How to change Gears

<!doctype html> <html>       <html class="no-js" lang="en">  <head> <meta charset="utf-8">  <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1"> <title>How to change Gears</title> <META Name="description" Content="How to change gears when first starting to drive a car"> <meta name="keywords" content="block changes, gear changing, gears, first gear, second, third, fouth, sixth,clutch control, gas pedal">  <link rel="stylesheet" href="css/slider.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="css/style.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="css/layout.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="css/typography.css">   <script src="js/libs/modernizr-2.5.3.min.js"></script> <script src="js/menu.js"></script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="//cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/cookieconsent2/3.1.0/cookieconsent.min.css" /> <script src="//cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/cookieconsent2/3.1.0/cookieconsent.min.js"></script> <script> window.addEventListener("load", function(){ window.cookieconsent.initialise({ "palette": { "popup": { "background": "#000" }, "button": { "background": "transparent", "text": "#f1d600", "border": "#f1d600" } }, "position": "bottom-right" })}); </script> </head> <body> <header> <div id="top_thin_strip"></div> <div id="top_row"> <div id="logo"><img src="img/logo.jpg" alt="2 Pass - Everything for the learner driver." /></div> <div id="top_row_sharing"> <div id="top_row_ad"> <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>  <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:468px;height:60px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4110339233674045" data-ad-slot="2694777049"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </div> </header> <div id="menu"> <ul class="dropdown"> <li><a href="index.html">Home</a></li> <li><a href="start.htm">Starting Out</a> <ul class="sub_menu"> <li><a href="page3.htm">Latest Driving Test News</a></li> <li><a href="pass-your-test.htm">Are You Ready To Drive</a></li> <li><a href="licence.htm">Your Provisional License</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="high-tec.htm">Find the Right Driving Instructor</a> <ul> <li><a href="code.htm">Instructor Code of Practice</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="lessons.htm">Your First Few Lessons</a></li> <li><a href="herald.htm">Women Instructors</a></li> <li><a href="illegal-driving-instructors.htm">Watch for Illegal Driving Instructors</a></li> <li><a href="learn.htm">Learning with Family/Friends</a></li> <li><a href="auto.htm">Driving an Automatic</a></li> <li><a href="driving-age.htm">Driving Age Rumours</a></li> <li><a href="history.htm">History of the Driving Test</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="#">Find Driving Schools in your Area</a> <ul> <li><a href="residential.htm">Residential Courses</a></li> <li><a href="scotland.htm">Scotland</a></li> <li><a href="northengland.htm">Northern England</a></li> <li><a href="middleengland.htm">Middle England</a></li> <li><a href="southengland.htm">Southern England</a></li> <li><a href="wales.htm">Wales</a></li> <li><a href="nireland.htm">N.Ireland</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="goodluck.htm">Why we drive on the left</a></li> <li><a href="biker.htm">Planning to Ride a Motorcycle</a></li> <li><a href="lgv.htm">Planning to drive a Lorry or Bus</a></li> <li><a href="adi.htm">How to become a Driving Instructor</a></li> <li><a href="renew-driving-licence-at-70.htm">Ways to Renew your licence at 70</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="35test.htm">Theory</a> <ul class="sub_menu"> <li><a href="page3.htm">Latest Driving Test News</a></li> <li><a href="faqtheory.htm">Theory Test FAQ</a></li> <li><a href="faqhazard.htm">Hazard Test FAQ</a></li> <li><a href="hazard.htm">What is HTP?</a></li> <li><a href="hazardtest.htm">2Pass HTP Video Clip</a></li> <li><a href="booking.htm">Ways to book your Theory Test</a></li> <li><a href="dts-online-test.html">Free Trial Hazard Perception Test</a></li> <li><a href="theory-questions.htm">Free Theory Test Question Samples</a></li> <li><a href="traffic-sign-test.htm">Free Traffic Sign Test</a></li> <li><a href="motorway-test.htm">Free Motorway Test</a></li> <li><a href="software.htm">Theory Test PC Software</a></li> <li><a href="download.htm">Theory Test Instant Downloads</a></li> <li><a href="casestudytheorytest.htm">Case Study Questions</a></li> <li><a href="nerves.htm">Overcome Your Test Nerves</a></li> <li><a href="firstaid.htm">First Aid On The