They are a pleasure to drive.
Gear boxes
The manual versus
automatic debate.
Many test applicants show up and undertake the practical driving exam in an automatic
vehicle. This is not surprising, as a pass is easier to achieve and, in some states,
it is legal to drive automatic and manual
vehicles afterwards.
Here are the advantages of learning in a manual
vehicle:
You can very easily switch
to an automatic car.
From an automatic to a manual car is much harder.
Driving a manual car is a life’s skill,
you never know when you will need it.
Manual vehicles are still easier and cheaper
to buy. Petrol consumption is lower, a flat battery is less of a hassle
(car can be push-started) and once mastered, gear changing is very pleasurable.
Learning to perfect the clutch and using gears
properly does take time and practice. During this process a learner driver
gains many hours of valuable experience in traffic.
The only disadvantage in learning in
a manual car, apart from the cost involved, is the tendency to major on the technical
aspects of clutch and gears. In an automatic car the focus is on traffic almost
right from the start.
There is a place for learning in an automatic
vehicle. The elderly and the disabled would find it difficult to manage
a manual vehicle. It would deny many of them the freedom a motor car brings.
But this category of driver knows their limitations. The dangerous driver is
one that is suddenly confronted with a clutch pedal (by necessity perhaps, because
someone broke a leg) and is legally allowed to operate clutch and gears
without ever having learned how to do it.
Starting in an automatic vehicle with the view
of learning the gears later, is not practicable. Events happen so quickly,
and it may take hours longer than you think to master clutch and
gears.
Downloads
Below are some useful RTA downloads and links
Useful RTA downloads
Getting your drivers licence
A guide to your driving test
Useful links
RTA knowledge test info
RTA knowledge test demo
RTA Hazard perception test
RTA Rules and regulationst
Keys 2 Drive Overview
Free lesson for new drivers
Find out more about this new exciting Government sponsored initiative.
Every new driver in Australia is entitled to one free lesson, accompanied by a supervisor (family or friend helping a learner).
Although only beginning drivers are eligible to apply, lessons also benefit supervisors, offering advice and support with the daunting task of supervising a learner
Keys 2 Drive Sign Up
Click on the link below
Keys2drive website
How to coach a learner
Content courtesy of www.driving-school.com.au
Many
parents sent their Learner drivers to driving schools after damage had been done to the
family car. We strongly recommend you start
with a professional
instructor, where available. If after some
time you give extra practice, or you are the only one teaching from the start,
here are ten principles to follow:
1. Use a
vehicle that is mechanically sound and roadworthy. It is very distracting
otherwise. Plus you are giving a bad example to your learner.
2. Learner
must wear proper footwear. Thongs, high-heels, platform shoes or
driving barefoot is dangerous and distracting. Shoes with thick soles make it
harder to feel the accelerator.
3. Do not start
(or finish) the first lesson in your driveway or on a public road. Drive
the student to a large, empty space to commence, so you both can concentrate
on the mechanics, before having to worry about steering, observation
etc.
4. Don’t expect
too much on the first drive. One teenager may be totally different to a
brother or sister. It is safest to stay in first gear in a carpark, or open
space, until the brake, accelerator and steering are reasonably under
control.
5. Don’t shout
or criticize. Concentrate on one aspect at a time. Give praise when
a task has been properly learned and demonstrated.
6. Explain
before starting out: ‘If I say stop, it means clutch down and press the
brake (or just brake in a car with auto transmission)’. It is best to also
explain that unless you give other directions, it means go straight ahead.
Keep your hand discreetly near the handbrake. Ensure it works.
7. Teach
concepts according to the skill level of the new driver. Don’t be too
optimistic about the ability to manage heavy traffic at an early stage. Avoid
risks.
8. Give early
directions e.g. “Not at this street, but at the one after, turn left. “
Use landmarks e.g. “See the green fence? Turn left at the street after
that.”
9. Buy a
stick-on mirror (available in auto-accessories shops) for
safety.
10.
Everything can and has to be taught. Even simple concepts (e.g. press
accelerator down harder going uphill) must not be taken for granted. To
clarify certain basic concepts, please check our resources
page.
Learning to
drive must not be a nightmare. Whilst a 16-year-old often avoids to be seen with
a parent, when it comes to driving, they are always willing to go out. Make it
an enjoyable time for both of you.
Resources
How many
lessons does it take to learn to drive?
My learner driver can't
steer in a straight line!
What's wrong?
Is it necessary to apply the handbrake every time you stop?
My instructor wants me to change gears
when turning. My dad says, don't do it. Who is right?
When
turning a corner, why can't I change from fourth gear to third and then second?
Why can’t I use the left foot for braking in an automatic car?
Are the examiners strict on driving tests?
Why can't I brake
as I go around the corner?
Useful tips
How many lessons does it take to learn to drive?
In an automatic vehicle the average training period for a 17-18 year old is approx. 12 hours from scratch.
For a vehicle with manual transmission add another 6-8 hours, depending the learner’s ability.
Factors
to consider are: How coordinated is the person? Is he/she a quick thinker/learner? How
much will the learner be able to practice between lessons with family or friends? Older
people, of course, take much longer and city traffic takes extra hours to master.
