How to change gear
the correct sequence for changing gear is as follows:
Make sure that it is safe to change gear. Any place where it is necessary to use both hands to steer the car, such as a corner or bend would not be suitable.
Next, ease off the accelerator pedal just prior to depressing the clutch pedal. The two actions are almost simultaneous.
Select the appropriate gear using your left hand while being careful to look ahead and not at the gear lever.
Release the clutch pedal just prior to reapplying pressure to the accelerator pedal with your right foot. Again the two actions are almost simultaneous.
This will dramatically reduce the power being transmitted from the engine to the gearbox, enabling you to select a gear without causing any damage to the gear mechanism.
While it is relatively easy to make slight steering adjustments many manoeuvres require you to turn the car sharply to either the left or to the right. To do this effectively you need to learn the 'pull-push' method of steering.
THE CAR GOES WHERE YOUR EYES GO
The handbrake is used to hold the car still after it has stopped.
Because the handbrake is only connected to two wheels it should not be used when the car is moving.
To apply the handbrake press the button with your thumb and pull the lever upwards as far as it will go and then release the button. To release the handbrake press the button in and push the lever down.
The steering wheel
The steering wheel is used to turn the front wheels when changing direction. You should normally hold the wheel with your hands in the 'ten to two position' or the 'quarter to three position'. Most control is gained when the 'pull and push' method is used to turn the wheel.
Steering
What is probably the most important rule about steering may not seem obvious. When driving you not only steer with your hands, but also with your eyes. You do this by looking where you want the car to go, this in turn will tell your brain what to do with your hands and steer accordingly. Your peripheral vision (i.e. your vision to the sides) helps you to keep your road position.
Pull-push method
This method ensures that you keep both hands in contact with the wheel at all times and that the wheel is never allowed to spin out of control. Once the wheels are fully turned left or right this is known as full lock.