Changing down a gear when approaching junctions - Driving a manual car

In this video I explain how you can change gears smoothly when approaching junctions and what gear is best for the situation.
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This video is created by an experienced driving instructor, please subscribe to get my latest videos as I upload them to help you pass the UK Driving Test.
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This video is a guide intended to help people who are learning to drive with a driving instructor in the UK, it is by no means a replacement for driving lessons with an appropriately qualified driving instructor.
Laws and driving rules may be different in your country. The makers of this video cannot be held liable for any consequences caused by any information that is in any way inaccurate, misleading or missing. The makers of this video are not liable for any person's driving other than their own, it is the responsibility of the person driving a vehicle to ensure they drive safely and within the law. The makers of this video are also not liable for any person failing a driving test as a result of the information provided in the video.
00:00 Intro
00:12 What to do
02:39 What not to do
04:48 Why learners struggle
06:38 Practise exercise
08:03 Smooth downshifts
09:59 Easy method
11:44 Skilled method
12:32 When to downshift
13:55 Downshifting at speed
15:05 Outro

[@jak_the_buddha]

There's absolutely thousands of KZbin instructional channels in all sorts of various subjects out there. This has to be in the top 5 of instructional channels on KZbin that I've seen - of any subject. You are an absolute beast of a teacher and content creator. It's an absolute miracle that help and advice of this caliber is free and you are a legend for helping so many of us.

[@ConquerDriving]

That's so nice to hear, thank you 😊

[@Inspirationdiaries]

@@ConquerDriving you are amazing!!!

[@Black.Sabbath]

Bit of an exaggeration

[@jak_the_buddha]

@@Black.Sabbath is it, aye?

[@phdwho9656]

@@Black.Sabbath no, it’s not, you deaf weapon

[@edwardtye4119]

I must say, you have the best collection of socks I've seen on KZbin so far.

[@ConquerDriving]

Haha, they are my favourite Christmas present.

[@zz6533]

@@ConquerDriving exactly, ur favourite socks did get me lots attention rather than learning tips 😂

[@celestetam5700]

I’m a learner and I always feel so defeated after my lessons. Your videos helped me realise the mistakes I made are totally normal and other people go through the same difficulties when learning. Thank you!

[@Fantastik691]

This channel is a blessing

[@matthewwangi2859]

He is a natural teacher

[@KrishnaSingh-ss9ef]

This guy foesnt know anything. You never downshift to first gear. First gear is used to take off.

[@CORNERofTECH]

@@KrishnaSingh-ss9ef It depends on the vehicle.

[@KrishnaSingh-ss9ef]

@@CORNERofTECH your right corner tech. I never drove a economy car. Both maneul car i had was a sports car. But let me ask you somthing. If you are coming to a complete stop and you are on a high gear, won't you downshift to 2nd gear, put it in neutral cruise and come to a complete stop. Why would you want to downshift to 1st gear, for what, doesn't make sense unless your turning at a corner and your about to accelerate again. Thsts the only reason I can see to downshift to 1st gear. Put some of these guys talking you have to downshift to 1st gear to stop.

[@KrishnaSingh-ss9ef]

Like I said its way more expensive to replace a clutch then brake pads. You decide. When you downshift alot. Your wearing out your clutch.

[@iTzCorey]

Would love to know what people think when they drive past you with that gopro on your head 😂

[@amansoni158]

his car has the name of "conquer learning" all over his car (the seat leon) so people prolly know why hhe's wearing a go pro

[@kinglouie153]

Other drivers be like "That guy thinks he's in a simulation lol"

[@muhammadpatel8481]

Fake taxi🤣

[@locky244]

An upcoming game being created: something like “Microsoft Driving Simulator X”.

[@qs7506]

@@fiftypeehead 😂😂

[@FNATICRAJ]

I wish i was your student to take your lessons... They must be really confident out there!!! You're such a blessing..God Bless You!! Im beginning this journey of learning..And i was looking into your lessons

[@D10995]

I finally passed on my 4th attempt today. And this video really transformed how I drive because I struggled a lot on approach to junctions and this video changed everything for me. So thank you for all your videos bro ❤️

[@neelamosman6864]

I took 3 lessons of driving nd on each lesson my instructor let me drove car half an hour nd I’m having this problem when I think about changing gear my car stearing goes wrong side nd also needs more about how to slow down nd ur video helping me a lot thanks

[@alenaddis5264]

