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PASS THE PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST: CHANGING CAR GEARS.

Car Gears



To change gear in a car: Release the accelerator pedal and at the same time press the clutch pedal down.

Remove 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.

Return your left hand to the steering wheel.

Release the clutch pedal and simultaneously apply power by pressing down on the accelerator pedal.

Remember: The low gears provide lots of acceleration but run out of steam before the vehicle is moving very quickly.

The high gears provide the speed but not the acceleration.

For a smooth ride you should avoid "snatching" (changing gear with too much force). To make the gear change smoother, let the gearshift pause for a second as it crosses the neutral zone.

You don't have to use the gears in exact sequence. Where appropiate, you can miss a gear. This is called block changing.

Changing gear, first.

FIRST - The gear giving the greatest power but lowest speed. Used for moving off, manoeuvres and negotiating hazards.

Changing gear, second.

SECOND - Used for slow speed situations such as roundabouts and junctions, for moving off downhill and for increasing speed after moving off.

Changing gear, third.

THIRD - Used for driving uphill, through a hazard at speed and where a greater degree of power is needed than fourth will allow.

Changing gear, fourth.

FOURTH - Low power but the greatest speed range. Used for most driving situations at and over 30 mph where there are no hazard to negotiate.

Changing gear, fifth.

FIFTH - Lowest power, highest speed. Used for high speed cruising on dual carriageways, motorways and other such open roads.

Changing gear, reverse.

REVERSE - A high powered gear used for driving the vehicle backwards.

changing gear, neutral.

NEUTRAL - Disengages the engine from the wheels.

On your test, when changing gears, the examiner will expect you to:

Use the controls smoothly and correctly
Balance the accelerator and clutch to move away smoothly
Accelerate evenly
Avoid stalling the car
Choose the right gear and change in good time before a hazard
Brake gently and in good time
Know how and when to apply the hand brake

Changing Gears Steering A Car Starting Off
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