How to Pass an Advanced Driving Test - Acceleration Sense (Not Engine Braking!)

[@JosephSmith-yv3pu]

My instructor always told me: "brakes to slow, gears to go". Great one to remind you not to use engine braking! Very informative video as always.

[@alastairstuart6062]

Useful thought: Taking HGV speed speed as a notional "normal" on slip road joining M-way.

[@R04drunner1]

Just rewatched this after my IAM Master test. Gem of a video, wish I'd remembered more about the definition of acceleration sense because the examiner asked me and I faffed a bit! This video has a lot of great advice, and the explanation of the difference between engine braking and acceleration sense was very clear. In my pre-test mentoring, I was asked to drive down a busy City street only using the brakes when absolutely necessary. Really made early observations, use of space and acceleration sense stand out!

[@chiefwhosmoralsareelastix]

My first instructor was ex-Police and though he didn't teach the terminology he taught acceleration sense. It was in the countryside and there were no traffic lights. After moving house to a new part of the country and getting a different instructor I remember him asking me to stop using the accelerator to slow the car down because he told me someone would eventually run into the back of me for not showing any brake lights. He said this to me as I was slowing down while approaching a queue of traffic at red lights. I'd been doing the same thing constantly so he must have picked up on it to mention it.

[@kevinbarker3366]

Whenever I asked drivers "how do you start to slow down", the answer was invariably " I'd use the brakes ". Er, no, you lift your foot off the gas first and the lower gear your in, the more pronounced the vehicle will slow down. So in a higher gear the vehicle will hardly lose speed, while in first gear the car stands on it's nose! Acceleration sense can be applied to every facet of driving according to the old Roadcraft.

[@MSM4U2POM]

It doesn't look difficult, but acceleration sense is actually one of the hardest skills to acquire, and it also introduces a new control: the deceleration pedal! Best way I found was to get my students to drive along a road with frequent speed bumps, and imagine that every time they hit the brakes unnecessarily, it will cost them a fiver. Soon gets them planning well ahead, I can tell you.

[@yichuanxu8408]

Great video! I think people get confused about engine braking because it's a mechanical effect and some people define it as "any deceleration caused by the compression effect in the engine" which would cover just coming off the accelerator. With your definition it totally makes sense why you wouldn't want to do it.

[@pjzz2000]

The only place I use engine braking is on a steep downhill to avoid very rapid acceleration in the event of brake failure. Also to maintain control without overheating breaks

[@mikeroberts]

A nice balanced explanation of acceleration sense. For me acceleration sense = smoothness/finesse. It is amazing how many people do not get the difference between slowing using the gears and slowing in the gear you are already in. It was good you mentioned people who take it to extreme and perpetuate the myth that advanced drivers/riders don't brake. (BMW flat twin riders take note!) One word of caution, acceleration sense is heavily dependant on being in a responsive gear. Many try to rush up the box and drive in too high a gear. Some modern cars however go into a sort of glide mode when the accelerator is lifted (either by mechanical means or electronic timing adjustments), leading to next to no retardation. Some electric cars allow you to adjust this by increasing the regen effect and this will give better slowing for better acceleration sense driving.

[@Duncan94]

Very good vid Reg.

[@themunkychronicles4528]

Just a note - your point about engine breaking not showing any cars behind you, your break lights - is the same as acceleration sense - lifting your foot from the throttle. They won't know that either. I agree its still not the way forward, but just wanted to make that point.

[@Frohicky1]

It's a good point, but I think a better characterisation is this: engine braking has near the deceleration of braking but without the lights, whereas proper acceleration sense starts earlier and is more gradual so doesn't need lights.

[@darkblueturbo]

I love that game when following - look how much brake they’re using compared to me. Aren’t you impressed, kids?! Good one for a long motorway run

[@lenwoodman9442]

Nice one again. For the past 18 months I've been inducting staff in Nissan Leafs (fine British car). The e-pedal makes for interesting drives as it is probably needs the latest brain development in acceleration sense. I tell my candidates to check out your Tesla video beforehand. Most drivers with manual experience develop a reasonable standard quite easily. Those 'only ever driven in D' drivers (the majority in Australia) have more problems as they are used to stabbing either the go or slow pedals with little thought.

[@ibs5080]

Excellent video Reg. One observation: You mention (correctly) that if you were to use the gears to slow down, as well as it being the incorrect order of IPSGA, following drivers won't get brake light warning of your reduction in speed. Although of course this is totally correct and I agree with you 100%, it's the same with acceleration sense to slow down as well, right? Don't get me wrong, I'm totally onboard with acceleration sense to reduce speed rather than braking unnecessarily but I just found it interesting you mention the "no brake light warning" for slowing down via gears but not for acceleration sense. Excellent video though.

[@DeeSock]

Yes, "comfort braking" gives driver's behind an indication through the brake lights. Plus allows greater progress because maintains speed until the last moment. I don't understand why called "comfort braking" when merely releasing accelerator is more comfortable, such as reduced shoe work and chassis dive. If cheapness, like avoiding buying brake pads and more fuel, is not an issue then what reasons are there not to use "comfort braking" if preferred especially if there are no distracted driver's behind?

