Basic driving procedures
The procedures in this section should be practiced until they become automatic.
When practicing them, remember to check your mirrors constantly and signal your intention before moving off, changing course, slowing down or stopping.
The supervising driver must be in the vehicle and sitting next to the learner driver at all times while the learner is driving the vehicle (including parking practice).
System of vehicle control
The method of driving described in this section is the safest and most efficient way to drive a motor vehicle. It is called the 'system of vehicle control'. A safe and experienced driver will automatically use the system of vehicle control when approaching and negotiating road or traffic hazards or other potentially dangerous situations.
The procedures in this section should be practiced until they become automatic.
When practicing them, remember to check your mirrors constantly and signal your intention before moving off, changing course, slowing down or stopping.
The supervising driver must be in the vehicle and sitting next to the learner driver at all times while the learner is driving the vehicle (including parking practice).
System of vehicle control
The method of driving described in this section is the safest and most efficient way to drive a motor vehicle. It is called the 'system of vehicle control'. A safe and experienced driver will automatically use the system of vehicle control when approaching and negotiating road or traffic hazards or other potentially dangerous situations.
Examples of hazards include:
1. Intersections, roundabouts and traffic lights
2. Lane changing and overtaking
3. Actions by other road users that could affect you.
The system of vehicle control is a series of actions that drivers should follow when approaching any hazard. The following sequence of actions sets out the system of vehicle control
• Select your course: choose the safe and legal path.
• Check your mirrors and signal/indicate: check your mirrors for any vehicles following and/or overtaking you, and warn them about what you plan to do by using your indicator (blinker).
• Brake: adjust your speed so that you will arrive at the hazard travelling at an appropriate speed to negotiate it.
Decision point: do not release the brakes until you can see it is safe to continue. If it is not safe, you need to stop.
• When it is safe to continue, select the appropriate gear and check your mirrors (and blind spot if applicable) for any following or overtaking vehicles.
• Accelerate through the hazard: apply the appropriate level of power to leave the hazard quickly and safely.
Dry steering
Dry steering means turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is not moving. Dry steering should be avoided because it can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the tyres, steering and suspension.
Friction point
In a manual vehicle, the friction point refers to the clutch and accelerator position at which engine power and the transmission engage. A manual vehicle that is stopped and in gear will begin to move when the clutch is released past this point. Every vehicle is different, so it is important that you find the 'friction point' in the vehicle you are driving.
Feathering the clutch
Feathering the clutch is a phrase used to describe a method of controlling a vehicle's movement using the clutch during low-speed manoeuvres, such as parking. When feathering the clutch, the driver moves their foot on the clutch pedal, near to friction point, to apply small amounts of power to move the vehicle slightly, without using the brake or accelerator.
Coasting
Coasting is when a vehicle is moving and the engine is not connected to the driving wheels. In a manual vehicle, this happens when the driver puts the car out of gear and into neutral or pushes the clutch pedal down. An automatic vehicle will coast when neutral is selected. Coasting should be avoided until the vehicle is almost stationary.
Sideways pitch/roll
Sideways pitch is the amount a vehicle leans to one side when going around a corner or bend. In extreme cases, if a vehicle is travelling too fast when it takes a corner or a bend, the vehicle can roll. Drivers should avoid excessive sideways pitch by always driving smoothly and at a speed suitable for the conditions. Some corners and bends are signposted with recommended maximum speed limits for negotiating them.
Lurch
Lurch is how much a vehicle pitches forward or backwards. This can happen when brakes are applied heavily or when a gear change or acceleration is not smooth. Excessive lurch indicates that the driver is not in full control of the vehicle. It should be avoided.
1. Intersections, roundabouts and traffic lights
2. Lane changing and overtaking
3. Actions by other road users that could affect you.
The system of vehicle control is a series of actions that drivers should follow when approaching any hazard. The following sequence of actions sets out the system of vehicle control
• Select your course: choose the safe and legal path.
• Check your mirrors and signal/indicate: check your mirrors for any vehicles following and/or overtaking you, and warn them about what you plan to do by using your indicator (blinker).
• Brake: adjust your speed so that you will arrive at the hazard travelling at an appropriate speed to negotiate it.
Decision point: do not release the brakes until you can see it is safe to continue. If it is not safe, you need to stop.
• When it is safe to continue, select the appropriate gear and check your mirrors (and blind spot if applicable) for any following or overtaking vehicles.
• Accelerate through the hazard: apply the appropriate level of power to leave the hazard quickly and safely.
Dry steering
Dry steering means turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is not moving. Dry steering should be avoided because it can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the tyres, steering and suspension.
Friction point
In a manual vehicle, the friction point refers to the clutch and accelerator position at which engine power and the transmission engage. A manual vehicle that is stopped and in gear will begin to move when the clutch is released past this point. Every vehicle is different, so it is important that you find the 'friction point' in the vehicle you are driving.
Feathering the clutch
Feathering the clutch is a phrase used to describe a method of controlling a vehicle's movement using the clutch during low-speed manoeuvres, such as parking. When feathering the clutch, the driver moves their foot on the clutch pedal, near to friction point, to apply small amounts of power to move the vehicle slightly, without using the brake or accelerator.
Coasting
Coasting is when a vehicle is moving and the engine is not connected to the driving wheels. In a manual vehicle, this happens when the driver puts the car out of gear and into neutral or pushes the clutch pedal down. An automatic vehicle will coast when neutral is selected. Coasting should be avoided until the vehicle is almost stationary.
Sideways pitch/roll
Sideways pitch is the amount a vehicle leans to one side when going around a corner or bend. In extreme cases, if a vehicle is travelling too fast when it takes a corner or a bend, the vehicle can roll. Drivers should avoid excessive sideways pitch by always driving smoothly and at a speed suitable for the conditions. Some corners and bends are signposted with recommended maximum speed limits for negotiating them.
Lurch
Lurch is how much a vehicle pitches forward or backwards. This can happen when brakes are applied heavily or when a gear change or acceleration is not smooth. Excessive lurch indicates that the driver is not in full control of the vehicle. It should be avoided.
