I remember when I was learning driving my instructor told me that the best way to learn driving is practice following

a very slow moving vehicle or bullock cart! Braking: If she ever brakes without looking at the rear view mirror, remind her of it. That is the most important aspect of breaking for a learner. Then as she gets more experience you can teach her the benifits of breaking using the gears, and pumping brakes.

ey !ipul, "fter you learn the #"$B$%#s of driving, I suggest that you practise, at your own pace, the following: &. 'p and down a steep slope, in forward gear, then in reverse gear( ). *xperience how &st and )nd gear #engine braking# works in steep slopes( +. ,earn to make a perfect #-#( .. %hoose a parking slot and reverse /exactly/ into the middle of the slot /without/ turning back. That is, using your rear$view mirror and both wing mirrors /only/. 0hen you master this techni1ue, your peripheral vision automatically gets honed and you will have fewer dents2 scratches2 accidents on account of you( 3. 4epeat 5. at night, in a dimly lit street( 6. 4epeat 5. 7 53 on a steep slope( 8. ,earn #tight# parallel 9kerb$side: and angular parking to perfection, once again, using only your wing and rear$view mirrors( -. ,earn to drive in /any/ traffic situation /without/ honking( ;. Take your car through very crowded, very narrow market places without honking( &<. =inally, never be afraid of getting a few minor scratches and dents $ consider the cost of repair as your learning cost. The more deeply you feel hurt when your car gets #hurt#, the better driver you#ll turn out to be! To change gear in a car: 4elease the accelerator pedal and at the same time press the clutch pedal down. 4emove your left hand from the steering wheel, cup it around the gear knob and move the lever gently but positively from one position to another. 4eturn your left hand to the steering wheel. 4elease the clutch pedal slowly and simultaneously apply power by pressing down on the accelerator pedal. 0hilst changing gear you must always keep your eye#s on the road. The sound of the engine can tell you when you need to change gear. "s you accelerate the engine will

come to sound whiny and take on a higher pitch. This is because the engine is reaching its limits for the gear you are in. 0hen you hear this you should change up. 4emember: The low gears provide lots of acceleration but run out of steam before the vehicle is moving very 1uickly. The high gears provide the speed but not the acceleration. =or a smooth ride you should avoid >snatching> 9changing gear with too much force:. To make the gear change smoother, let the gearshift pause for a second as it crosses the neutral ?one. @n your driving test the examiner will expect you to: %hoose the right gear for the speed you need to travel at, and for the road conditions you face. %hange gear smoothly, safely and under control. 4eturn your hand to the steering wheel once you have changed gear. Aon#t look at the gear lever while changing gear. Aon#t coast with the clutch pedal down or the gear lever in neutral. Block changing Bou don#t have to use the gears in exact se1uence. 0here appropriate, you can miss a gear. This is called block changing. Cay you are driving at 6<mph but have to brake and slow the car to )<mph. ere you wouldn#t have to change down through the gears but could go from fifth to third, or even to second. ,ikewise, you can block change up, while accelerating you could change from third into fifth, a method which helps save fuel. Block changes also reduces wear on the clutch as it is used less often. Celecting a lower gear whilst accelerating ,ower gears provide greater power and acceleration. Cometimes you will need to change to a lower gear because you need a burst of power and acceleration, for example when overtaking. The engine brake 0hen you remove your foot from the accelerator the engine automatically slows the car, this is known as the engine brake. In high gears this effect is hardly noticeable but in low gears the engine brake is much more noticeable and is an effective way of slowing the car. @n your test, when changing gears, the examiner will expect you to: 'se the controls smoothly and correctly

