Driving Tips
 
 
Here are some tables to help you correct the most common of mistakes. Each one can be printed out using the link on the top of each table...
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Handbrake   Print This Page
Problem Reason Solution
You’re not using the handbrake properly (applying) Because you’re using your right, rather than your left, hand Operate the handbrake using the left hand only
You’re not using the handbrake properly (applying) Because you didn’t press the button in Using your left thumb keep the button pressed in as you apply the handbrake
You’re not using the handbrake properly (applying) Because you didn’t keep the button pressed in Keep the button pressed in until the handbrake is fully applied
You’re not using the handbrake properly (applying) Because you pulled it up too quickly Use a smooth, firm action, taking twice as long
You’re not using the handbrake properly (applying) Because you took too long to apply it Take about half the time to pull it on
You’re not using the handbrake properly (releasing) Because you released the button too soon and the handbrake hasn’t been fully released Keep your left thumb on the button until the handbrake has gone all the way down
You’re not using the handbrake properly (releasing) Because you’re throwing it down, letting go of it Keep the button pressed in until the handbrake is fully applied. Keep your hand on the handbrake and use the same grip on it all the way down
You’re not using the handbrake properly (releasing) Because you’re using your fore / other finger to release it Use your thumb only - this will give you better control
You’re using the brake pedal incorrectly Because you’re stabbing at it Use smooth movements up and down
You’re using the brake pedal incorrectly Because you’re using the wrong foot Use only the right foot on the brake
You’re using the brake pedal incorrectly Because you took your foot off and let it spring back up Keep your foot on the pedal as you release it slowly and smoothly
You’re using the brake pedal incorrectly Because you’re sitting too far back Adjust the seat so that you can operate the pedal comfortably and properly
You’re using the brake pedal incorrectly Because you’re sitting too close Adjust the seat so that you can operate the pedal comfortably and properly
You’re using the brake pedal incorrectly Because your right heel is off the floor Keep your right heel on the floor - this will give you more precise control
You’re using the brake pedal incorrectly Because you mistook the clutch for the brake pedal Don’t move your foot so far to the left
You’re using the brake pedal incorrectly Because your right foot is too far up on the pedal Use the ball of your foot on the pedal and don’t let your foot protrude over the length of the pedal
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Clutch   Print This Page
Problem Reason Solution
You’re using the clutch pedal incorrectly Because you’re jabbing at it Use smooth movements up and down
You’re using the clutch pedal incorrectly Because you’re using the wrong foot Use only the left foot on the clutch
You’re using the clutch pedal incorrectly Because you took your foot off and let it spring back up Keep your foot on the pedal as
You’re using the clutch pedal incorrectly Because you’re sitting too far back Adjust the seat so that you can operate the pedal comfortably and properly
You’re using the clutch pedal incorrectly Because you’re sitting too close Adjust the seat so that you can operate the pedal comfortably and properly
You’re using the clutch pedal incorrectly Because your left heel is off the floor Keep your left heel on the floor - this will give you more precise control
You’re using the clutch pedal incorrectly Because you mistook the foot rest for the clutch pedal Practise using the clutch pedal, which is spring loaded, whereas the foot rest won’t ‘give’ at all
You’re using the clutch pedal incorrectly Because your left foot is too far up on the pedal Use the ball of your foot on the pedal and don’t let your foot protrude over the length of the pedal
     
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Gears   Print This Page
Problem Reason Solution
The car jerked when you changed gear Because there was a pause when you came off the gas before you put the clutch down Off gas, clutch down, should be almost simultaneous
The car jumped forward when you changed gear Because you, brought the clutch up too quickly and harshly Take twice as long to allow the clutch to come up smoothly
The car lost too much speed when you changed gear Because you took too long to bring the clutch up and / or change gear Take half as much time to bring the clutch up / change gear
The car lurched when you changed gear Because you selected the new, higher gear too early Listen to the engine note and think about the speed ranges in the gears
The car shuddered / laboured when you engaged the new gear Because you selected 3rd instead of 5th or 2nd instead of 4th, and so on Use the correct hand position and amount of pressure on the gearlever
The car slowed down rapidly when you changed gear Because you selected a lower gear too early, without first braking Use the footbrake to slow the car then select the appropriate gear - gears for go, brakes for slow
The car veered when you changed gear Because you didn’t tighten your grip with your right hand Stiffen your right arm and tighten your grip with your right hand as you take your left hand off the wheel to change gear,
