Hand & Foot Controls
Accelerator (Gas)
Q+A. WHAT does the GAS pedal do?
The GAS pedal controls the amount of fuel that is delivered to the engine.
Q+A WHY GAS?
GAS is easier and quicker to say than Accelerator, and better describes what the pedal controls. i.e. GAS/FUEL FLOW.
Before any change of speed, the driver should check his mirrors and determine how the change of speed may affect following road users.
Instructors Commands:
COVER GAS: The RIGHT foot is placed over the GAS PEDAL but no pressure is applied.
SET GAS: Slight pressure is applied to the GAS PEDAL (approx. thickness of 3 pound coins) to raise engine revs enough to prevent engine stalling when Moving Off or Moving Slowly.
MORE GAS: Apply more pressure to the GAS PEDAL to increase fuel flow to the engine.
LESS GAS: Relax pressure to the GAS PEDAL to decrease fuel flow to the engine.
OFF GAS: Completely lift foot off GAS PEDAL and return it to the COVER GAS position.
Brake
Q+A. WHAT does the BRAKE pedal do?
The BRAKE pedal control is for slowing down or stopping the vehicle. Pressing the Foot Brake also operates the Brake Lights fitted to the rear of the vehicle as a signal to other road users.
Correct use of the FOOT BRAKE
Before any change of speed, the driver should check his mirrors and determine how the change of speed may affect following road users.
The brake pedal should be applied progressively under normal braking conditions and when the intention is to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Progressive braking is performed by applying increasingly more pressure to the BRAKE pedal, until the vehicle is about to stop. At this point, foot pressure should be gently released in such a way that as the vehicle comes to a full stop hardly any pressure is being applied to the BRAKE pedal.
This method ensures a smooth, controlled and comfortable braking experience for the occupants of the car and minimises risk of any of the wheels locking and a skid created.
Total Foot brake failure is extremely rare, owing to the design of the braking system. On most cars, the braking system uses dual circuit braking. Although controlled by the foot brake pedal, the brakes operate on two separate circuits, split diagonally, one rear wheel and one front wheel. In the event of one of the circuits failing, the other circuit will still be able to stop the car reasonably safely.
Instructors Commands:
COVER BRAKE: The RIGHT foot is placed over the BRAKE PEDAL but no pressure is applied.
GENTLY BRAKE: Apply light pressure to the BRAKE PEDAL to slow the vehicle.
APPLY BRAKE: Progressively apply pressure to the BRAKE PEDAL to start the vehicle slowing.
MORE BRAKE: Apply more pressure to the BRAKE PEDAL to increase the rate of vehicle slowing.
LESS BRAKE: Relax pressure to the BRAKE PEDAL to reduce the rate of vehicle slowing.
OFF BRAKE: Completely lift foot off BRAKE PEDAL and return it to the COVER BRAKE position.
STOP!!: This is the instructors command to bring the vehicle to a rapid stop, and used in an emergency or when teaching the emergency stop. In BOTH cases a hand command will accompany the verbal instruction. More on the Emergency Stop will be covered in a later lesson.
ABS: Anti-Lock Braking Systems are being fitted on many vehicles now. These work by sensing when a road wheel is about to lose grip under braking. ABS temporarily releases braking ability then re-applies it to allow maximum braking ability without locking the road wheel. The purpose of ABS is to allow some degree of steering while under heavy braking and is NOT a substitute for good driving practices and neither is it designed to prevent skidding.
Clutch
Q+A What does the CLUTCH pedal do?
The CLUTCH pedal control is the only foot control to be operated by the left foot, and is the pedal on the left. A clutch is the connection between the engine and the gearbox and road wheels.
On most cars, the clutch is basically two friction plates.
The driven plate is connected directly to the engines output drive shaft and is in constant rotation at the same speed as the engine.
The other plate is connected to the gearbox input shaft and is under strong spring pressure against the driven plate unless it is separated from it by the driver using the CLUTCH pedal. Clutch pedal up, and the clutch plates are in full contact and the engine rotational forces are carried through the gearbox to the road wheels, Clutch pedal down and the plates are fully separated, preventing the rotational power being passed to the road wheels.
The BITING POINT is the point in the clutch pedal travel that can control the amount of power of the engine being transferred to the road wheels. When the biting point is reached, the engine tone will lower slightly, and the rear of the car may drop and the front of the car may lift.
By lifting the Clutch pedal gradually, more power is delivered to the road wheels and the car will begin to move. By applying a little more pressure to the Clutch pedal, the power is prevented from reaching the road wheels and the car will begin to slow.
This method of CLUTCH CONTROL is especially useful when pulling away, driving at low speeds or stopping at low speeds. The clutch should be fully depressed just before the car comes to a stop when braking to prevent the engine from stalling. Smoothly pulling away from a stationary position is characteristic of good clutch control. Good Clutch control can take time to perfect, and is one of the most important skills a driver requires. The Clutch pedal is also used to disconnect engine power from the gearbox when changing gears.