Road</a></li> <li><a href="quizzes.htm">Theory Quizzes</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="pract.htm">Practical</a> <ul class="sub_menu"> <li><a href="page3.htm">Latest Driving Test News</a></li> <li><a href="tackle-recent-driving-test-changes.htm">Tackle Recent Test Changes</a></li> <li><a href="faqpract.htm">Practical Test FAQ</a></li> <li><a href="video.htm">Lots of Video Lessons</a></li> <li><a href="satnav-testroutes.htm">Download Driving Test Routes</a></li> <li><a href="bookingpract.htm">Book Your Practical Test</a></li> <li><a href="practical.htm">Practical Test Day</a></li> <li><a href="nerves.htm">Overcome Test Nerves</a></li> <li><a href="driving-test-instructor.htm">Your Instructor On Test Day</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="engine.htm">New Tell Me/Show Me Questions</a> <ul> <li><a href="driving-test-tell-me-questions.htm">New Tell Me Questions</a></li> <li><a href="driving-test-show-me-questions.htm">New Show Questions</a></li> </ul> <li><a href="independent-driving-test.htm">Independent Driving on Test Day</a></li> <li><a href="drivingtest-in-bad-weather.htm">Your Driving Test in Bad Weather</a></li> <li><a href="driving-tests-around-the-world.htm">Driving Tests Around the World</a></li> <li><a href="awareness.htm">Situation Awareness</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="#">How to do</a> <ul> <li><a href="dashboard-lights.htm">Dashboard Warning Lights</a></li> <li><a href="cockpit.htm">Cockpit Drill</a></li> <li><a href="moveoff.htm">Move Off</a></li> <li><a href="steering.htm">Steering</a></li> <li><a href="gears.htm">Changing Gears</a></li> <li><a href="hill.htm">Hill Starts</a></li> <li><a href="pull-up-on-the-right-and-reverse.htm">Pull up on the right and reverse</a></li> <li><a href="signs.htm">The Turn In The Road</a></li> <li><a href="reverse.htm">Reverse Around Corner</a></li> <li><a href="parallel.htm">Parallel Parking</a></li> <li><a href="bayparking.htm">Bay Parking</a></li> <li><a href="brake.htm">Emergency Stops</a></li> <li><a href="roundabout.htm">Roundabouts</a></li> <li><a href="junction.htm">Approach 'T' Junctions</a></li> <li><a href="junctionright.htm">Right Turns</a></li> <li><a href="crossing.htm">Pedestrian Crossings</a></li> <li><a href="boxjunction.htm">Box Juntions</a></li> <li><a href="stopping-distance.htm">Stopping Distances</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="#">How to Deal with </a> <ul> <li><a href="firsttri.htm">Driving Alone</a></li> <li><a href="fog.htm">Driving in Fog</a></li> <li><a href="snow.htm">Driving in Snow</a></li> <li><a href="flood.htm">Driving in Floods</a></li> <li><a href="motorway.htm">Driving on Motorways</a></li> <li><a href="aquaplaning.htm">Aquaplaning</a></li> <li><a href="drivingtips.htm">Aggressive Drivers</a></li> <li><a href="accident.htm">Road Accident</a></li> <li><a href="crash-for-cash-scams.htm">Crash for Cash Scams</a></li> <li><a href="emergencyvehicle.htm">Emergency Vehicles</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="nightmare.htm">Test Nightmares</a></li> <li><a href="failure.htm">Failures Top 10</a></li> <li><a href="ecodriving.htm">Eco-Driving</a></li> <li><a href="drivingshoes.htm">Shoes for Driving</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="passed.htm">Passed</a> <ul class="sub_menu"> <li><a href="driving-penalty-points.htm">6 Penalty Points Law</a></li> <li><a href="how-to-feel-safe-when-you-pass-your-driving-test.htm">How to Stay Safe on the Road</a></li> <li><a href="passplus.htm">Pass Plus</a></li> <li><a href="learnlive.htm">Using 'P' Plates</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="#">How to Deal with </a> <ul> <li><a href="firsttri.htm">Driving Alone</a></li> <li><a href="fog.htm">Driving in Fog</a></li> <li><a href="snow.htm">Driving in Snow</a></li> <li><a href="flood.htm">Driving in Floods</a></li> <li><a href="motorway.htm">Driving on Motorways</a></li> <li><a href="aquaplaning.htm">Aquaplaning</a></li> <li><a href="drivingtips.htm">Aggressive Drivers</a></li> <li><a href="accident.htm">Road Accident</a></li> <li><a href="crash-for-cash-scams.htm">Crash for Cash Scams</a></li> <li><a href="emergencyvehicle.htm">Emergency Vehicles</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="childseatbelts.htm">Seat Belt Laws for Kids</a></li> <li><a href="retest.htm">New Drivers Who Offend</a></li> <li><a href="advanced.htm">Advanced Driving</a></li> <li><a href="buying.htm">Buying a Used Car</a></li> <li><a href="top-10-cars-for-new-drivers.htm">Top 10 Cars for Sale</a></li> <li><a href="selling.htm">Selling a Car</a></li> <li><a href="textcheck.htm">Vehicle