake fairly sharpish, how do you do so in a way that prevents the car from stalling? I was thought that when braking in first gear, you put the clutch in and then brake (as opposed to higher gears where you brake to slow down before clutching in before coming to a halt), but the problem is that if I need to brake quickly in first gear, I may just not be able to get that clutch in fast enough, so what's the correct technique? Should I be covering the clutch in anticipation?

punisher5112

briany wrote: »

If you're peeping and creeping out of a junction, and something comes along such that you have to brake fairly sharpish, how do you do so in a way that prevents the car from stalling? I was thought that when braking in first gear, you put the clutch in and then brake (as opposed to higher gears where you brake to slow down before clutching in before coming to a halt), but the problem is that if I need to brake quickly in first gear, I may just not be able to get that clutch in fast enough, so what's the correct technique? Should I be covering the clutch in anticipation?

If you don't put in the clutch of course it will stall.

Fully clutch and brake at the same time...

briany

punisher5112 wrote: »

If you don't put in the clutch of course it will stall.

I'm aware. My question was about the technique to get that clutch in reliably. It's alright when you're anticipating having to get the clutch down. I'm interested in the times when braking to a halt (in 1st) is a little more of a reflex action...

punisher5112

briany wrote: »

I'm aware. My question was about the technique to get that clutch in reliably. It's alright when you're anticipating having to get the clutch down. I'm interested in the times when braking to a halt (in 1st) is a little more of a reflex action...

Both feet push at the same time, your left leg should be over the clutch pedal anyway.

Posy

To be fair though, cutting out is preferable to hitting something!

kenmm

Dravokivich wrote: »

If you are amongst the front, waiting on a set of lights to turn in favour, using the handbrake and putting the car in neutral could be perceived as an issue that'll impact progress.

I was always taught to use the handbrake at lights. Keep an eye out for them about to change so you can get set up again tho. i.e. back into gear, clutch down, handbrake off ready to Mirror and Go.

Isambard

kenmm wrote: »

I was always taught to use the handbrake at lights. Keep an eye out for them about to change so you can get set up again tho. i.e. back into gear, clutch down, handbrake off ready to Mirror and Go.

Yes you often see the car in front bob where people do that. It's not necessary to use the Parking Brake like that.

punisher5112

Isambard wrote: »

Yes you often see the car in front bob where people do that. It's not necessary to use the Parking Brake like that.

Only if danger of rolling back.

briany

I think most learners are more interested in what habits to adopt in order to pass their test with as few faults as possible, not what is acceptable/practical in the 'real-life' mode of driving. I had thought that you use your handbrake in 3 basic scenarios - When parked, when stopped for any length of time on an incline, and when stopped for a prolonged period of time, i.e. longer than 5 secs. I know that pretty much no experienced driver probably does that last one, but the question would be whether it's acceptable to do it in a test.

MascotDec85

If it’s a closed junction the safest course of action is to stop, then creep. A T junction without a sign or road marking would be considered a Yield. If you can’t see properly on the approach from even one direction do the safest thing then lean forward and creep forward. Maybe even put down your window and listen for traffic.