How To Use The Gears

Most cars have a standard gearbox - with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th gears. There will also be a reverse gear. The position for the gears 1-4 are generally in a standard 'H' shape. The position for 5th gear and reverse gear can vary from vehicle to vehicle. (Instructor guides pupil).

Changing gear - You will need to know how to match your gear to the speed you are travelling at. To do this you will need to be able to co-ordinate the gear stick, accelerator and clutch pedal.

1st Gear - You have selected 1st gear and have moved off from the side of the road.

2nd Gear - you are now travelling at about 10mph. The engine noise is beginning to get louder. This means you need to change to a gear more suitable for the speed you are doing - 2nd gear. To change to 2nd gear, place your left hand on the gear stick with your palm facing towards the front passenger seat. Then take your foot of the accelerator pedal. After this press the clutch pedal to the floor. Then select 2nd gear keeping the gear stick forced to the left whilst you move it down in to the 2nd gear position from the 1st gear position. Place your left hand back on the steering wheel. After this, remove your foot from the clutch pedal. When it is fully removed place your foot back on the accelerator and begin accelerating again. You should not stamp on either the accelerator or clutch pedal. Any sudden movement when using these pedals will lead to an unsmooth transition and cause the vehicle to jerk.

3rd Gear - you are now travelling at about 20mph. The engine noise is again beginning to get louder. This means you need to change to a gear more suitable for the speed you are doing - 3rd gear. To do this, place your left hand on the gear stick this time with your palm facing towards the driver's seat. Then take your foot of the accelerator pedal. After this press the clutch pedal to the floor. Then select 3rd gear. This time, work with the spring in the gear stick. Move the gear stick forward out of the 2nd gear position until it springs to the right. A slight nudge forward rather than pushing the gear stick will suffice. When it settles in a central position, move the gear stick forward into the 3rd gear position. Place your left hand back on the steering wheel. After this, remove your foot from the clutch pedal. When it is fully removed place your foot back on the accelerator and begin accelerating again. You should not stamp on either the accelerator or clutch pedal. Any sudden movement when using these pedals will lead to an unsmooth transition and cause the vehicle to jerk.

4th Gear - you are now travelling at about 30mph. The engine noise is again beginning to get louder. This means you need to change to a gear more suitable for the speed you are doing - 4th gear. To do this, place your left hand on the gear stick again with your palm facing towards the driver's seat. Then take your foot off the accelerator pedal. After this press the clutch pedal to the floor. Then select 4th gear. To do this, move the gear stick down into the central position and down again into the 4th gear position. Place your left hand back on the steering wheel. After this remove your foot from the clutch pedal. When it is fully removed place your foot back on the accelerator and begin accelerating again. You should not stamp on either the accelerator or clutch pedal. Any sudden movement when using these pedals will lead to an unsmooth transition and cause the vehicle to jerk.

5th Gear - you would generally select 5th gear when travelling at a constant speed of 40mph or above. It is the most economical and environmentally friendly gear to be travelling in at higher speeds. The position of this gear will vary in different vehicles. Familiarise yourself with the position by looking at the gear numbers on the gear stick.

Reverse Gear - this is used to move the car backwards. The position of this gear will vary in different vehicles. Familiarise yourself with the position by looking at the gear numbers on the gear stick.

Changing Down Gear

As you are aware, when you build up your speed you change up the gears. You will also need to select a lower gear when you slow down. For example, you are travelling at 30mph in 4th gear. You see someone cross the road ahead. You slow down using your footbrake. By the time you reach that point they have finished crossing but you are travelling at about 10mph. You will need to select 2nd gear for the speed you are travelling at. To change to 2nd gear, place your left hand on the gear stick with your palm facing towards the front passenger seat. Then take your foot of the accelerator pedal. After this press the clutch pedal to the floor. Then select 2nd gear by moving the gear stick forward into the neutral position, across to the left and down into the 2nd gear position. Place your left hand back on the steering wheel. After this remove your foot from the clutch pedal. When it is fully removed place your foot back on the accelerator and begin accelerating again. You should not stamp on either the accelerator or clutch pedal. Any sudden movement when using these pedals will lead to an unsmooth transition and cause the vehicle to jerk.

Note: what gear you select will depend on what speed you have slowed down to.

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