[@aztimms]

@@DeeSock "Comfort" braking because it comforts the driver when they feel the reassuring tug of their brakes beneath them rather like a shy child in a new situation who clings to her "comfort" blanket or teddy bear or sucks hard on her dummy (or as the Americans would aptly call it "comforter"). It is the mark of the undeveloped driver who has no confidence in their own ability & tends not to look & plan far enough ahead. Using the device fitted to slow down the car - i.e. the brakes- is hardly likely to improve progress as it is the average speed which is pertinent & "maintaining speed until the the last moment is hardly "defensive driving". Safety; System; Smoothness & Sympathy before Speed (progress). The standard of a driver is directly proportional to the infrequency of their braking & the very gradualness of their deceleration doesn't warrant brake light warning.

[@DeeSock]

@@aztimms thanks for your explanation of the preference for gentleness & safety benefits of slowing earlier, over (marginal) progress.

[@dougscott7079]

Using AS will always be a more gradual way of slowing than engine breaking, which can offer very abrupt deceleration in low gears. So AS will generally present far less danger to cars behind. I'd feather the brake pedal if using AS uphill, since the deceleration will be more severe. Drivers behind will then be warned. Don't overthink minor adjustments to speed - unless you are dealing with a very close-following vehicle.

[@DeeSock]

@@dougscott7079 feathering the accelerator might work uphill to mimic AS on a flat surface too I guess

[@stevem9307]

Hi - I completed RoSPA quite some years ago at Gold, maintained and improved standard constantly. I was then a Paramedic for 10 years too. I would be interested in your system application in a Tesla, they are now common in emergency response.

[@marcelleking8821]

I really enjoy your videos as I’ve just joined the IAM. I was a driving instructor in the 70s and much still applies, apart from in EVs. Can you make same videos for electric vehicles please? Mine has iPedal or one pedal driving. I assume for advanced driving test this way of driving it wouldn’t be allowed? The instant torque also allows for immediate acceleration.

[@richardwaller9922]

Brilliant tuition.

[@elaine428]

when I started doing the acceleration thing just intuitively as I was on my Ls my instructor told me to not do it because other drivers need to see me brake at all times, even when I'm quite far, oh well, I don't understand how you can drive without acceleration sense, it's stupid to brake all the time

[@boblawrence5011]

Should fuel economy ever be considered when driving?

[@richard1953ish]

Thanks Reg 😊

[@stevenhellyar7672]

Hi Reg, which courses would you be expected to reach 100mph plus? thanks

[@richardbower8707]

Another great video ... but I must admit that I really struggle with this one. I really don't like doing things because it says so in a book! So I really don't see what's wrong with seeing a distant hazard, realising that a more "flexible" gear would be more appropriate and changing down so that as I get closer to the hazard I have more "acceleration sense" at my disposal. ... is it just a matter of degree? (down shift to put revs at 3000 rpm is ok, but not to put revs at 6000??). ... Help! I really need to get my head around this!

[@richardbower8707]

Is this the right mind set?? "use the brakes!" ... Keep the too-high gear, use the brakes to slow early for the hazard, now grab the lower gear and drive through ... am I doing any better?? Is the idea that this gives a smoother ride since the gear change is easier to rev match?

[@mikeroberts]

@@richardbower8707 The question you should be asking is "have I slowed by changing down a gear". There's a subtle but important difference.

[@richardbower8707]

@@mikeroberts thanks - tI get that way of looking at it - so if I change in anticipation of the need to be in a more flexible gear that ok, but if I'm changing to immediately slow the car, that's a no-no ??

[@richardbower8707]

A quick update .. I've been practicing "the system" with almost religious fervour: I now see that it does work well when you get it right! Maybe this is the best motivation: with IPSGA, if I fail to brake hard enough (eg. I don't accurately judge the corner initially), the worst that happens is that I have to keep the brakes on for a little longer and keep the same gear through the corner (end result: the A is smaller). If I make the same mistake doing the gear-shift and then brakes, I end up flustered, having to keep the brakes on into the corner and making everything very messy and uncomfortable. I can particularly see that this would be even more relevant in an old car with dubious drum brakes and a balky gearbox... maybe I'm a convert???

[@RegLocal]

Sounds like you’ve seen the light Richard! Keep practicing and it’ll soon become second nature.

[@Richard_Barnes]

So engine braking = changing down a gear to slow the car (usually with a ‘neck snap’ lol) vs acceleration sense = just keeping in gear and lifting off the gas. But of course still using ‘brakes to slow’ when required. Is this right? I’ve never really given this any thought in terms of the definition, however I do feel I use acceleration sense to keep the car speed good. My S3 is a DSG too 👍🏻🙂 Thanks Reg. Really good episode for me.