The car veered when you changed gear Because you looked down at the gear lever / foot controls when you changed gear Keep your eyes on the road ahead when you change-gear
The engine roared when you changed gear Because you didn’t take your foot off the gas Use the sequence: off gas, clutch down
You couldn’t get the gear lever into the chosen gear Because you didn’t push the clutch down far enough Push the clutch all the way down to enable you to change from one gear to another
You couldn’t get the gear lever into the chosen gear Because you didn’t use the clutch Use the clutch every time when changing gear
You selected the wrong gear Because you didn’t use the correct hand position on the lever Position your hand, palm away from / towards you (specify which) when you change gear
     
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General   Print This Page
Problem Reason Solution
You’re driving too close to the left-side verge Because you didn’t realise that the road had narrowed on the left Plan ahead, look at the layout of the road, and adjust speed and position early and smoothly
You’re driving too fast, generally Because you’re unaware of the hazards and dangers Match the speed to suit the conditions (advise on dangers). Never accelerate into hazards
You’re driving too fast, generally Because you’ve been driving with / watching other drivers who disregard limitations Fit in with other road users, within certain limitations (advise governing factors)
You’re driving too slow, generally Because you’re not aware of the need to fit in with others Fit in with other road users, within certain limitations (advise governing factors)
You’re driving too slow, generally Because you’re over cautious hesitant Be positive and make progress in a realistic manner, fitting in with others’ expectations
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough Because you’re not aware of the reasons for doing so Check your mirrors, say, every 5 seconds, as a general guideline. This will give you a Clear picture of what the following traffic is doing / planning to do
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough Because you’re mentally preoccupied / not concentrating Keep your full attention on driving tasks - go through the routines in your mind MSM... and so on, or say them out loud, to help you focus.
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough   Commentate on your driving -commentate to concentrate and anticipate
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough Because you’re mentally preoccupied / not concentrating Put outside worries or concerns to the back of your mind while you’re driving
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough Because you’re mentally preoccupied / not concentrating Give driving tasks 100% concentration. Use your concentration muscle and focus on the art of controlling the car and safe road procedure
You’re rushing all your driving procedures Because you’re not planning ahead Start safety sequences - MSM -earlier, say, at least 4 or 5 car lengths earlier than you are now doing
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Interior Mirror   Print This Page
Problem Reason Solution
You haven’t adjusted the mirror properly Because you’re leaning forward in your seat Adjust the mirror from your normal seating position
You haven’t adjusted the mirror properly Because you’re sitting sideways / slumped in your seat Adjust the mirrors from your normal seating position, sitting squarely in your seat, facing to the front
You haven’t adjusted the mirror properly Because you’re craning your head forward, peering at the mirror Use eye movement only, from your usual seating position
You’re obscuring the mirror with your hand as you adjust it Perhaps you’re unaware of the reasons it’s best not to do that Use your thumb and forefinger on the corners of the mirror
     
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Mirrors   Print This Page
Problem Reason Solution
Although you used the mirrors, you didn’t act on what was seen Because you didn’t know how to react Use the information sensibly and consider the effect of your manoeuvre on others
You checked the door mirror first, rather than the interior mirror Because you didn’t realise in which order to check them Check the interior mirror first, as this will give you a life-size image of what’s behind
You didn’t adjust the exterior mirror(s) correctly Maybe you’re unsure about how to do that Position the mirror(s) (explain how) so that you get a good view to the rear and side of the vehicle, not pointing up to the sky or down to the ground
You didn’t check your mirrors before signalling/slowing down Because you were concentrating on where to stop Use quick glances to check the mirrors well before signalling
You didn’t check your mirrors before signalling/slowing down Because you didn’t want to take your eyes off the road Use quick glances - these take less’ than half a second
You didn’t check your mirrors before signalling/slowing down Because you forgot Use the initials MSM to remind you to check the mirrors
You didn’t check your mirrors before signalling/slowing down Because you didn’t understand the importance of doing so Using the mirrors will tell you what the following traffic is doing / intends to do and how it will affect you, and vice-versa.