Data Check for £3</a></li> <li><a href="finance.htm">Finance your first car</a></li> <li><a href="insur.htm">Insurance Advice</a></li> <li><a href="insurancesponsors.htm">Cheap Insurance Quotes</a></li> <li><a href="breakdown.htm">Breakdown and Recovery</a></li> <li><a href="numberplate.htm">Purchasing a Number Plate</a></li> <li><a href="accident.htm">Dealing with an Accident</a></li> <li><a href="crash-for-cash-scams.htm">Crash for Cash Scams</a></li> <li><a href="engine.htm">General Car Maintenance</a></li> <li><a href="lgv.htm">Learn to drive a Lorry / Bus</a></li> <li><a href="adi.htm">Becoming an ADI</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="software.htm">Training Aids</a> <ul class="sub_menu"> <li><a href="dts-online-test.html">Free Trial Online Theory Test</a></li> <li><a href="hazardtest-download.htm">Hazard Perception Test Download</a></li> <li><a href="cardownload.htm">Car Theory Test Download</a></li> <li><a href="motorcycledownload.htm">Motorcycle Theory Test Download</a></li> <li><a href="largevehiclesdownload.htm">LGV/PCV Theory Test Download</a></li> <li><a href="adidownload.htm">ADI Theory Test Download</a></li> <li>------------------------</li> <li><a href="software-cars.htm">Car online Revision</a></li> <li><a href="software-motorcycle.htm">Motorcycle online Revision</a></li> <li><a href="software-lgv.htm">LGV/PCV online Revision</a></li> <li><a href="software-adi.htm">ADI/PDI online Revision</a></li> <li>------------------------</li> <li><a href="book.htm"> eBooks (pdf format)</a></li> <li>------------------------</li> <li><a href="satnav-testroutes.htm">Download Driving Test Routes</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="insurancesponsors.htm">Insurance Solutions</a> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.collingwood.co.uk/learner-driver-insurance?refid=2passcld">Buy Learner Driver Insurance</a></li> <li><a href="insurancesponsors.htm">Insurance for Car Drivers</a></li> <li><a href="/cheap-motorcycle-insurance/">Insurance for Motorcycle Riders</a></li> <li><a href="van-insurance.htm">Insurance for Van Drivers</a></li> <li><a href="temporary-insurance.htm">Temporary Car Insurance</a></li> <li><a href="bicycle-insurance.htm">Bicycle Insurance</a></li> </ul> </ul> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="subpage_title"> <div class="subpage_title_inner"> <h2 class="fontface">How to change Gears</h2> </div> </div> <div id="main" role="main" class="clearfix"> <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>  <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:970px;height:250px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4110339233674045" data-ad-slot="4412266247"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br><br> <div class="column_left"> <ul class="sidemenu"> <li class="subpresent"><a href="video.htm">Video Lessons</a></li> <li><a href="driving-tests-around-the-world.htm">Driving Tests Around the World</a></li> <li><a href="lessons.htm">Your First Few Lessons</a></li> <li><a href="learn.htm">Learning with Family/Friends</a></li> <li><a href="bookingpract.htm">Book Your Practical Test</a></li> <li><a href="practical.htm">Practical Test Day</a></li> <li><a href="10-things-to-help-on-test-day.htm">10 Top Tips for Test day</a></li> <li><a href="nerves.htm">Overcome Test Nerves</a></li> <li><a href="driving-test-instructor.htm">Your Instructor On Test Day</a></li> <li><a href="faqpract.htm">Practical Test FAQ</a></li> <li><a href="engine.htm">Tell Me/Show Me Questions</a></li> <li><a href="independent-driving-test.htm">Independent Driving on Test Day</a></li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="#">How to do</a> <ul> <li><a href="dashboard-lights.htm">Dashboard Warning Lights</a></li> <li><a href="cockpit.htm">Cockpit Drill</a></li> <li><a href="moveoff.htm">Move Off</a></li> <li><a href="steering.htm">Steering</a></li> <li><a href="gears.htm">Changing Gears</a></li> <li><a href="hill.htm">Hill Starts</a></li> <li><a href="pull-up-on-the-right-and-reverse.htm">Pull up on the right and reverse</a></li> <li><a href="signs.htm">The Turn In The Road</a></li> <li><a href="reverse.htm">Reverse Around Corner</a></li> <li><a href="parallel.htm">Parallel Parking</a></li> <li><a href="bayparking.htm">Bay Parking</a></li> <li><a href="brake.htm">Emergency Stops</a></li> <li><a href="roundabout.htm">Roundabouts</a></li> <li><a href="junction.htm">Approach 'T' Junctions</a></li> <li><a href="junctionright.htm">Right Turns</a></li> <li><a href="crossing.htm">Pedestrian Crossings</a></li> <li><a href="boxjunction.htm">Box Juntions</a></li> <li><a