Balance the accelerator and clutch to move away smoothly "ccelerate evenly "void stalling the car %hoose the right gear and change in good time before a ha?ard Brake gently and in good time Dnow how and when to apply the hand brake 0hat the driving test examiner expects of you during the driving test. Instructions CT*E &: ,ook at the floorboard( you#ll see three pedals. =rom left to right, they are: clutch, brake, gas. CT*E ): Ctudy the simple diagram on the top of the gearshift, which will show you where the gears are. In most new cars, this will look like a three$legged . =irst, third and fifth gears are at the tops of the legs( second, fourth and reverse gears are at the bottoms. The crossbar of the is neutral. CT*E +: Fake sure the parking brake is engaged and the car is on a flat surface in an area where you have plenty of room. CT*E .: Eress down on the clutch pedal and then move the gearshift into the neutral position. CT*E 3: Ctart the car. CT*E 6: Deeping the clutch pedal down, put the car into first gear by moving the gearshift to the top$left position. CT*E 8: "pply the foot brake and release the parking brake. CT*E -: 4elease the foot brake when you#re ready to start moving. CT*E ;: Begin to release the clutch pedal slowly( when you hear or feel the engine begin to slow down, slowly press down on the gas pedal as you continue to release the clutch. The car will start to move forward. CT*E &<: "ccelerate until the car has reached about +,<<< rpm, then take your foot off the gas, press down on the clutch pedal, and pull the gearshift directly down through neutral to second gear. Be sure to pull the gearshift down until it can#t go any farther. CT*E &&: 4elease the clutch pedal gently, simultaneously pressing down gently on the gas pedal. CT*E &): 4epeat the shifting process each time you hit +,<<< rpm until you#re driving at the appropriate speed. 9Third gear is up and to the right( fourth gear is all the way down from there( fifth gear is up to neutral, right and then up again.: CT*E &+: Aownshift by releasing the gas pedal when you want to decrease your speed. Eress down on the clutch and move the gearshift through neutral into the next$lower gear 9move down only one gear at a time:. @nce you#re in the lower gear, release the clutch slowly and brake as you do so.

CT*E &.: Ctop the car by downshifting to second gear and applying the brakes. "pply the clutch Gust before the car stops. Aon#t downshift into first. CT*E &3: Arive in reverse by following the same steps you would for starting in first gear. The reverse gear engages more 1uickly than first gear, however, so be sure to release the clutch slowly and begin to press the gas pedal as soon as the car begins to move. Tips 7 0arnings 0hen you park your car, leave it in gear and set the parking brake. That way, it won#t start rolling as soon as you put it in neutral to start again. Bou#ll know you#re in the right gear for your speed if the engine is running smoothly. If it#s coughing and sputtering, shift to a lower gear. If the engine noise pitch is too high, shift to a higher gear. "void coasting with the clutch all the way down 9called >riding the clutch>:, as this will cause needless wear and tear on the clutch. 0hen stopped at a traffic light, put the gearshift into the neutral position and release the clutch rather than sitting with the clutch engaged. The best way to start out is to find a patient friend or relative who knows how to drive a stick shift, and practice with him or her in a large, empty parking lot where you can practice safely. 4epeated Gerking, stalling, grinding, lurching and similar mishaps can wear on the clutch assembly. Be kind to your car#ask for help if you#re having difficulty learning. ow to Arive a %ar 0ith an "utomatic Transmission Ariving an automatic car is easier than driving a manual car because you don#t have to learn how to change gears( the car does all the work for you. Eerhaps you have been learning to drive in a manual car and are finding it difficult to master gear changes and clutch control. If you are having a problem perhaps you should consider changing to an automatic. The steps below give you some guidance on how to go about it. Cteps =ind an experienced driver, preferably a professional driving instructor, to teach you. If you have been learning to drive in a manual car explain this to the instructor. Tell him about any problems you have been experiencing such as not knowing how or when to change gears. Cit beside the instructor and listen to him as he explains the different controls. Hotice there are only two foot pedals $ the brake and gas pedals. 4emember both pedals are operated by your right foot $ your left foot stays on the floor. Ctudy the gear selector. Instead of markings & $ 3 and 4 9for reverse: an automatic gear selector has the following markings $ E for Eark, 4 for 4everse, H for Heutral 9use this if the car has to be pushed or towed: and A for driving. %heck that the car is in Eark 9E:. Turn on the engine. Eress the brake pedal down with your right foot. Fove the gear lever to drive.

