Waiting at a roundabout
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Waiting at a roundaboutHi everyone, got my test in just over a month and a lesson later on today, I'm fine with driving but there is just one thing that I'm a little unsure of and don't know if it would mean I fail my test:
When waiting at a roundabout, particularly on a bank, should you put your handbrake on and get ready to go, OR just leave it on your brake and find you bite then when you can go just come off the brake? I do the latter but I've got a feeling I might fail my test if I do that, problem is my instructor doesn't tell me.
Any help would be much appreciated
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutIf you feel when releasing the break pedal the car will roll back then use the hand break. If you feel confident that you will find the biting point without rolling back then use the pedal. It's up to how confident you feel. However if you do roll back, you will fail. Good luck with your test next month
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutMy instructor said that the hand break needs to be on if you think you'll be waiting a while or if on a hill/slope at other times it's perfectly fine not to put on the hand brake...but my friend failed his driving test for not putting it on at a tiny little junction on a clear crossroads.
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Waiting at a roundaboutI've passed my driving test without using the handbrake once so it seems like you can do which ever you want (I'd double check with you instructor though). I personally hate using the handbrake and now I've passed I just ride the clutch when waiting on a slope, but you definitely don't want to do that on your test.
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutJust remember, the handbrake is a tool just like many other things in the car. If it helps you to use it, then use it!
The only other thing I would point out is that if you are on a busy roundabout where a prompt entry and exit is required, using the handbrake may slow you down slightly. As long as you are aware of this and compensate accordingly, you should be fine.
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Re: Waiting at a roundabout(Original post by Hanvyj)
Put your hand break on if waiting more than a few seconds. In real life this is the first thing you will stop doing!
This. Word for word. -
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutIn real life that is called laziness and is not good driving practice so it depends on what you want to be known for .... good driving or bad driving(Original post by Hanvyj)
Put your hand break on if waiting more than a few seconds. In real life this is the first thing you will stop doing! -
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutWhen the car is completely stationary I've been taught to apply the handbrake. If you are still rolling slightly you can just ease the clutch to the biting point. As previously said though ask your instructor.(Original post by AC21)
Hi everyone, got my test in just over a month and a lesson later on today, I'm fine with driving but there is just one thing that I'm a little unsure of and don't know if it would mean I fail my test:
When waiting at a roundabout, particularly on a bank, should you put your handbrake on and get ready to go, OR just leave it on your brake and find you bite then when you can go just come off the brake? I do the latter but I've got a feeling I might fail my test if I do that, problem is my instructor doesn't tell me.
Any help would be much appreciated
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutI've always been told to use the handbrake if I'm going to stop for 3 or more seconds, even though I've got good clutch control and my instructor knows it
I suppose it's better to put the handbrake on and not roll back, e.g. on a hill start. -
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutBasically, use your handbrake if the roundabout you are on is on a hill or if there is a lot of traffic and you know you're gonna be there waiting for quite a while. Otherwise, there is not much point in putting handbrake on if you are going to pull away again a few seconds later as it simply slows you down.(Original post by AC21)
Hi everyone, got my test in just over a month and a lesson later on today, I'm fine with driving but there is just one thing that I'm a little unsure of and don't know if it would mean I fail my test:
When waiting at a roundabout, particularly on a bank, should you put your handbrake on and get ready to go, OR just leave it on your brake and find you bite then when you can go just come off the brake? I do the latter but I've got a feeling I might fail my test if I do that, problem is my instructor doesn't tell me.
Any help would be much appreciated
But yeah I agree with the comments above ask your driving instructor directly what you have to do in this situation!
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutI'd put money on at least 90% of drivers not using their handbrake in most circumstances. I only ever use it if i'm on a particularly steep hill.(Original post by ROG.)
In real life that is called laziness and is not good driving practice so it depends on what you want to be known for .... good driving or bad driving
However, no idea what the official rules are regards your test...using it at a roundabout seems odd unless it's got a steep incline, but as others have said, ask your instructor. -
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutI should make this clearer ...(Original post by flying plum)
I'd put money on at least 90% of drivers not using their handbrake in most circumstances. I only ever use it if i'm on a particularly steep hill.
However, no idea what the official rules are regards your test...using it at a roundabout seems odd unless it's got a steep incline, but as others have said, ask your instructor.
I mean not using the hanbrake but either clutch holding or footbrake holding IF MORE THAN 2 or 3 secondsLast edited by ROG.; 14-09-2012 at 17:38. -
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutAnd what is the crucially important reason to put your handbrake on instead of your foot brake when stationary? Other than to pass your test of course!(Original post by ROG.)
In real life that is called laziness and is not good driving practice so it depends on what you want to be known for .... good driving or bad driving -
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutIf on a slope its safer(Original post by Hanvyj)
And what is the crucially important reason to put your handbrake on instead of your foot brake when stationary? Other than to pass your test of course!
If someone behind then it prevents unnecessary dazzle
It saves riding the clutch and causing possible damage -
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Re: Waiting at a roundaboutI heard somewhere that examiners don't like the overuse of handbrake!
Personally my instructor hasn't told me to use it for anything apart from traffic lights ..I've not been taught to use it in maneuvers either. Although not using it has helped with clutch control.
