Get the Right Gear!

You should aim to:

1. Be in the correct gear for every road speed and traffic situation.
2. Make all gear changes smoothly.
3. Engage a chosen gear without going through an intermediate gear first. (Referred to as Block Changing)
4. Know the approximate maximum road speed for each gear of the vehicle.

These key points will help you to make skillful use of the gears:

1. Co-ordination of hand and foot movements.
2. Recognize when to change gear by the sound of the engine.
3. Choose the right gear for the road speed.
4. Use the brakes rather than engine compression to slow the vehicle (except during hill descents and when there is a risk of skidding).
5. Brake in good time to slow to the right road speed as you approach a hazard, and then select the appropriate gear.
6. Match engine speed to road speed before you change down.

Choose your gear with care!