Observation and Parking

[Nick_Chim]

Lady Godiva said:

Nick_Chim said: They even get impatient when the candidate does the 'handbrake on each stop' 3-point turn. Oops. Are you really supposed to apply the handbrake each time you stop during the manouvre? I had better start practicing (unless you are saying don't do it). Also, many many thanks to everyone for the helpful tips above. Unfortunately, they all refer to things like the left rear winddow, passenger support arm, etc, and I drive an MGF! Regards Sally

There is a slick way to use the handbrake... The learner test process goes Forward-FootBrakeIn-ClutchIn-HandbrakeOn-FootbrakeOut-SelectReverse-ClutchOut&HandbrakeOff->Backwards. The slicker *advanced* process is Forward-FootBrakeIn-ClutchIn-SelectReverse-HandbrakeOn(LookLeft&Right)-FootBrakeOut-ClutchOut&HandbrakeOff->Backwards. So you only 'visit' the handbrake once per 'end' - at the point just before you swop feet from brake to accel. You don't even need to release the button if you get it right - just pull up & push down again once the clutch is holding the car. Hope this makes sense - I'm sure there's a better way of explaining the above - anyone able to cut & paste the 'official' desciption?

I do agree with Don overall though, if it's flat and you ain't going to roll, then *probably* isn't neccessary - I'm beginning to prefer the pragmatic 'turn it around however you like if safe' approach in this region. Worth checking on local policy with your observer.