You didn’t check your mirrors before signalling/slowing down Because you looked down at the foot controls Use mirrors before any manoeuvre - change of speed or direction. Practice using the foot controls without looking down
You didn’t take a secondary look in your mirrors Because you didn’t realise the importance of doing so Take a secondary look in your Mirrors to make sure following drivers have seen your signal(s) and are reacting
You haven’t adjusted the mirrors at all Because you were leaning towards / away from the mirror(s) Adjust them after assessing their positioning from your normal seating position, sitting squarely in your seat, facing the front
You haven’t adjusted the mirrors at all Because you did the safety routine out of sequence Adjust the mirrors once your seat is positioned correctly
You haven’t adjusted the mirrors at all Perhaps you forgot Use the sequence DSSSM, say it to yourself, to ensure you carry out each aspect of the safety routine
You haven’t adjusted the mirrors at all Because you didn’t think they were important Check the alignment of the door mirrors every time you get in the car and adjust as necessary
You only checked the door mirror Because you didn’t realise the difference between the door mirror and interior mirror Use the interior mirror first door mirrors are usually convex and this will cause things to appear smaller and further away than they actually are
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I direction Because you’re not concentrating Use the mirrors every 5 seconds, as a general guideline. Say to yourself ‘1 -2-3-4-5 mirrors check’. As soon as you see a hazard, check the mirrors
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I direction Because you’re afraid to take your eyes off the road Use quick glances. It will only take half a second or less to check the mirrors
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I direction Because you’re mesmerised by the hazards in front Check the mirrors immediately you see a hazard, and then keep checking
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I direction Because-you’re unaware of the reasons for doing so Using the mirrors will tell you about the behaviour of following traffic
You’re not checking your mirrors often enough I before signalling / changing speed I direction Because you’re unaware of the consequences of not doing so Checking mirrors would prevent following traffic crashing into you by making you aware of their closeness and intentions
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re not acting on what you see in them Use the information sensibly and act accordingly (explain)
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re checking mirrors and signalling at the same time Check mirrors well before signalling, as soon as you know you’re going to be carrying out a manoeuvre - any change of speed or direction
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re braking and checking mirrors simultaneously Plan your actions; check mirrors well before braking and consider how you could affect others
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re using the mirrors too late Use the mirrors as soon as you see the hazard - not several seconds later
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re not using them when you enter a new road Use the mirrors as soon as you are straight in the new road -there may be traffic wanting to / attempting to overtake you
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you haven’t adjusted them correctly Adjust your mirrors before moving away - use the DSSSM routine to help you remember to set them
You’re not making effective use of your mirrors Because you’re showboating, using exaggerated and theatrical head movements Use only eye movement to check the interior mirror. You will, naturally, need to move your head slightly to check your door mirrors
You’re not using your door mirrors (enough) Because you felt you didn’t have time Begin the MSM sequence earlier, say, 2 seconds, to give you time to fit in all the checks
You’re not using your door mirrors (enough) Because you don’t fully, understand the reasons for doing so Using the door mirrors will alert you to vehicles, especially two-wheelers, coming up on either side
You’re not using your door mirrors (enough) Because you’ve been driving a car without them Use the sequence: interior mirror, door mirror, at least twice before turning left or right
You’re only using the door mirrors Because you’ve been driving a van (or similar) Use the sequence: interior mirror, appropriate door mirror, at least twice before turning left or right
You’re staring in the mirror Because you’re mesmerised by following traffic Use quick glances, don’t stare; this could cause you to veer off course
You’re using the mirrors incorrectly Because you’re using the door mirrors first, then the interior one Use the interior mirror first, then the door mirrors. The interior mirror will always give you a ‘life-size’ image of following traffic
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Safe Distance   Print This Page
Problem Reason Solution
You are / were driving too close to the car in front Because you thought you had enough time and space to stop Use the two second rule to ensure there is sufficient space -don’t guess it
You are / were driving too close to the car in front Because you didn’t realise what the correct and safe distance should be Allow a metre for each mph you’re travelling at: 40 metres at 40mph and so on. Use the two second rule to judge this