[@jefflerner7526]

*engine braking

[@Richard_Barnes]

@@jefflerner7526 - yeah, don’t really need it breaking do we? LOL. Edited it 👍🏻

[@kassiomarxrochanogueira8710]

What are your thoughts on using the trail braking technique on the road? Is it useful?

[@amyk9813]

I'm not Reg of course but I'm midway through the IAM advanced course. Thus far, my observer has only told me to trail the brakes when going down steep hills. Hope that helps!

[@mikeroberts]

Again, I'm not Reg 😊 Here's my thoughts on trail braking for motorcycles, the majority of which translates to cars also. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5DImmR7nMaVrNE

[@paulmiddleditch8366]

How do I find the full list of driving videos by Reg?

[@RegLocal]

kzbin.info/aero/PLTpqGstmcT4mWQudiEenmhcFSDL9Vh17p

[@hughraynor8670]

Hi Reg. I was taught one click of the indicators per 10mph of speed, which I often found to be excessive in calm, well-spread motorway traffic. At 13:35 you move right around the Porsche, and move during or even before what I believe to be two or three indicator clicks. Do you encourage observers and associates to follow any rules of thumb regarding motorway signalling, or what is your general approach?

[@mattowensrees5888]

Good point. I wish Reg would answer

[@cactusbase3088]

Very good video yet again Reg. I have often wondered how much retardation you get when lifting off the accelerator pedal in electric vehicles. Is there much? Are they comparable to traditional automatic transmissions?

[@simonc111]

Normally electric cars have regenerative braking so it's slightly different. It's the car specifically slowing the car to be able to generate electricity for the battery. Lots of electric cars also allow you to adjust the amount of regeneration.

[@Wotshisnameagain]

Hello Reg, I'm enjoying watching your different videos from Australia. May I ask I noticed in this video at the right hand turn at 20mins 43 secs you drove over what appears to be a red and white median strip just prior to the road arrow right turn lane, is this allowed in the UK ??? Over here its a fine as its classed as driving over a painted island and incurs a $248 fine and 3 penalty points from your licence. Look forward to hearing from you. Cheers and thanks again.

[@owen_003]

Rule 130 in the highway code states: Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right. If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.

[@owenanderson9395]

In Australia painted islands that precede a turn lane and have a single line border may be driven on for up to 50m to enter the turn lane. Exercising this right works better with IPSGA, especially when the turn lane is queued with turners. The main caveat is that when entering the turn lane you must give way to vehicles entering the lane from around the island.

[@lenwoodman9442]

Australian road rules are generally not conducive to good driving.

[@owenanderson9395]

@@lenwoodman9442 for example: 1) Middle lane blockers that legally meet "Keep Left Unless overtaking" by not being in the far right lane. 2) Overtaking on the left, which further enables (1). 3) Low tolerance for speed enforcement includes roads where Keep Left Unless Overtaking applies, which leads to long and congested overtaking queues. At least the 50m painted island allowance for turn lanes prevents turn queues from congesting through lanes.

[@lenwoodman9442]

@@owenanderson9395 That's just the start. Then add to it road design, over use of white paint and unnecessary STOP signs.

[@johncoppock3823]

Great video. I'm thinking if you use engine braking, on the induction stroke the engine will act as a vacuum pump, as the throttle is shut, so will try to pull oil past the piston and scraper rings. Probably not good, especially in excess. So why do it at all these days with modern cars. Thanks again.

[@RegLocal]

I’m not sure thats quite right John. The engine still draws air in on the intake stroke, just without any fuel. It’s the compression of the air which gives the retardation effect on lifting off the throttle.

[@johncoppock3823]

@@RegLocal Have a Google for "carburettor butterfly valve" which shuts off the air. Fuel injection will be similar in this respect. It's the reason turbo's need a waste gate as the path of air into the engine is largely shut off when you close the throttle. As to whether the retardation is more the vacuum pumping or compression on the compression stroke, I'll have to go away and think about that. Perhaps a bit of both. If the inlet is open the engine would be free to pump air, but when you close the throttle it's not. It's in the name - throttle I suppose.

[@boblawrence5011]

Does fuel economy play a part in advanced driving? Just taking round about the 7 minute point of this video you were driving at about 55 mph and said you were in fourth gear, it maybe the car is indicating that you should be in at least 5th. But my basic question is regarding fuel economy.

[@thebadterrorists5323]

I missed what was so wrong about using engine braking to slow you down? Apart from this odd stlye of driving is about passing a clubs test. Don't drive like this don't pass your test.

[@mattowensrees5888]

Are you allowed to drive at 70mph on the SLIP ROAD to a motorway? The words "slip road" suggests you're not yet on the motorway proper? Good if Reg answered this.

[@RegLocal]

If only there were, oh, I don’t know, some kind of sign that told us where motorway regulations started & finished. And perhaps some kind of global network of information we could tap in to for answers to questions like this. One can only dream…

[@FenTour]

It’s 70, you should accelerate to merge safely with traffic already on the motorway which may necessitate 70. Maybe time to read the highway code and get some lessons too?