0ith your hand on the handbrake look all around, including the blind spots, to check it is safe to move off. 4elease the handbrake. 'se your indicators if there is anyone around who is likely to benefit from a signal. ,ift your foot gently off the brake $ the car will start to move forward. Fove your foot over to the gas pedal and press down to increase speed. Tips Be aware that driving a go cart car is extremely boring before you learn in one. 4emember the car will creep forward as soon as you select A for drive. It is vital you keep your foot on the brake until you are ready to move forward. Ariving an automatic car is far easier than driving a manual car. This means you can spend more time studying the road conditions and looking out for ha?ards. Bou still need to learn how to drive safely and considerately. Bou will still need to learn about all the road signs and markings. It is not necessary to put the car into neutral every time you stop at a Gunction or traffic light. owever, if you are stopping for more than a few minutes then you should put the car into neutral. ow The Ariving Test *xaminer *xpects Bou To Arive Auring the driving test the examiner is looking to make sure a test candidate fulfils the criteria below. To pass your driving test you will have to drive to what is known as level 3 standard i.e. you must be able to carry out all re1uired driving skills consistently and without any prompting. %ontrols "ll the controls such as foot pedals, gear stick and steering should be handled smoothly. The examiner should not have to assist or prompt you in the operation of the clutch, accelerator, gears, steering, brakes or any of the auxiliary controls that it may become necessary to use to maintain the safety of the vehicle and other road users. Bou should: make proper use of the accelerator and clutch to make a smooth start always press down on the clutch before stopping select the correct gear to match the road and traffic conditions change gear in good time but not too soon before a ha?ard don#t allow the vehicle to coast by running in neutral or with the clutch depressed avoid looking at the gear stick when changing gear use the foot brake smoothly and progressively brake in plenty of time for any ha?ard make full use of the parking brake where necessary steer the vehicle as smoothly as possible

avoid harsh steering or steering too early or too late "ncillary %ontrols "n understanding of the function of all controls and switches, especially those relating to road safety, should be shown. The candidate should be able to access all controls without having to look down to locate them. Ctarting The *ngine Bou must be able to start the engine safely and without assistance. If any steering column lock is engaged you must know how to disengage it. Fake sure the handbrake is engaged and that neutral gear is selected before you turn start the engine. Foving "way Bou must be able to move away safely, under control, on the level, from behind a parked car and where practicable, on a hill, with the correct observations, and without endangering or inconveniencing other road users. Bou must be able to demonstrate the you can co$ordinate the use of the clutch and accelerator to move the vehicle from rest on level ground and on up$hill and down$hill gradients, without stalling or over$revving the engine. Bou must be able to move away 1uickly from rest, so you can take advantage of safe gaps in the traffic if they arise. Bou should not: over$rev the engine roll backwards on uphill gradients. lurch forwards as the clutch is released. *mergency Ctop *ven and progressive braking should be demonstrated. There should be no locking of the wheels. In wet weather conditions the candidate should understand that the stopping distance could be doubled. 4everse To The ,eft or 4ight Chould be executed under full control and with reasonable accuracy. Iood all$round observation is essential as is responding correctly to other road users. Turn In The 4oad Fust be executed under full control. Iood all$round observation is essential as is responding correctly to other road users. Bou must demonstrate a high degree of ability to control the car at low speed. The examiner will want to see that you: can control the speed of the car by using the clutch

can steer effectively and know which way to turn the steering wheel. can compensate for the road camber retain full control of the car make proper observations.

4everse Earking Bou must be able to park accurately, by reversing either into a parking space 9bay parking: or into a parking space behind another vehicle 9parallel parking:. The parking exercise must be executed under full control. Iood all$round observation is essential, as is responding correctly to other road users. The examiner will mark you on accuracy observations Gudgment Bou must park the car straight and central in the bay and you must Gudge accurately the distance of the rear of your vehicle with regard to any kerb, road marking, barrier or other vehicle. 0hen parallel parking, you should park the car a reasonable distance from the kerb $ meaning inches not feet. Bou can move forward once in order to correct your position. 4eversing 4ound " %orner 0hen performing this exercise, you must keep reasonable close to the left$hand kerb. Bou must make constant observations throughout the exercise, seeing and reacting to the presence of other road users. Bou should avoid mounting the kerb and you should know which way to turn the steering wheel when reversing. @nce you have turned the corner, you must be able to reverse up into the side road going in a straight line. 'se of Firrors Firrors should be used regularly and the test candidate must be aware of the presence of others in their blind spots. *arly use of mirrors should be made before signaling, changing direction, changing speed and as part of the mirror$signal$manoeuvre routine.

