Driving Tips - Handbrake
Guidance reviewed: 25 September 2026. Use these prompts with professional instruction and the handbook for the vehicle you drive.
Accelerator
Anticipation
Approaching Junctions
Brake
Clearance
Clutch
Crossing Other Traffic
Crossroads
Emergency Stop
Exterior Mirrors
Gear Lever
Gears
General
Handbrake
Head Restraint
Indicators
Interior Mirror
Making Progress
Meeting Approaching Traffic
Mirrors
Moving Away
Moving Off
Overtaking
Pedestrian Crossings
Reverse Parking
Reversing
Road Positioning
Safe Distance
Safety Routine
Seat
Seat Belts
Signals
Steering
Steering Wheel
Stopping
T-Junctions
The Engine
Turning the Car Around
Practical Driving Test Tips — Handbrake
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The car is not secured when parked | The parking brake was not applied correctly or its operation was not checked. | Use the vehicle's parking procedure and confirm that the car is secure before releasing the foot controls or leaving it. |
| The parking brake remains applied while moving | The warning or control state was missed. | Stop safely, secure the car and correct the control. Learn the warning lights and electronic or manual parking-brake operation for the vehicle. |
| You rely on one parking-brake method for every car | Electronic and manual systems work differently. | Follow the vehicle handbook and practise with your instructor; do not assume another car will apply or release its parking brake in the same way. |