After the first lesson a professional instructor should be able to give a reasonable
estimate. It is worth mentioning, that saving on driving lessons is not good economy.
One crash through inexperience may cause thousands of dollars worth of damage and/
or injury.
Top
My learner driver can't
steer in a straight line!
What's wrong?
The basic motto for steering - The car
will go where the eyes take it!
Steering the vehicle
ought to be done with 'peripheral vision', meaning to not look directly at an
obstacle! Learners who look at the kerbside, while trying to drive in a
straight line must be encouraged to aim their eyes higher, further ahead and
move them every second or so.
Especially when
turning corners, if a learner looks at a tree or post they
get terribly confused, because they are not aiming, where the car is supposed
to go. For a parent to say, watch that tree,
is the worst thing to say half-way around a corner. Likewise, don't say, watch
that parked car. Rather - take note of the parked car, but look beyond
it as you overtake; leave space; you will still see it as you drive past.
To
read road signs or other specific information the learner must learn to move
the eyes constantly and use "focal" vision. For a split second the eyes pick up
information to form the 'big picture'. Following a crash very often
the first statement is: "I didn't see it?"
Good observation is an absolute
must for safe driving. That's why we don't teach blind drivers. (I swear
some blind ones slip in and try to have a go).
Top
Is it necessary to apply the handbrake every time you stop?
In a manual vehicle - yes. Use the hand brake even on a level ground take-off. It frees up
the right foot to get ready on the accelerator. Stopping with the clutch down and no
handbrake, a car may move by a gust of wind, without the driver realizing.
In manual and automatic vehicles, during a prolonged stop (at traffic lights, especially
when pedestrians are crossing right in front of you), it is also advisable to apply the
handbrake and shift the gear lever into N (neutral). Do the same anytime whilst
temporarily parked, (to check the roadmap, searching for an object in the glove
box or
while talking to someone in the driveway etc). The car is safe while attending other
matters.
Starting on a hill, even an automatic car can roll back, if the gradient is steep enough. Apply
the handbrake firmly. Before take-off, give a little acceleration just before releasing the
handbrake.
Top
My instructor wants me to change gears
on turning. My dad says don't do it. Who is right?
Normally, don't gear-change around a corner, because your hands are needed for
steering. But there is one exception: On a right-hand turn, after turning the wheel to the
right, there is a second or two, where it does not have to be straightened yet. Use this
short time span to change from first to second gear.
At traffic lights, especially, it is important to move off briskly after the lights turn green. Impatient drivers behind often come uncomfortably close. Changing at the earliest
opportunity to second (even while still turning) and then accelerating further, will avoid this.
Beginner drivers should have considerable practice first, before attempting to
change from one to two when turning right. For a left turn it is best to straighten the
wheel and then change to second gear, unless it is a wide turn.
Top
When turning a corner, why can't I change
down from fourth gear to third, and then to second?
Changing down through each gear to slow the vehicle was essential when cars were
heavy and brakes inefficient. The engine played a big part in slowing down. Trucks
descending steep hills still need to use lower gear for safety. Later model cars are light.,
brakes much more effective.
Using gears to slow causes excessive wear of the gearbox and clutch and increases
fuel consumption. Today's instructors teach:
- Mirror & indicator
- Brake to the correct speed
- Change to the gear required for negotiating the hazard
Exception to this rule: Descending long steep hills. Constant heavy braking may result
in overheating of the brakes.
Top
Why can’t I use the left foot for braking in an automatic car?
Here are four reasons why instructors teach to only use one foot in an automatic.
- Under heavy braking the left foot must push against the floor to brace your body.
You will have total control of brake, accelerator and steering during an emergency.
- It is less confusing to switch from an automatic to a manual vehicle.
- The left foot, resting on the the brake pedal, may inadvertently push down the
brake pedal and light up the brake lights whilst accelerating.
- There is less chance of a mixup between accelerator and brake. After a lifetime of
using two feet, older drivers may get confused, pressing the wrong pedal. The ones that
had used the right foot only all their lives are less likely to have trouble later on.
Top
Are the examiners strict on driving tests?
The answer is yes*. There are guidelines that license examiners must apply to driving
tests. No one expects the new driver to be perfect. A certain percentage of mistakes are
allowed. An examiner treats everyone the same.
An applicant’s driving may be quite safe, yet the standards laid down must still be
adhered to. Remember that examiners don’t make the rules, they only follow them
through.
Above question is often asked by drivers who think they are ready for the driving test,
because they perform very well with a family member. A lesson with a professional
driving instructor, will rectify any flaws in a Learner’s driving. It is not wise to book a driving exam without first having undertaken some professional tuition.
Top
Why can't I brake as I go around the
corner?
One of the rules of braking is to brake in a straight line while the vehicle is well
balanced. Braking sharply in a corner can induce a skid and has caused many drivers to
lose control. But do not apply this rule dogmatically. If a driver has misjudged a bend
and entered it at an unsafe speed, increased braking may be the only way to stop
running off the road. The best way for cornering is to:
- Read (look through to the exit) the corner,
- brake to the correct speed before the corner,
- gently accelerate out of the corner (in the wet wait until after the bend).
Complete this form or call on 0424 628 703 to find out more