0hen using your mirrors, do not take your eyes off the road in front for any length of time. " 1uick glance should be sufficient, if it is not, then a series of short glances is preferred to taking your eyes off the road ahead. The faster you are travelling the earlier and more fre1uent your mirror checks need to be. If you have to speed up, slow down, change direction, turn, indicate or stop, or if you are approaching any ha?ard that may cause you to do of these, you must check your mirrors. Cignaling The candidate must give signals clearly and in good time to warn other road users of intentions in accordance with the ighway %ode. Cignals should be cancelled after any manoeuvre has been completed. Fake sure you cancel the signal after turning $ it may be that the automatic signal cancelling device, which operates after you have turned the steering wheel half a turn or so, hasn#t been activated. Aon#t signal so early that the signal becomes confusing to others, or so late that they don#t have time to react safely to it. "ll signals must conform to the ighway %ode. Hever flash your headlights to tell another road user you are giving way to them. Hever wave at pedestrians for them to cross the road. 4esponse To Cigns and Cignals The candidate must understand and be able to react to all traffic signs and road markings( check when proceeding through green lights, and respond to signals given by police officers, traffic wardens, school crossing patrols and all other road users. 4eacting To 4oad Cigns and Farkings Bou must see and react correctly to all road signs and markings. =ailing to comply with traffic signs will score you a serious or potentially dangerous fault $ a test fail. "t the start of the test the examiner will ask you to follow the road ahead unless traffic signs direct you otherwise. The examiner will give you directional information such as, #at the roundabout go straight ahead#, but it is your responsibility to make sure that it is safe and legal to carry out the instruction $ road signs and markings will tell you whether or not it is.

If there is no directional choice, then the examiner will give no directional instruction. If you come to a Gunction that has a compulsory left turn, denoted by a road sign featuring a blue circle with a white arrow pointing left for example, the examiner will say nothing, but will expect you to correctly follow the sign. 'se @f Cpeed Cafe and reasonable progress should be made according to the road, weather and traffic conditions, the road signs and speed limits. %andidates should always be able to stop within the distance they can see to be clear. Bou must: Take current road conditions into account Arive at a safe speed for those conditions. Bou must not drive unnecessarily slow, but if your drive too fast for the relevant road conditions, you are likely to score a serious fault, which will result in test failure. =ollowing Aistance The candidate must maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead in all conditions, including when stopping in traffic 1ueues, and must react promptly to any change in speed of the other vehicle. 0hen driving on good, dry roads you should use the two second rule as a guide to a safe separation distance. If the road is wet, increase to four seconds. "lways drive at a speed so that you can stop within the distance that you can see to be clear. Faintaining Erogress and "voiding 'ndue esitation "ppropriate speeds must be maintained and the type of road, the speed limit, the type and density of traffic, the weather and visibility must be taken into account. " safe approach to all ha?ards should be demonstrated without being over$cautious. "ll safe opportunities to proceed at Gunctions should be taken. 0here it is safe to do so, you must keep the flow of traffic moving. Bou must demonstrate to the examiner that you can drive confidently and competently. If you regularly stop at Gunctions when you could safely continue, keep slowing down for minor or non$existent ha?ards or keep driving unnecessarily slowly, you will demonstrate to the examiner that you lack the confidence to drive safely. Bou must be able to Gudge when it is safe to move out into traffic, without causing other traffic to change speed or direction. The examiner will check you:

