 use to connect or disconnect the engine power from the wheel via the gearbox. It has 3 positions;
Clutch Down. The engine power is cut from the wheels and gearbox allowing you to select a gear.
Biting Point. Slowly raising the pedal about the thickness of 3 to 4 pound coins it will deliver enough power to the wheels to prevent the car rolling backwards when facing up hill, on a flat road or downhill you will be able to creep at an old mans walking pace.
Clutch Up. Slowly raising the clutch from the bite the thickness of a pound coin at a time until it is all the way up will fully connect the engine to the wheels and allow full engine power.
Parking Brake (Handbrake)
Unlike the foot brake on most cars this only works on the rear wheels. It has 2 positions either on or off. If it is applied when the car is moving it can lock the back wheels and cause the car to skid out of control. It is for stationary use only to secure the vehicle.
To release the handbrake lift slightly press the button and place down.
To apply the handbrake. Press the button lift until firm and then release the button.
Most cars have 5 or 6 forward gears and reverse.
1st gear is a moving away gear just like the large cog a bicycle it is easy to pedal away in.
2nd & 3rd gears are working gears for building you speed and negotiating certain junctions and hazards.
4th, 5th & 6th are cruising gears used for maintaining your speed using the minimum amount of fuel.
Reverse is of course of going backwards.
Forward gears should be changed up at between 2 & 3 thousand revs on the rev counter to gain minimum fuel use and maximum vehicle control.
The palming method should be used to grip the gearstick in order not to select the wrong gear. You instructor will show you this.
Let's clear the misconceptions; you can hold the steering wheel where ever you want provided you arms are not resting on your legs, armrest or door!
We suggest the optimal position is either at a 10 to 2 or ¼ to 3 position.
You can cross your hands when steering! Again we find the optimal steering method is the pull-push method you instructor will again teach you this.
Like a cycle if you are moving slowly you can turn the handle bars as much as you like you can do the same with the steering wheel.
Like a cycle again at higher speeds slowly moving the handle bars prevents the loss of your teeth in the tarmac, small gradual movements of the steering wheel will give maximum control.
There are 6 external indicators on modern cars, 2 on the front, 2 on the side and 2 on the rear. They are controlled by the indicator stick on the steering column.
To apply the indicator simply moves it in the direction you intend to turn the wheel.
Nearly all the time it will self cancel after the manoeuvre; you will know this will happen if you hear a small click. If it does not cancel you must cancel it.
They are operated the same as the indicators via a stick on the steering column.
Your instructor will teach you to use these as you will always need to be able to see where you are going!
The other entire auxiliary controls such as the heater, lights cruise control etc will be covered by your instructor.