Gears: Step 2

Unit Three Subject 5 - Gears: Step 2 - Observation

Unit 3 - Basic Skills:
Home page

1 - Show/Tell:
1. Overview

2 - Drivers Eyesight:
1. Introduction
2. Eye checks
3. Eyesight problems
4. Project

3 - Cockpit Drill:
1. Introduction
2. The drill
3. Explanation

4 - Moving off:
1. Introduction
2. The basics
3. POM Introduction
4. Prepare
5. Observe
6. Move
7. Brake tests
8. Stopping
9. Summary
10. Project

5 - Using Gears:
1. Introduction
2. Observation
3. Selective gear changing
4. Smooth changes

6 - Hazard Routine:
1. Introduction
2. Easy starting point
3. Mirrors
4. Signals
5. Manoeuvre
6. Project

7 - Junctions:
1. Introduction
2. Emerging
3. Approaching
4. Approaching right
5. Crossroads
6. Roundabouts

8 - Hills:
1. Introduction
2. Downhill safety
3. Parking
4. Uphill starts
5. Downhill starts

9 - Emergency Stop:
1. Introduction
2. The method
3. Skids
4. The driving test
5. Project

DRIVING HOME PAGE

Observation when changing gear

When considering 'observation when changing gears' with learner drivers, the initial emphasis will often be helping them to change gear without looking down at the gear lever!

Here we are making an assumption that you are not in the habit of looking at the gear lever (at least we very much hope that you're not!) - this page concerns your all around awareness and planning when changing gear.

The fact that you are considering a gear change means that:

There is a change in the road or traffic situation ahead

You are planning to change speed or overtake

You need more power to accelerate or to climb a hill

You need a lower gear to help hold the car back when descending a steep hill

You need a different gear for flexibility/responsiveness for the current situation

In other words, gear changes are made when something is changing ahead, or when you need more flexibility.

Looking behind

Before you change gear in any of the situations listed you must check the situation behind.

This means that every gear change must be preceded with a mirror check. This check may simply be to confirm that things have not changed since your last mirror check (which might have been only seconds before).

Remembering that, with the exception of using a lower gear to hold the car back when descending a hill, you are changing gears 'to go' - to drive the car forwards at the same or higher speed. You will be using the engine power to maintain and/or increase speed, therefore, it's essential to check your mirrors to know whether other drivers are trying to overtake you.

Looking ahead

Although it may seem obvious that you should not look at the gear lever (as mentioned above), you might be surprised at just how many drivers glance down without any conscious awareness.

Make sure that you always look well ahead when making gear changes. This becomes especially important if your gear change techniques are changing as your driving improves.

Initially, your new method of gear changing will not be an 'unconscious action' and so might become a distraction in itself – looking down could turn a minor distraction into a major problem! Be aware that as you improve it might sometimes feel that your driving is getting worse as you break old habits and develop new ones.

Next: Step 2 - Selective gear changes