Ao not endanger other road users by pulling out in front of them, causing them to change speed or direction. Ao not sit waiting at Gunctions, allowing safe gaps to pass. Ao not over$react to minor ha?ards Ao not drive unnecessarily slowly, when it is safe and proper to drive at normal road speeds. Junctions Eositioning The correct procedure must be demonstrated at all types of Gunctions. The mirror$signal$ manoeuvre routine must also be demonstrated, as should good all$round observations and safe responses to other road users. Bou must position your vehicle so that, where possible, you do not prevent other vehicles from taking up their position. Bou should also: Gudge the correct speed when approaching a Gunction position your vehicle correctly use the correct lane if turning right, keep as near to the centre of the road as is safe to do so avoid cutting the corner when turning right if turning left, keep over to the left and do not swing out watch for cyclists and motorcyclists coming up on your left and pedestrians who are crossing make effective observation before moving into a Gunction and make sure it is safe before proceeding. Junction @bservation Bou must be able to Gudge both speed and distance of approaching vehicles. Bou must take advantage of safe gaps in the traffic but you must not cause any other road user to change speed or direction because of your action. The examiner will look to see that you: Fake good observations, in all directions, before emerging. "ssess the speed of other vehicles accurately. Take advantage of safe gaps as they arise. Ao not cause other vehicles to change speed or direction by your actions. Judgment " candidate must show correct response when dealing with other road users including overtaking, meeting oncoming traffic and turning across traffic. @ther road users should not be made to slow down, swerve or stop. 0hen overtaking: overtake only if it is safe to do so allow enough room when overtaking a vehicle( cyclists2motorcyclist should be given the same room as a car avoid cutting in too early after overtaking

Eositioning The correct road position should be maintained at all times according to the type of road, the direction being taken and the presence of parked vehicles. In normal driving conditions you should position the car well to the left. Feeting, @vertaking and %rossing the Eath of @ther vehicles Bou must be able to Gudge the speed of approaching vehicles and plan the road ahead so that you do not cause other vehicles to take evasive action if you meet in a restriction in the road or you turn across their path. Bou must know how to overtake a vehicle safely. If you encounter a restriction in the road, such as a parked car on the side of the road, you must plan your approach and be prepared to slow down or stop. If the restriction is on your side of the road, and traffic is coming the other way, the examiner will expect you to stop. If the restriction is on the other side of the road, don#t assume a vehicle coming the other way will slow down or stop. The examiner will look to see that you: Elan the situation early, the earlier you react, the less severe the action you have to take. Take appropriate action, slowing down or stopping if necessary. Iive way to vehicles already in the ha?ard. Hegotiate the ha?ard safely. Turning right across the path of approaching traffic is a particularly ha?ardous exercise. Bou must be able to: Judge the distance of the approaching vehicle. Judge the speed of the approaching vehicle. Fove away and turn 1uickly. If you encounter a slower moving vehicle, and if it is safe to do so, the examiner will expect you to overtake it. 0hen overtaking, you must: Celect a safe place Take effective observations Celect the correct gear to give maximum acceleration for the speed you are travelling. %omplete the manoeuvre 1uickly. Hegotiating 4oundabouts Bou must demonstrate that you know the correct procedure at roundabouts. Bou must take up the correct position on approach and in good time. Bou must maintain the correct course on the roundabout and make good use of the mirrors and signals. The examiner will look to see that you: Dnow which lane to use.

Take up your position in good time. 'se the FCF2EC, routine when changing lanes. Take advantage of safe gaps when entering the roundabout. Celect and maintain the correct lane in the roundabout. Fake fre1uent and effective use of mirrors. %lear the Gunction as 1uickly as possible. %learance To @bstruction The candidate should allow plenty of room when passing stationary vehicles and other obstructions that may be obscuring pedestrians. 0hen passing parked cars on the side of the road, if possible, give enough room for the car door to open or at least three feet. If you have to get closer than this, adGust your speed and slow down $ the nearer you get to the car the slower you should drive. Eedestrian %rossings The correct type of crossing should be recogni?ed and the correct procedure demonstrated. Bou should: at ?ebra crossings slow down and stop if anyone is waiting to cross give way to pedestrians on a pelican crossing when the amber lights are flashing give way to cyclists as well as pedestrians on a toucan crossing and act correctly at puffin crossings demonstrate courtesy and consideration for people waiting to cross. Eosition =or Hormal Ctops The candidate should select a safe and legal place to stop without causing inconvenience or obstruction to other road users. The examiner will ask you to #pull in on the left in a convenient place# several times during the test. Bou will be left to decide where to pull in. To decide on a correct space, ask your self these 1uestions: Is it safeK Is it convenientK Is it legalK @nce the examiner has asked you to stop, you should do so as soon as it is safe to do so. "wareness and Elanning The candidate should think and plan ahead and anticipate the actions of other road users, should demonstrate safe attitudes when dealing with vulnerable roads users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders and think and plan ahead so that they can: Gudge what other road users are going to do predict how their actions will affect you

