Driving test

[Betty Boop x]

I have have been learning to drive for ages now and have had lots of lessons. My instructer has never told me to put on my handbrake when i stop at traffic lights or if i'm waiting to turn right for a long period of time etc.

The only time I use the handbrake is if i pull over to stop, when i do my three point turn and when i do a hill start.

I had my mock test on Monday with a different instructor and he said at the end that I should have used my handbrake more at traffic lights etc when i was stopped for long periods of time.

I asked my instuctor if i HAD to use my handbrake in these circumstances and he said no, however i have asked my family and friends and they have all said they were taught to use their handbrake when they stopped in above circumstances.

So now I'm really confused and a bit worried to be honest! My test is on thursday and obviously im not in the habit of using my handbrake much but i am worried this will affect my test and i will get minors everytime i don't use it!

What are other peoples experiences of this? Were you taught to always use your handbrake when learning to drive?

x

[kempie]

I do not wish to dishearten you but an examiner will certainly expect you to engage the handbrake whenever you are stationary for more than "a few moments".

http://www.2pass.co.uk/faqpract.htm#thirty

Don't worry over this but try to keep it in mind.

Good luck.

[Betty Boop x]

thanx for your answer, this is what i feared!

I really dont understand why my instructor hasnt taught me this?!

I'll practice it in the hour lesson before my test! Cause it's better to be safe than sorry! Talk about leaving it till the last minute!

thnx again

x

[lethologica]

Glad you got it resolved, about being last minute - my instructor didn't go through emergency stops until the 2 hour lesson I had prior to my test...

Don't worry too much about it, and good luck for tomorrow!!

[SteveD]

It can be argued that the purpose of driving lessons is to teach you to pass the test.

Thereafter, just drive safely and considerately and you'll be OK.

[Grunty]

I understand the point you are making, SteveD, and your definition of what is safe may be OK. Unfortunately not all road users have this degree of judgement. One of the purposes of the driving test is the forlorn hope that we shall all play by the same rules. One of the inputs to the driving test is an analysis of accidents. That is why drivers are (or should be) taught to use handbrakes, not to flash headlights except as a warning, not to park on footpaths which are weak and may have gas mains under them etc. etc. etc.

[kepla]

I noticed this recently observing my daughter's driving. She passed the test today, about three hours ago, and was taught by her instructor to use the handbrake far less than was usual a decade or two ago. I discussed it with her, she asked her instructor, and she passedno problem despite using the footbrake when stopped at a red light. She'll use the handbrake to prevent the car rolling on a hill-start, or when actually parked, so it seems that the requirements of the test have changed over the years - not a big surprise. I would still maintain that it is better to use the hydraulic footbrake for momentary usage - like when stopping - and the mechanical handbrake when holding the car stationary, like at traffic lights. No matter what the instructor or examiner might say, the car's systems will work better and last longer when used correctly.

[Melliexr]

I'm not sure if the following advice is true to the highway code or what is taught by an instructor, but it is common sense. When pulling up at traffic lights keep your foot on the footbrake until someone pulls up behind you, your brake lights will warn others you are stopping or stopped. By all means pull the handbrake on as well if you're going to be there a while. As soon as someone pulls up behind you, release that footbrake. It's very annoying sat behind someone with a modern high-level third brake light. Good luck.

[lethologica]

So, did you pass!?

[Betty Boop x]

Yes I passed, thank you for asking and thanx for everyone's answers.

I asked my instrutor before the test and said I was a bit worried and he said it really wasn't a problem if I didn't use it except when doing manouvers (sp?) and on hills.

In my test though I used my own initive a bit and if i came to a traffic light which had just turned to red I put my handbrake on. I thought it was better to be safe than sorry.

At the end he said I had passed, but when he was de-briefing me at the end he said "don't be afraid to use your handbrake more"!! Can't win, but at least I passed! SO happy :) brilliant christmas present for me and my mom and dad!

So I suppose with the handbrake there is no right or wrong answer, now i can drive i will just use it when i feel appropriate. Thanx everyone.

x

[kempie]

Congratulations!