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 |