Instructors Commands:
COVER CLUTCH: The LEFT foot is placed over the CLUTCH PEDAL but no pressure is applied.
CLUTCH DOWN: Fully depress the CLUTCH PEDAL all the way to the floor.
FIND THE BITE / BITING POINT: The Clutch pedal is raised gently so that the clutch plates are just touching.
MORE BITE: Apply LESS pressure to the CLUTCH PEDAL to increase the amount of power to the road wheels.
LESS BITE: Apply MORE pressure to the CLUTCH PEDAL to reduce the amount of power to the road wheels.
CLUTCH UP: The Clutch pedal is fully raised and the left foot is placed in the normal resting position on the floor.
Hand Controls
STEERING
STEERING is performed by using the STEERING WHEEL. The method of steering is best done by imagining the steering wheel is the face of a clock. Hand positions are referred to as their respective location as it relates to a clock face. So 12 O'clock is the top of the wheel, 6 O’clock is the bottom etc.
The normal hand position is usually at "10 to 2" or "Quarter to Three".
BOTH hands should remain holding the wheel at all times EXCEPT when using another Hand Control, such as GEARS or HANDBRAKE. The hand should return to the wheel as soon as possible after using another Hand Control.
The Steering Wheel is gripped with the fingers in a clenched fist shape but with the thumb gripping the wheel along its axis and NOT with the thumb gripping on the inside of the wheel, which could result in injury if the wheel is forced into a rotation by the road wheels striking an object or pothole.
When turning the wheel, neither hand should pass either 12 or 6.
Pull/Push is the term of the method that is best applied for efficient and safe steering.
Turning LEFT is carried out by gripping the wheel and PULLING down towards the 6 position.
At the same time, the RIGHT hand is slid down the wheel at the same height as the left. Both hands should finish at the same height relative to the clock face. If more steering is required than is possible by moving the LEFT hand down to 6, then both hand will meet at 6, the RIGHT hand now grips the wheel and PUSHES up towards 12, at the same time the LEFT hand now slides up the wheel mirroring the right hands height.
Again if more steering is required, then when the hands meet at 12, the left hand grips the wheel and PULLS down towards 6 with the right hand sliding down at the same relative height.
Turning RIGHT uses the same method as turning left, but it is the RIGHT hand that pulls down with the LEFT hand pushing up.
What/Why?
DRY STEERING is the term used when Steering is attempted while the vehicle is not moving and SHOULD be AVOIDED at all times. The consequences of Dry Steering can result in expensive damage to the steering mechanism and tyres.
What/Why?
It should be noted that the hands should not be placed inside the outer rim of the wheel or allowed to cross the centre area of the Steering Wheel as many cars now have fitted airbags contained in the centre of the wheel, which, if activated could result in serious injury to the driver.
What/Why?
The New Driver should practice holding the Steering with just the right hand to gain experience while the left hand is using another Hand Control. It is acceptable for the driver to only use the RIGHT hand while reversing, but this will be explained in depth in a later Lesson.
GEARS
The Gear Lever (referred to as GEARS) is usually situated to the LEFT of the driver, just in front of the Handbrake lever, although they may be fitted to the dashboard or steering column. In most cars, the Gears are of the H design. That is, the position of the different gear positions resemble the letter "H".
The New Driver will benefit from PRACTISING selecting Gears, including the use of the Clutch, while the vehicle is parked and engine switched off.
The central line is called neutral and no gear is selected. The rotational forces from the Engine enter the gearbox when the clutch is engaged but no output passes to the road wheels. The normal resting place for the lever falls between 3rd and 4th gear positions and is always returned here by springs. This natural resting place is so the Driver can locate the Gear lever without having to look for it.
Although the layout of the Gears depends on the model of car, and the number of forward gears, the usual place for 1st gear is to the left and forwards. The Gears then progress in sequence, and always pass though neutral, 2nd gear back (backwards) passing through neutral. 3rd is up to neutral line across neutral towards the driver and forwards. 4th is back, passing through neutral. This sequence may continue depending on how many forward Gears are fitted, lowest to the left, highest to the right, Odd numbers forwards, even numbers backwards.
Reverse cannot be selected in the same way as forward Gears, as a precaution to ensure it is not accidentally selected while moving forwards. Reverse requires an additional action before it can be selected. Depending on the model of car, this may be by lifting the gear lever, pushing the gear lever down or by a button or switch lever fitted to the Gear lever. This will then allow Reverse to be selected, which is usually to either side of the normal H configuration.
Before selecting any gear, the Driver should check his mirrors to make himself aware of following traffic.
The normal RANGE of a Gear, that is, the road speed when Gear change becomes favourable usually can be approximated for the New Driver as follows:
1st Gear is the HIGH POWER gear and is used for MOVING OFF, or when travelling at speeds less than 10mph. (Gear 1 ~ 10mph).
