Driving Schools Directory
• Accelerator • Gear Lever • Moving Away • Seat Belts
• Anticipation • Gears • Moving Off • Signals
• Approaching Junctions • General • Overtaking • Steering
• Brake • Handbrake • Pedestrian Crossings • Steering Wheel
• Clearance • Head Restraint • Reverse Parking • Stopping
• Clutch • Indicators • Reversing • T-Junctions
• Crossing Other Traffic • Interior Mirror • Road Positioning • The Engine
• Crossroads • Making Progress • Safe Distance • Turn In The Road
• Emmergency Stop • Meeting Approaching Traffic • Safety Routine
• Exterior Mirrors • Mirrors • Seat


Practical Driving Test Tips - Gears
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