You are / were driving too close to the car in front Because you didn’t take the weather conditions into account Leave at least double the distance in wet weather and up to ten times the distance in snow / ice
You are / were driving too close to the car in front Because you were unable to judge the distance correctly Advise pupils by getting them to reduce speed until the correct distance is achieved. Another method, with the car parked, is to get the pupil to pick out a landmark they think is 40m or so distant. Then point out a landmark that is 40m away to illustrate
You are / were driving too close to the car in front Because you’re mesmerised by the car in front and are being ‘pulled’ along in a follow my leader style Look further ahead than the car in front and plan how road features will affect speed / braking, and so on
You’ve stopped too close to the car in front Because you didn’t know / forgot what the gap should be Leave a gap of about half a car length you can do this by using the ‘tyres and tarmac’ guide. From your stopped position you should be able to see the rear tyres and some tarmac between your car and the one in front
You’ve stopped too close to the car in front Because you can’t physically see enough - you’re seated too low in the car Use the seat height adjuster / seat-back adjuster and / or cushion(s) to enable you to get a better view
     
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Stopping   Print This Page
Problem Reason Solution
When you stopped you used the wrong sequence Because you selected neutral before you applied the handbrake Apply the handbrake first, and then select neutral
When you stopped you used the wrong sequence Because you slowed / stopped the car with the handbrake Use the footbrake to slow or stop the car whilst it is moving
You came to a very sharp stop Because you didn’t brake progressively Start braking lightly; then increase the pressure, and then ease off as the car stops. Squeeze & Ease.
You came to a very sharp stop Because you jabbed at the pedal Use a smooth progressive action
You came to a very sharp stop Because your footwear isn’t allowing you to operate the controls precisely Wear shoes with thinner soles (not trainers) to give better control
You coasted unnecessarily Because you pushed the clutch down too early Push the clutch down within the final car length
You didn’t have full control when you stopped Because you took your left hand off the steering wheel before the car stopped Take your hand off the wheel only when the car is stationary. Let the weight of the car settle on its springs before applying the handbrake
You stalled Because you didn’t push the clutch down at all Push the clutch briskly all the way down just before the car stops
You stalled Because you pushed the clutch only halfway down Push the clutch all the way down to the floor
You stalled Because you mistook the clutch-rest/another pedal for the clutch Practise using the clutch, on the left of the foot pedals
You stalled Because you pushed the clutch down too late Push the clutch down in the final half to one car length
You stalled Because you took too long to push the clutch down Push the clutch down briskly, in the time it takes to say ‘clutch down’
You stalled Because you took your foot off the clutch before you’d put the car in. neutral Take your foot off the clutch only when the car is stationary, the handbrake is applied and the car is in neutral
You stalled Because you pumped the clutch Push the clutch down, and keep it down until the car has stopped and has been made safe
You’ve stopped at an angle / not parallel to the kerb (front of car protruding) Because you over steered - that is, you steered out / away from the kerb more than you’d steered in Steer away from the kerb the same amount you’ve steered in, say, a quarter turn of the wheel
You’ve stopped at an angle / not parallel to the kerb (front of car protruding) Because you’re unsure what ‘parallel to the kerb’ means The left-side front and rear wheels should be the same distance from the kerb (15 / 20 cm)
You’ve stopped at an angle / not parallel to the kerb (rear of car protruding) Because once you’d steered in, you didn’t steer out - to the right - to get yourself parallel to the kerb Steer out / away from the kerb (the same amount as you steered left) when the front of the car is the correct distance from the kerb
You’ve stopped too close to / over / a drive / junction / entrance / bend / other hazard Because you didn’t look for a safe and convenient place Scan the road ahead and look at the kerb specifically - are there dropped kerbs? Are there entrances? Is there a bend? And so on. Actively look for the hazards.
You’ve stopped too far away from the kerb Because you didn’t turn the steering wheel (enough) Turn the steering wheel approximately a quarter turn towards the left / kerb
You’ve stopped too far away from the kerb Because you stared straight ahead Look ahead and glance at the kerb to position yourself correctly
You’ve stopped too far away from the kerb Because you couldn’t judge-the correct distance Advise the pupil accordingly
You’ve stopped too far away from the kerb Because you didn’t know, or forgot, what the correct distance is Stop 15 - 20cm from the kerb If pupil is at all unsure, show your hands apart to illustrate the distance
     
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