2nd Gear is the lowest of the "Manoeuvring" gears and is used for speeds 5 - 20mph (gear 2 ~ 20mph). It is usually the best gear for turning corners and small roundabouts or obstacles.
3rd gear is the higher of the "Manoeuvring" Gears and usually is used in normal town traffic and for larger roundabouts or bends etc. It's usual range is 20 - 30mph (Gear 3 ~ 30mph).
4th and higher are CRUISING gears and are used for higher speed roads. The selection of each Gear will depend on road conditions and engine loading (the amount of engine revolutions).
To select 1st gear the driver places his hand on the Gears, then presses the Clutch fully down, pushes the Gears to the left and forwards, replaces his hand back to the Steering. He then gently but smoothly releases the clutch. To select further Gears the Driver 1st checks the mirrors, places his hand on the Gears, presses the clutch, selects the next gear that is appropriate for the speed and road conditions, replaces his hand back to the wheel at the same time gently but smoothly releases the clutch completely. More on GEAR selection and uses will be covered in the Lesson MOVING OFF AND STOPPING.
HANDBRAKE
Also known as The Parking Brake. This is usually located to the left of the drivers' seat, but may be located elsewhere, such as under the dashboard in front of the driver. Its purpose is to hold the vehicle still when stationary, and typically operates only on the rear wheels.
The Handbrake should not be applied while moving UNLESS in an emergency where total footbrake failure has occurred. (See Foot Brake for more details), as this could result in a skid or loss of control.
Correct application of the handbrake is to press the button on the end of the handle and raise the handle the full height of its travel and then release the button. A ratchet system will prevent the handbrake from releasing itself accidentally.
To release the Handbrake, the handle should be raised and then the button pressed. The handbrake can then be gently lowered back to the fully off position where the button can then be released. It should be noted that unless the Vehicle Handbook states otherwise, then the button should always be pressed before lifting the handle to prevent wear to the ratchet system.
INDICATORS.
The INDICATORS, or Turn Signal Control, is usually situated just behind the Steering Wheel, on either the left or right, at a height usually in relation to or near the normal hand positions, i.e. either at 10 or 2, but may also be at 9 or 3. It is usually of a "stalk" design and operation of the control is by extending 1 or 2 fingers of the nearest hand, while STILL remaining a grip on the wheel. The stalk is either pushed down or lifted up with the extended fingers depending on which direction the wheel would rotate. So, if the stalk is on the left, and a left turn is intended, the stalk would be pushed down (same direction as the wheel would turn), and if a right turn is intended, then the stalk would be raised up.
Cancelling the Indicators requires operating the control in the opposite direction, although most cars will self cancel the Indicators after straightening the Steering.
When to use the Indicator Control will be covered in a later lesson.
OTHER MINOR CONTROLS.
The car has a number of other controls, such as windscreen wipers, heater controls etc and will be introduced as and when they are required during normal lessons.
ENGINE
The ignition Control or Starter Switch is operated by inserting the Ignition key into the Steering lock/ Ignition barrel. Usually the Ignition Control has 4 positions. OFF ~ Steering Lock Release ~ Ignition ON ~ and finally a spring-loaded position of ENGINE STARTER.
Preparation before engine Starting.
Before starting the Engine, the Handbrake should be FULLY applied, and the GEARS are in neutral. A look around the inside of the vehicle to check no lose objects can move around the cockpit area to interfere with the drivers use of the controls or in the event of sudden braking or steering can become dangerous projectiles. Finally, correct observations around the vehicle should be carried out to determine if starting the engine might startle anyone nearby.
The Ignition Control should be turned to position 1, to release the steering lock, which may require the Steering to be moved slightly for full release. Position 2 can then be attained which will to the Ignition On. This will energise the engine management computer in preparation for engine starting and will power up the instrument panel displays and warning lights.
Starting The Engine.
With the ignition control at position 2 (Ignition ON), the Gas pedal should be fully depressed and then released with the right foot covering the Gas. This will set the choke or engine management computer to pre start setting for the fuel supply and electronic check systems. The instrument panel warning lights will illuminate and then extinguish once the engine management computer check have been completed. Such warning lights will be for Airbag, diesel glow plugs, and other ancillary equipment. The system is ready for engine start when most of the instrument panel lights have extinguished leaving only the starting warning lights remaining. These will always include Parking Brake light, oil pressure light and Charging System lights, but may also include other lights. The Vehicle Handbook will explain which lights should be illuminated prior to engine start. If any warning lights that remain on that are not in the Vehicles Handbook as ignition starting lights then the vehicle should be checked BEFORE attempting engine start.
Once the instrument panel displays only the Ignition starting lights, the ignition control can be turned and held to the final position (Engine Starter). This is spring-loaded and should be released as soon as the engine starts to prevent damage to the Starter system.
