Gears at Junctions

[MC Bodge]

Of course, synchromesh allows for fairly ham-fisted gear shifting. Up-shifts and most down-shifts can be performed adequately with a single de clutch and even a fairly rough movement of the lever. Down-changing into first whilst moving is more tricky, though, and does benefit from double de clutching. I discovered this myself at some point driving somewhere hilly -and can even be handy in a multi storey car park.

In order to become competent at it, practice is required. shifting into first before coming to a halt, although obviously heresy to an 'Advanced' fundamentalist, is a good opportunity to practice the technique.

[ST2]

Idon'tknow that changing into first on the move is heresy to advanced driving. Each police instructor I've been with teaches it. When speed becomes so low that only first gear will be required a " first on the roll" is engaged for a quick move off if it is clear.

[MC Bodge]

On this forum, There is generally talk of "Advanced" and of "Police".

The "Advanced" stuff is the "Police" stuff from the 1930s....

[waremark]

MC Bodge said:

On this forum, There is generally talk of "Advanced" and of "Police".

The "Advanced" stuff is the "Police" stuff from the 1930s....

But either way a 'rolling first' as described by ST2 is good practice!

[R0G]

My observer advice to associates is this ....

Hold current gear and use clutch if necessary to prevent stalling then select gear to go but if it gets down to 1st gear speed an approach then, even if still braking, select 1st gear as that will give more options at the give way line

Pointless selecting any other gear on approach if it could mean a second gear change nearer the give way line

[davepoth]

R0G said:

My observer advice to associates is this ....

Hold current gear and use clutch if necessary to prevent stalling then select gear to go but if it gets down to 1st gear speed an approach then, even if still braking, select 1st gear as that will give more options at the give way line

Pointless selecting any other gear on approach if it could mean a second gear change nearer the give way line

I'd agree, even though I'll H'n'T all the way down the box at most stops for the hell of it. .

I do find that when approaching something like a traffic light controlled roundabout at the end of a dual carriageway, being in the correct gear for acceleration does mean that the watershed between stopping and "amber gambling" moves a bit closer to the lights, which gives a bit more margin for safety if you get caught out by the light sequence.