href="stopping-distance.htm">Stopping Distances</a></li> </ul> </li> <li class="subpresent"><a href="#">How to Deal with </a> <ul> <li><a href="firsttri.htm">Driving Alone</a></li> <li><a href="fog.htm">Driving in Fog</a></li> <li><a href="snow.htm">Driving in Snow</a></li> <li><a href="flood.htm">Driving in Floods</a></li> <li><a href="motorway.htm">Driving on Motorways</a></li> <li><a href="aquaplaning.htm">Aquaplaning</a></li> <li><a href="aggressive-drivers.htm">Aggressive Drivers</a></li> <li><a href="accident.htm">Road Accident</a></li> <li><a href="crash-for-cash-scams.htm">Crash for Cash Scams</a></li> <li><a href="emergencyvehicle.htm">Emergency Vehicles</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><a href="nightmare.htm">Test Nightmares</a></li> <li><a href="failure.htm">Failures Top 10</a></li> <li><a href="ecodriving.htm">Eco-Driving</a></li> <li><a href="drivingshoes.htm">Shoes for Driving</a></li> <li><a href="weather.htm">Latest Weather News</a></li> <li><a href="price.htm">Driving Test Fees</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="column_central"> <h1 class="fontface">How to <br><FONT COLOR="#CC0000">Change Gears - When and Why</FONT></h1> <p><font size="+1"> <B>Caution!</B><br> When driving, you should be able to change gears without looking down at the lever or your feet. Practise this sitting in the car with the engine switched off and the clutch pressed down. <br><br> If you are having difficulty mastering the gears, why not try driving an <img src="startlarrow.gif" border="0" height=13 width=18 alt="2pass" align="absmiddle"><A HREF = "auto.htm">automatic car</A>. <br><br> <b>The examiner on your driving test will expect you to:-</b> <br> Use the controls smoothly and correctly <br> Balance the accelerator and clutch to move away smoothly <br> Accelerate evenly <br> Avoid stalling the car <br> Choose the right gear and change in good time before a hazard <br> Brake gently and in good time <br> Know how and when to apply the hand brake <br><br> <img src="line1.gif" border="0" alt="line"> <br> <img src="gears.gif" align="RIGHT" height=183 width=200 hspace="10" alt="gears"> In most vehicles the first 4 gears form an 'H' appearance on the gear lever.<BR> Neutral is the middle position in the 'H' formation on the gear stick.<br> To engage reverse gear you sometimes have to either push the gear lever down or lift it up towards you. Different vehicles have different setups. So always check were reverse is on a new vehicle. <br><br> Reverse is often in one of the 3 positions marked in dotted red in the diagram opposite.<br> Most cars now have a 5th or 6th gear. <br><br> <B>1st Gear</B> is used for moving off, manoeuvring and for creeping slowly in traffic and at junctions.<br> <B>2nd Gear</B> is used for moving off down very steep hills, building up speed after moving away and driving at low speeds. <br><B>3rd Gear</B> is used to build up speed and when you need more power for climbing hills. It also increases your control when going down steep hills and dealing with some bends. <br><B>4th Gear</B> is used for driving at speeds generally higher than 30 mph, where there are no hazards to confront. <br><B>5th or 6th Gear</B> not all vehicles have a 5th or 6th gear. which gives better fuel economy. This is normally only used on open roads when travelling constantly at higher speeds. <br><br> <B>To Practise - change UP through the gears</B> on the road, first find a fairly straight, wide road where there is little or no other traffic.<BR> Move off in first gear and change into 2nd gear as soon as you can. Accelerate to about 15-20 mph, then change into 3rd gear. Accelerate in 3rd to 25-30 mph and then change into 4th.<BR> You will only need to practise using the 5th and 6th gear when you are competent using the first 4 gears. <br><br> <B>To Practise - change DOWN through the gears</B> When you have built up your speed to 30 mph and you are in 4th gear, Check the mirror to make sure it is safe.<br> Brake gently to slow the car down to about 20 mph. Release the brake and change into 3rd gear. Check the mirror again and, if safe, reapply the brake gently and slow down to about 10 mph.