I wish he was my driving instructor he seems so patient and like you can learn alot and faster from him

[@maxw537]

I have high anxiety learning to drive. Your videos are incredible especially including the pedal view! With one videos you've already answered so many of my questions. Thank you very much mate

[@KrishnaSingh-ss9ef]

Dony listen to this guy. He said he downshift to first gear. You never downshift to first. Your going to damage your transmision

[@Inspirationdiaries]

@@KrishnaSingh-ss9ef go fly a kite

[@nitishjhugroo3162]

@@KrishnaSingh-ss9ef he says at the end to slow down to 5mph before 1st gear... Watch the whole vid before you start hating lol

[@ColonelLucario]

@@KrishnaSingh-ss9ef If you’re really slowing down to match the revs for the 1st gear why is it bad for the transmission ? When I’m going very slowly like 10 km/h in 2nd gear my car is starting to shivering and I gently push the clutch But if it’s not enough I go to the 1st gear if I know I gonna go forward really slowly

[@Muhammed.Yaseen]

This is my weakest point! Down-shifting and braking at the same time! I was so surprised to see a video that caters exactly to my incompetence.

[@aashishshukla6457]

i just started learning to drive a few days back... and as a beginner i really had trouble starting my car... changing gears smoothy and lot more... came across ur videos on youtube and they are a game changer in a sense now i exactly know what i am doing and why i am doing it... the basic knowledge about how clutch, Gas, brakes and gears actually work has helped me grasp different skills of driving .. thank you sir❤️❤️

[@jak_the_buddha]

Are you me? Because that is literally exactly the same as me! I knew what to do but I didn't know why. This channel has helped me understand why and how to do it rather than just what to do.

[@owen_003]

I love your sock choice!

[@ryane-k5833]

Only real men wear pink💪

[@bryanguegan6937]

@@ryane-k5833 Yasss true.

[@ahmedislam2580]

@@ryane-k5833 anyone can choose the color they want

[@ryane-k5833]

@@ahmedislam2580 yes that is true 👍

[@nikola0627]

Actually i noticed this long time ago, he never whear black or any kind of normal colour when he is driving. Maybe its tactical marketing trick to make us discuss and make his videos more popular, every detail is important in any job.

[@mattbrown1024]

Just passed my test first attempt with one minor. These videos really helped me on the way. Believe in yourselves and stay calm

[@dulcet_meadows]

This Channel addresses most of the concerns of a beginner driver. Plus the presenter really carries the show. Applauds!!

[@toobatahir6989]

Today I passed my exam just because I watched your vedios many time and that's really helped me a lot. Thank you so much and keep it up .

[@ConquerDriving]

That's fantastic news! Congratulations on passing!

[@SirTrollingham]

Here in Canada you can take your driving test in an automatic and then legally go purchase/drive a manual with no prior manual experience, which is exactly what I did. Your videos have been very helpful in my endeavour to learn manual. Thanks from both me and my car's clutch.

[@TerminatedEfficiency]

Haha I did the same thing

[@VinyZikss]

seriously?? Thats insane how is that allowed lol

[@Omarock]

@@VinyZikss Just like knowing how to drive on snow is not a requirement to pass the test. Crazy, but that's how it is 🤷

[@leemon908]

I did this as well 😁 gotta get that milennial anti theft device 🤣

[@TheListening922]

God bless canada

[@PixelPatrikSWE]

I'm late to the party making comments a year after this video was uploaded, but I have to say it. Once again, I am impressed! This video is soooo good! The explanations about changing down a gear because it helps you being ready to go is perfect! Well done!

[@mavis8365]

Changing gear before decisions make SO MUCH more sense! I just finished my 2nd lesson and was overwhelmed and rushed at junctions.

[@justchill99902]

5:47 This was exactly my problem. Haha. Took me a while to get it right. Rushing messes everything up. Really important to get to a considerable lower speed 'early' before taking a turn.

[@rbettsx]

I was taught to change gear with the flat of my palm, wrist turned in the appropriate direction, fingers open. That makes it very hard to miss a gear, including in unfamiliar vehicles, or even crash gearboxes. With experience I've become less strict, but the principle remains.

[@jonpertwee123]

The best driving instructor on KZbin. My instructor pretty much gave up with me in the middle of my 2nd lesson, saying that I shouldn’t be driving manual due to me not grasping gears and clutch control. Bearing in mind I’ve only been driving for a total of 3 hours. Hoping I find someone like you in South Wales.

