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Leen asked in Cars & TransportationSafety · 8 years ago

Practical driving test?

Hi, I am preparing for my practical driving test. I haven't had any professional driving lessons yet, my dad has been teaching me from the beginning (he's an amazing driver with 40 years of experience and no accidents/collisions/etc.).

Recently I found some articles which made me wondering about a few things I've been doing and I'm scared I might be marked down during the test.

1. Do I have to start the engine in neutral? I usually press the clutch and the foot brake, then change to the first gear and then start the engine. Will I be marked down for that?

2. During an emergency brake - should I just press the foot brake as firmly and quickly without pressing the clutch (that's what I read in one of the articles which seems weird to me as this would probably result in engine stopping)? Or should I start braking and press the clutch in the process?

3. The three-point-turn - do I have to apply the handbrake in between each of the three manoeuvres or can I use the foot brake?

Some of these questions might seem numb to you, some seem numb to me too. But there are many opinions online, different articles say different things and some cancel one another. I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right.

Thanks.

4 Answers

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  • 8 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    1 Definitely yes. Handbrake on, gear lever checked for neutral, no footbrake needed

    2 Bake and clutch at the same time - it is a controlled quick stop without skidding not an emergency stop.

    3. Handbrake at every change or direction

    Clearly although your dad may be over all a good driver, it is almost certain that he will not know many of the finer points required to be able to pass. Your chances of passing, as proven by your questions, are slim to non-existent I'm afraid. You should take at least 10 real lessons before the test.

  • ?
    Lv 5
    8 years ago

    This is the problem with being taught by someone who may be a first class driver but is not an instructor and does not know what is expected during the test.

    1. Before starting the engine check that the handbrake is on and the gear lever is in neutral. There is no need to depress the clutch when starting. Select first gear after starting.

    2. For an emergency stop you should apply the foot brake without delay and do it firmly - don't stamp on it. Just before the car comes to rest press the clutch down. You don't need to check your mirrors as the examiner has done it before telling you to stop.

    3. Some roads have a camber so you would need to use the handbrake to prevent the car rolling into the kerb. This leaves you feet free for clutch and gas.

    Source(s): Retired Grade 5 ADI / Instructor Trainer
  • 8 years ago

    I'm afraid this demonstrates exactly why new drivers should take professional instruction. I'm sure your father has the best of intentions however, teaching methods and standards required have changed dramatically over 40yrs since he passed, he has clearly developed some VERY bad habits over the years, he's not alone, we all have. Unfortunately you have learned those bad habits and if you demonstrate those on your test you ARE going to fail. You must forget what you've been taught and learn to drive in such a way that will gain you a pass. It's not too late as you have already identified some areas of concern, I'm sure there will be others too. An instructor will immediately pick up the points that need looking at.

    I have been driving over 30yrs and have been a professional driver for 22yrs but I wouldn't pass a test now, nor would I try to teach anyone, I'd sit with them while they practice but they would need proper lessons. Passing the test now is no mean feat in my view what with all the other stuff that you have to do, all the best.

  • 8 years ago

    Eileen,

    it is good that your dad is teaching you - but take a few lessons to make sure everything is covered,

    Does your dad know about selective gear changes when slowing down? And has he covered all the show me/ tell me questions?

    just take a few lessons with someone who knows about the driving test.

    Source(s): ADI
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