<br> Release the brake and change into 2nd gear. <br><br> Check the mirror, if safe, build up your speed, changing up the gears, until you reach 30 mph again. Keep practising until you feel confident. <br><br> <B>About Block Gear Changes</B> <BR>Some drivers have a habit of always changing through the gears one-by-one (1,2,3,4,5 - 5,4,3,2,1). This habit has stuck with some older drivers from when they originally learned to drive many years ago. <BR><B>Today</B>, in a normal car and for everyday on-road driving, it is not generally good practice to use the gears in this way. We can change down the gears in blocks ( 5th to 2nd or 4th to 2nd. etc) <br><br> Over the years, motor car design and engineering has improved. Compared with cars of even ten years ago, modern cars are lighter, more powerful and more aerodynamic. These changes mean that the driving method that was essential in older cars is no longer needed in modern driving. <br><br> It is not necessary to change gears in sequence. For example: If you are driving along at 50 mph in 5th gear, and you want to turn left into a side road, you may be able to do so without having to stop. As you approach the junction you need to reduce your speed ( using your brake) until you are going slowly enough to take the junction safely. When you have slowed down to a safe speed using the brakes, you have to select a gear that will drive the car comfortably at that speed. In most cars the best gear for the job will be 2nd. So, move the gear lever directly to the second gear position skipping the other gears. <br><br> The benefits of this style of driving include better fuel economy, less overall wear and tear, less driver fatigue on long journeys and more steering control in emergencies. <br><br> <B><span style="background-color:yellow"> Practice makes perfect, so get plenty of practice from a Approved Driving Instructor </span></B> <br><br> <a href="hill.htm"><IMG SRC="next.gif" height="24" width="55" hspace="5" border="0">How to do Hill Starts</a> </p> <hr> </div> <div class="column_right"> <script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>  <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:160px;height:600px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4110339233674045" data-ad-slot="5809188640"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br><br> <a href="https://www.collingwood.co.uk/learner-driver-insurance?refid=2passcld" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.collingwood.co.uk/images/banner/instructors/banner_160x600.jpg" alt="Collingwood Learner Driver Insurance" border="0"></a> </div>  <br style="clear:both" />  </div> <div class="advert_block"> <div class="advert_inner_full_width"> <a href="https://www.2pass.co.uk/dts-online-test.html"><img src="img/anytimefree.png" border="1" width="970" height="250" alt="Driving Test Success Anytime free trial" /></a> </div> </div> <footer> <div class="l-footer_inner"> <div class="l-footer-col"> <h2 class="fontface">Navigation</h2> <ul class="footer-nav"> <li><a href="index.htm">Home</a></li> <li><a href="start.htm">Starting Out</a></li> <li><a href="theory.htm">Theory Test</a></li> <li><a href="pract.htm">Practical Test</a></li> <li><a href="passed.htm">Passed</a></li> <li><a href="software.htm">Training Aids</a></li> <li><a href="page3.htm">News</a></li> <li><a href="site-search.htm">Site Search</a></li> <li><a href="mail.htm">Contact</a></li> <li><a href="in.htm">Privacy Policy/About Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="l-footer-col"> <h2 class="fontface">Advertisement</h2> <script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-4110339233674045" crossorigin="anonymous"></script>  <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:300px;height:250px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4110339233674045" data-ad-slot="2542193441"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> <div class="l-footer-col last"> <h2 class="fontface">Join us on Facebook!</h2> <div class="fb-like-box" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/www2passcouk" data-width="300" data-height="370" data-show-faces="true" data-stream="false" data-header="false"></div> </div> </div> <div class="disclaimer"> <p align="right"> © 1996-2023 </div> </footer>   <div id="fb-root"></div> <script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/all.js#xfbml=1&appId=113437838748987"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script> <script src="//ajax.googleapis.com/ajax/libs/jquery/1.7.1/jquery.min.js"></script> <script>window.jQuery || document.write('<script src="js/libs/jquery-1.7.1.min.js"><\/script>')</script>  <script src="js/plugins.js"></script> <script src="js/libs/slider.js"></script> <script src="js/script.js"></script>  <script type="text/javascript"> var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); </script> <script type="text/javascript"> var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-6156711-1"); pageTracker._trackPageview(); </script> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

How to change Gears