[@ConquerDriving]

😂 Most people don't grasp it in 3 hours that's for sure.

[@mariiafavrts1042]

Don't worry, you will get there! Try approaching it from different sides. I could not do anything at all with the gears until I learned hoe the gears look like inside the car and what mechanics is behind them.

[@choysum2508]

Not only is this channel valuable for the beginner driver, it also helps to enhance road safety in general. Big thumbs up!

[@mariiafavrts1042]

And i thought i was doing terribly wrong when slowing down during gear change. Now i know that a bit is ok, and im also slow in changing gear. Thank you for your videos!

[@thamzientshangase6069]

this video really made me feel so much better and understand what mistakes I’m unconsciously making 🥺 thank you

[@ameliaread5461]

That makes sense as to why I don't slow down quick enough as I take my foot off the brake when changing gear! Now I shall remember not to! These video's are very helpful!

[@novah4371]

Ive had a fair few instructors, and none of them told me that i could be breaking whilst changing gear or even bring the clutch up whilst breaking. I figured ot out myself one day and then asked if i could bring the clutch up whilst breaking. My last instructor said yes. Just couldn't believe the years previously. i hadn'tbeen taught this. All is good now though i passed a month ago.

[@kellyhuang7692]

Honestly I'm a nervous driver and junctions always get me. This video has helped me drastically. Really appreciate it, please keep up the good work because its paying off and helping many. Thank you 😊

[@csillaghullo8073]

Just love what you doing how you explain things! You help for us learner driver more confident! You are really helpful! Thank you for the videos what you share with us! Thank you for your help!

[@matthewjacinto2136]

I've been learning to drive for about a week now and this is the exact problem I had! Thank you so much!

[@murshedaziz3742]

I am going to learn driving from tomorrow. Your videos are all the basics I needed.

[@Paul-iq8bu]

You literally have videos for all my concerns. This channel is incredible

[@darenhill395]

Great sound effect " wooooohh"! Brilliant, videos have been really helpful teaching my son how to drive.

[@user-rfyl4t]

Great video again. The part about downshifting smoothly was very useful, I always made the car jolt, hopefully I get to put it to use when lockdown ends.

[@TheDownfall1991]

these videos are really helping me to be a better driver I have a manual car now and I love it. I wanna be sure to take the best care and use the best methods while driving. Appreciate all the advice thank you very much

[@nastyham5302]

Had a week out from lessons currently here trying to refresh my memory on downshifting for junctions lol , really helped, even picked up some extra tips with finding the biting point on the downshift , cheers

[@Malawiandoll]

I’m glad you explain the common mistakes I keep thinking it’s my fault that I’m not able to do something like slowdown and change gears but it makes sense thanks for the reassurance

[@lucindah2684]

After doing my driving lesson yesterday and struggling with gears and clutch and junctions here I am you definitely explain it so well

[@preussen577]

When I'm rev matching rather than judge only by the sound I use my peripheral vision of the position of the needle on the tachometer to judge it. I find this quite helpful. Great video as always!

[@tobyntoby]

The demonstration at 11:44 is perhaps the best thing I've ever seen on this channel! Great stuff!

[@jollygoodscone7703]

Bless your heart. I feel like my driving instructor gave me way too much to handle for the first lessons. Watching your videos really helps me and calms me down ✨

[@Babbel-vy4un]

As someone who's learning to drive but struggeling to find what im still doing wrong. This channel is amazing for that. You explain thins super clear, keep going at it

[@rdu239]

Love your videos sir, sometimes reading driving manuals/booklets or lectures at driving school can be overwhelming and overly complicates a simple step, a layman's point of view can be easily digested by learners but of course proper knowledge brought by books and driving schools is still essential

[@sebastianalbert4212]

I'm an experienced driver in Canada and this man as addressed soo many nuances for when it comes to driving manual for me. There is always refinement to be made later on even as a 8 year driver.

[@N1GHTW4TCH]

You have no idea how much I needed this video!!

[@caseychiu1261]

Hi Richard, not sure if you're going to see this but I want to say a big thank you. I passed my test first time yesterday. The week before my test I started binge watching your videos and especially this one, helped me immensely. I have always found myself coasting when approaching junctions, as I didn't know how to brake while lifting the clutch up after changing gears. The hour before my test, I practiced holding the brake while lifting the clutch, and it worked like a charm. The two stage stop method helps a lot too. I used these skills during my test and it's one of my nicest drives. Your videos about test nerves also helped profoundly. Now that I've passed my test, I am still binge watching your videos - your heel toe technique, driving in snow, driving in night, car comparisons etc videos, they're all very informative. Thank you very much, you're really making a difference here.

