Going into 4th gear?
Discussion
Hi lads, I had my driving test the other day, unfortunately I failed as I got a serious for speeding.I saw the 40 sign I sped up to it so was doing 37 just before the 40 limit kicked in.Anyway I hold my hands up and want to put right the minors I got before my next test comes up.
I got 7 minors but 4 of these were for not using my 4th gear enough, I guess this doesn't fit in with the governments green policies.The test was done in the rain and the majority was done in 30mph zones of fairly built up areas.The car I was in was a petrol Renault Twingo.
In your opinion when should you be looking to move into 4th gear? Normally on my lessons it's when I go 30 plus or on a fairly open piece of road.
Cheers
I got 7 minors but 4 of these were for not using my 4th gear enough, I guess this doesn't fit in with the governments green policies.The test was done in the rain and the majority was done in 30mph zones of fairly built up areas.The car I was in was a petrol Renault Twingo.
In your opinion when should you be looking to move into 4th gear? Normally on my lessons it's when I go 30 plus or on a fairly open piece of road.
Cheers
When I did my test I was shifting into 4th at around 30, though if getting up to speed I'd leave it in third a while longer.
The 1.2 Twingo is happy enough in 4th at 30, though if you need to accelerate I'd recommend changing down into 3rd again as it will not pull from that speed :P
The 1.2 Twingo is happy enough in 4th at 30, though if you need to accelerate I'd recommend changing down into 3rd again as it will not pull from that speed :P
Edited by matty_doh on Saturday 30th October 13:11
Not having taken a test for 30 years or more I'm not qualified to answer you question. While I'm sure someone with more up to date knowledge will be along soon. I'd recommend talking to your instructor or finding another instructor rather than seeking advice here.
Good luck next time.
Good luck next time.
OP, were the 4 faults put in box 28 (eco safe) of the test report or box 12(control)? My understanding (may be wrong, it's a while since I taught learners) is that you can be given minor faults but not fail under the eco safe element?
As for third gear; did you do the test at Harehills? If so just tell the examiner you need third for a quick get away
(dodgy part of Leeds for those who don't know).
Seriously, I've found some DSA examiners to be quite keen on the percieved eco benefits of high gears. Small petrol engined cars can manage reasonably well so just give them what they want. In a year or two you may find yourself on a speed awareness course then they'll tell you to stick with third.
As for third gear; did you do the test at Harehills? If so just tell the examiner you need third for a quick get away
(dodgy part of Leeds for those who don't know).Seriously, I've found some DSA examiners to be quite keen on the percieved eco benefits of high gears. Small petrol engined cars can manage reasonably well so just give them what they want. In a year or two you may find yourself on a speed awareness course then they'll tell you to stick with third.
Opara said:
Lol Mike no it was the Horsforth centre.
The 4 ticks came under box 12 Control and under the Eco Safe Driving section at the end there's a tick in the main box and the sub-box Control is ticked and the Planning box is unticked.
As someone has already said, see if you can sort it with your ADI. Did you get him/her to sit in on your last test? If not, may be worth considering next time? Even though you will pass next timeThe 4 ticks came under box 12 Control and under the Eco Safe Driving section at the end there's a tick in the main box and the sub-box Control is ticked and the Planning box is unticked.
homerjay said:
I got caught doing 34 in a 30 a couple if years back but chose the driver awareness course instead of the points.
30 in 3rd was mentioned a number of times by both the classroom bloke and the driving 'examiner'
I was also told off for using 4th at 30.
Great looks like I'll have bit my tongue when I do mine mid Nov.30 in 3rd was mentioned a number of times by both the classroom bloke and the driving 'examiner'
I was also told off for using 4th at 30.
DaveL86 said:
On a petrol then 4th is ok i suppose, however on my diesel I'd be pretty much at idle in 4th @ 30 and have nothing in reserve.
Yep should be dependant on the car.Cheers Mike, I was under the impression that another minor in this category would have given me a fail, as it would have been 5 minors for the same offence.I've just read on the DVLA website that you can't fail your test for not driving economically though, do you know if this is correct?
Unless you need to accelerate, use the highest gear possible that the car feels comfortable with. Use your ears. If the engine is too noisy and you don't need to accelerate, change up. If you have a rev counter, it's easier - it should be under 2000rpm if you don't need to accelerate.
Opara said:
Cheers Mike, I was under the impression that another minor in this category would have given me a fail, as it would have been 5 minors for the same offence.I've just read on the DVLA website that you can't fail your test for not driving economically though, do you know if this is correct?
Yes, five minors in the same box is a fail, but were'nt these under control & not eco? Do you still have the explanation sheet that would have been attached to your test report? Have a look at the comments that correspond to the boxes where the faults were marked, see if that helpsProbably best to speak to your driving instructor if you have one. If you don't it might be advisable to have a couple of paid lessons with one before your next test.
With the best will in the world PH is not necessarily the best place to get good advice on how to pass your driving test, which is what you need at the moment.
Once you have passed your test, you will need to come back to PH for advice on how to drive properly, you will get plenty of that on here. We are all driving Gods don't you know
With the best will in the world PH is not necessarily the best place to get good advice on how to pass your driving test, which is what you need at the moment.
Once you have passed your test, you will need to come back to PH for advice on how to drive properly, you will get plenty of that on here. We are all driving Gods don't you know
Edited by Monkeylegend on Saturday 30th October 14:52
It really depends on the car/model imo. I can be in 6th at 30mph in my Focus ST due to the torquey nature of the engine.It also depends on the terrain, for example i wouldn't be in a 'relaxed' 6th at 30mph if i was going uphill. A drivers experience denotes what gear to be in, something that comes to you in time hence why you are asking what gear to use as a learner.
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