react in good time Cteering " %ar $ ow To Cteer " %ar !ideo Tutorial LLL ome Cteering " %ar Hext MMM @n your driving test, when steering a car, the examiner will expect you to: old the steering wheel at either the ten$to$two or 1uarter$to$three position. Cteer smoothly and at the correct time. "void crossing your hands over one another when turning. "void letting the wheel spin back through your hands when straightening up. "void weaving in and out between parked cars. @bey lane markings. Ary Cteering Turning the steering wheel when the car isn#t moving is called dry steering. This is something you should try and avoid as it puts undue strain on the steering mechanism and causes premature wear to the front tyres. If carrying out a low speed manoeuvre, such as turning in the road, you should get the car moving before you start to steer. Cteering ,ock 0hen you turn the steering wheel as far as it will go it is at full lock. This is the maximum angle the front wheels will reach. @n full lock the car#s turning circle is at it#s smallest. Cafety Tip 0hen removing a hand from the steering wheel to operate other controls such as the radio, always make sure you are steering straight ahead, as steering around a bend with only one hand on the steering wheel makes it much more difficult to accurately steer the car. Eower$"ssisted Cteering 9E"C: Hearly all cars have E"C fitted as standard. It makes steering a car a lot easier as less physical effort is needed to turn the steering wheel. It is especially useful when manoeuvring a car at low speeds, so is a great help when parking in tight spaces etc.

0hat the driving test examiner expects of you during the driving test. he clutch enables the engine to be disconnected from the transmission in order to engage or disengage the gears. It consists of two friction plates. 0hen the clutch pedal is pressed down the two friction plates move apart. This disconnects the engine from the wheels meaning none of the engines power can be transmitted to the wheels. 0hen you release the clutch the two friction 9clutch: plates move together and power starts to be transmitted to the wheels. This is known and the #biting point#. The more you release the clutch pedal the more the plates touch and the more power can be transmitted from engine to wheels. @nce the clutch pedal is fully released the clutch plates lock together and all the power from the engine can be sent to the wheels. 0hen you hold the clutch pedal so the clutch is only half engaged it is called clutch control. This can be helpful when needing to drive very slowly such as when carrying out manoeuvres. Clipping The %lutch This is holding the clutch pedal partially down so that the clutch is not fully engaged. This lets the engine rotate faster than it would if fully engaged. 0hen manoeuvring at slow speeds it is often necessary to #slip the clutch#. This techni1ue is also useful when driving through shallow flood water, as it allows you to rev the engine higher at low speeds, forcing more exhaust fumes through the exhaust pipe which helps prevent water from travelling up the exhaust and into the car#s engine and causing expensive damage. Clipping the clutch can cause excessive wear to the clutch, however, so use only when necessary. %oasting Ariving with the clutch pedal pressed down is known as coasting. @bviously every time you change gear you will #coast#, but you should always try and keep coasting to a minimum, as it reduces the control you have over the car because: engine braking will be eliminated vehicle speed downhill will increase rapidly steering response will be affected especially on bends and corners it may be more difficult to select the appropriate gear when re1uired2 "llowing the car to travel in neural gear is also coasting. 4iding The %lutch

Ariving at a steady speed with your left foot resting on the clutch pedal is known as #riding the clutch#. This may seem harmless, as the pedal doesn#t seem to be in use, however, clutches contain a clutch release bearing which applies pressure to the pressure plates to aid releasing the clutch plates. 4esting your foot on the clutch can cause wear on the release bearing and too much pressure can cause the plates themselves to slip, causing significant wear to the clutch plate friction material. Eress The %lutch Eedal "ll The 0ay AownK Bou don#t have to press the clutch pedal all the way down in order to change gear. In fact, if you do this, you will cause unnecessary stress and wear on the diaphragm spring in the release mechanism. To change gear, you only have to clear the drive to free the gearbox, which is achieved as soon as you have passed the #biting point#.