[@emaylyn3138]

This really helps! Big thumbs up! 👍🏼 I love watching your vlogs! Thanks a lot.

[@PyRoAvErY]

This is a great instructional video. As some one who just recently started driving manual. I could watch these kind of videos all the time, but the weirdest part for me with switching from an automatic is all the different sounds a manual makes that I was unaware of and constantly going "uhh what does this sound mean" then not knowing what to do. This video explains the sounds

[@premasankaran5250]

I really wish I had you as my driving instructor. My instructor was terrible. My confidence and enthusiasm to learn took a nose dive and I was only left with anxiety. I am watching all of your videos and practising the methods that you teach during the early morning hours when there is not much traffic. But I am still not confident about venturing out into the utterly chaotic, unpredictable and dangerous mess that is called traffic in India! Haha.

[@ConquerDriving]

I hope my videos help you.

[@Hiforest]

How are you getting on with driving? I've only ever seen videos of people driving in India, it looks quite scary.

[@benh4544]

Can't wait for this lockdown to end, starting work again soon, the jobs only until October, i need to pass my test before october so that i can stay on! Your videos are brilliant!

[@baasitidreex9652]

Hey mate I just passed my driving test today with the help of your videos… thanks really appreciate 🎉🎉🎉

[@ConquerDriving]

That's fantastic news, thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

[@daudakabia4744]

​@@ConquerDrivingThanks very much for making driving easy for learners. Please on a 40, 60, and 80 speed limit on the road sign which gears are the best for these speed limit?? Waiting for your kind response @Richard

[@mikevfx7108]

@8:26 , it happens to me alot as a new/learner driver when approaching roundabout from high gear to 2nd gear, now i know how to change the gear down smoothly thanks to this instructor👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 worth to subsribe and highly recommended to share👌🏼

[@user-ly4eq8ml1x]

Richard! Thanks you of the wonderful information and guide you provided about approaching Junctions... I watched your video many times before i went for my driving test. This really helped me to pass my Test Today. Thank very much.

[@senthilkumaravel1830]

Excellent explanation with great content. 5 stars out of 5.

[@nataliescialo5730]

I love the quirky pink socks - offers a bit of glamour to the pedal scenes! Love your videos!

[@ismaeldacruz7194]

You're the Greatest Driving Teacher of All Time

[@mrj4082]

Nice video + socks. Your videos helped me so much and I've managed to pass my drivers test a few days ago. Thank you so much :)

[@ernesto2908]

This video has everything I was looking for! Thank you!!!

[@herocardejon2941]

Your videos sir are more useful than my driving school..Just finished my driving lessons..quite traumatizing because my instructor always rushes..it made me anxious everytime we drove which led to bad decisions, gear changes, and even a few stalling. Thankfully it was done and i managed to pass the test. Thank you sir for these helpful videos and keep it up👍

[@ConquerDriving]

That's great to hear, thank you for watching and congratulations on passing your driving test!

[@InspirationParadise]

@@ConquerDriving we love you Richard THANK YOU and wish me luck for my test on October 10th! I’m going to live in a van! Freedommmmmmmmm

[@MrAlifee]

Thanks for the great video. My driving instructor is quite good but I wish he gave more tips like this.

[@philwilliams23]

Whooooooow! Great video as usual. Your a star!

[@bilgeerturk7261]

you are an amazing teacher, thank you

[@alahhed1984]

You help me a lot, I wish you are my instructor but I follow your advice and my instructor today is surprised that I control clutch and go with 2 gear 🙏

[@JordanHoltHalthiem]

Toyota MR2 at 10:35 ! Thank you for making the first in-depth manual tutorials for beginners, they're unbelievably helpful!

[@haydenchisholm1755]

Great video with concise explanation, very helpful!

