Step 5: Accelerating and Using the Gears

THIS SECTION COVERS THE FOLLOWING
How to Use Gears Effectively: ​Learn to shift gears smoothly to optimize your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency.​
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Mastering Acceleration and Gear Usage in South London Traffic

Efficient acceleration and gear usage are crucial skills for navigating South London's diverse road conditions. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you master these techniques:

BEFORE YOU START

• Adjust your driving seat to ensure comfortable access to all pedals.
• Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's gear configuration.

MANUAL CARS
Moving Off:

• Most cars have 5 or 6 forward gears.
• Always use the highest suitable gear for fuel efficiency and reduced wear.
• Accelerate smoothly to:
  •   Reduce fuel consumption
  •   Minimize vehicle wear
  •   Enhance safety
  •   Reduce environmental impact

Using Gears Effectively:

• Gear change timing varies based on your vehicle's configuration.
• Choose the right gear to:
  • Control acceleration
  • Maintain vehicle control
  • Optimize fuel efficiency
  • Reduce your carbon footprint

BLOCK GEAR CHANGING

• Skip gears when appropriate for smoother driving.
• When slowing down, brake first, then select the appropriate gear.

HILL DRIVING

• Uphill: Use lower gears to maintain power.
• Downhill: Use lower gears for engine braking.
• When parking on hills, leave the car in gear as a safety measure.

AUTOMATIC CARS
Typically offer Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive options.

• Some models allow manual selection of first or second gear for better control.
• Avoid heavy acceleration to prevent:
  •  Loss of control
  •  Delayed gear changes
  •  Excessive fuel consumption

Driving Tip: Be cautious with the brake pedal placement to avoid accidental emergency stops.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Usually feature a single gear with multiple driving modes:

•  Eco
•  Normal
•  Sport
• Offer similar selection options to automatic cars.
• Utilise regenerative braking, causing quicker deceleration when releasing the accelerator.

Note: Electric vehicles can accelerate rapidly, so practice smooth acceleration for better control.

SPECIFIC TIPS FOR SOUTH LONDON

• Practice smooth acceleration and gear changes in stop-start traffic common in areas like Brixton and Peckham.
• Master hill starts for South London's hilly areas, such as Crystal Palace.
• Use appropriate gears when navigating busy roundabouts like Elephant and Castle.

Remember, mastering these skills takes practice. Our driving instructors at Driving Schools in South London are experts in teaching these techniques in local conditions.

For personalized lessons on acceleration and gear usage in South London, contact us

Drive efficiently and safely in South London's diverse traffic conditions!

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NeXt Sections: Steering and Manoeuvring

CLICK TO READ NEXT

• Manoeuvres: Practice essential driving manoeuvres such as turning, parking, and reversing.
• OSM Routine: Follow the Observation-Signal-Manoeuvre routine to ensure safe and effective driving.
• Coasting: Understand the risks of coasting and how to avoid it.
• Skidding: Learn how to control your vehicle in the event of a skid.

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Use of Speed

Topics of learning:

1. Appropriate speed
2. Making progress
3. Hesitancy

Underpinning knowledge

• National speed limits
• Restricted speed limits
• Road and weather conditions
• Traffic conditions
• Pedestrian activity
• Stopping distances

Driving School NEWS AND BLOG

Follow Driving Schools in South London latest news blog where we share helpful driving tips and advice.
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Practice Makes Perfect
New drivers are encouraged to practice frequently to build confidence and improve their skills. The DVSA recommends at least 22 hours of private practice before taking the driving test.
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Stay Calm and Focused
Anxiety can lead to mistakes during the driving test. New drivers are advised to practice techniques to manage nerves, such as deep breathing and staying composed at junctions and roundabouts.
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Highway Code Changes
An article detailing key updates to the Highway Code that took effect in 2022. It covers changes aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users and how these updates may impact driving tests. 

Be Prepared for Traffic
​ It's important for new drivers to familiarise themselves with driving in heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. This includes learning to navigate busy intersections and roundabouts.
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Road Signs and Rules
Familiarity with the Highway Code and understanding road signs is crucial for safe driving and passing the driving test specifically the Theory test element of the driving test. See our traffic sign guide

Car Insurance for Learners
This article explains the importance of learner driver insurance and how it allows for practice with an accompanying driver. It provides insights into the benefits of such insurance and how it works.

Master Observation Techniques
New drivers should focus on observation skills, particularly when changing lanes or joining traffic. Proper observation is key to driving and can prevent major faults during the driving test.
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Utilise Mock Driving Tests
Conducting a mock driving test with an unfamiliar instructor can help new drivers pass their test by making them more comfortable and familiar with the driving test process.
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How To Master Roundabouts
This page looks at roundabouts and how to become a roundabout master. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about roundabout layouts and how to approach them

These tips aim to equip new drivers with the necessary skills and confidence to navigate the roads safely and successfully. For more detailed information, you can explore the latest news and blog posts directly on the Driving Schools in South London website.