Gear change projects

Lack of flexibility and smoothness are often noted as problems with the gear changing of experienced drivers when the are assessed for advanced driver training or during Part-Two tests.

The next three pages cover specific aspects of gear changing for you to use as a basis for gear change practise exercises. The aim of these exercises is to make all of your gear changes smooth and controlled - your passengers shouldn't notice the fact that you are changing gear at all!

The subjects covered are:

• Taking correct observation before changing gear

• Coordinating the accelerator and clutch while changing gear

• Making selective gear changes

Spend a minimum of one hour, practising gear changing, paying particular attention to the points listed above – following the guidelines set in Steps 4, 5 & 6.

Keep your sessions short if this helps you to gain success.

Ideally you should choose an out-of-town route. A quiet 'B' class road between 1 and 2 miles long and preferably made up of long straights, would be just about perfect!

Next: Step 4 - Observation when changing gear.