[@RisageYT]

This has definfely helped, I've learnt a few things that I wouldn't have know otherwise so thank you

[@wagma5120]

Lovely information you are one of the best driving instructors thanks a lot

[@Johnykeys]

Thank you very much... I'm learning so much

[@kate6273]

Omg im a new driver and i make the exact same mistakes !!! Thank you so much for making this video 🙏

[@nikapatiu]

7/2/22 11:44 - gear change before turning at a junction 12:33 - when to downshift

[@samwozemba5886]

I love ur driving style big ups

[@sazzadurrahman4347]

Great video for learners. Thank you

[@nikolaydrosev3170]

Your vids are so good, i dont have to watch them to give you a thumbs up 👏👍👍👍💯

[@Megan-zz2co]

I’m on driving lesson 12, and this is where I have my problem. I’m coming up to roundabouts and my approach is just falling apart, because I’m panicking, and focusing on slowing down, and changing down gear and then it falls apart, my instructor is great, and told me not to beat myself up, it will all fall into place soon fingers crossed 🤞🏻 I’m trying not to worry as by lesson 5 I still never thought I’d be able to master my clutch control, but I have. I just need to master my routine on approach, and keep calm. Your videos are great! 🙏🏻❤️

[@oclarke31]

In the exact same boat, how you finding it now

[@181VICKSTER]

I remember when I passed my test in my instructors car I could get into 1st gear alot sooner than I can in my car. I have to literally be stopped to choose 1st gear which Is what I'm used to now but it was strange for a few weeks not being able go into gear 1 even rolling up to a junction like I was so used to lol. Great video by the way 👍

[@Asto508]

In that case, just go into 2nd. It depends on the individual gear ratios of your car. If you have a smaller petrol car, the gear ratios are usually more towards the lower end which means the 2nd gear in that car has much more torque than the 2nd gear in more powerful cars, which mean you can use it on slower speeds. In my car, the 1st gear is basically only usable if you are stationary. When I'm rolling with 5 mph or more, I need to go into 2nd or higher.

[@maicerveeallstleyimmanuell2009]

I really love this channel..... Supporting from Malaysia.🥰🥰

[@donwan2236]

damnn, I need instructors like you where I live, I feel like I learn more watching these videos than I actually do in my lessons. Your actually a god send

[@liorsapir4652]

thank you so much keep it up you are helping so many people!

[@bigcheeseontoast9829]

this is very very helpful and for a learner absolutely amazing

[@maisywestwood2827]

Very helpful. blessing of a guy

[@theharveyzz2]

Love the socks, as always!

[@ghiblilove86]

These videos have helped me so much, thank you ❤

[@shaffimwagosi3339]

I have learnt a lot and still learning from you bro, thanks much

[@WolfeatsCheeseburger]

Great video mate, really helpful 👍

[@janebeardsley7035]

The best lesson ever!

[@luckysabhiza]

dope lessons bruh. watching from RSA

[@watashibr]

I did that on my driving test day. Was the last downhill before the end of the track, a steep downhill. There was a lady crossing the street, I did brake and pressed that red hazard button, but I lifted up the brake pedal while clutching down. I felt that and immediately braked again and said "I am sorry for releasing the brakes while clutch". The examiner gave me 2 minors for that. But at the end of the day, I passed. I was very happy that day. Nice video and thank you very much Richard Instructor.

[@ConquerDriving]

Well done on passing your driving test! Holding the brake steady as you press the clutch down is something many new drivers struggle with.

[@richarddalupang3095]

Thank you for the lesson 😊😊😊

[@mawamz2031]

Sir I am a learner and following your tips

[@mumba1255]

Pretty sure I didnt get taught that I didn’t need to press gas when changing down gears and nothing about Rev matching thanks for your videos !

[@KrishnaSingh-ss9ef]

Dont listen to this guy. He telling you to downshift to first gear. You never downshift to first gear. You would damage your transmision

[@mrtoxic1853]

passed my test 3 weeks ago and I'm still watching these vids.

[@ConquerDriving]

Congratulations on passing and thank you for watching!

[@twigsoflife]

Thank you so much for this

[@waleedhussain517]

You are a very good driver

[@mirabelmbonyi2528]

Thanks so much your video is very good and useful 👍

[@blessedchiwara9491]

You are a legend sir!

[@Inspirationdiaries]

Thank you so much for these videos 👏🙌♥️♥️♥️

[@michellehawkins20]

Thankyou so much for this it's really helped ☺️👍

[@itzjoshmc6039]

Love this channel

[@ediltonspencer6974]

My instructor is very unclear and quickly runs out of patience. All I've learned about driving is with your videos. Super clear and easy to understand.

[@pablogomez8663]

Great videos 👍