How to Pass an Advanced Driving Test - Gears (Automatic)

[@ericdowds2627]

Your a mine of information Reg I have had my skoda superb DSG for 4 years now and thought the sport mode was just for quicker driving but now it all makes sense I will be out retraining myself from tomorrow lol many thanks sir

[@mikeroberts]

👍 Good point about having some space between braking and reapplying the throttle. A lot of people who don't get on with DCT (car and bike) are often the same people who drive/ride manuals with either the throttle or brake applied at all times. Off the throttle and on with the brake. Off the brake and back on the throttle. With a DCT box you really do drive it with your right foot. Many people just don't 'get' that how you apply the throttle has a big influence on when the car/bike changes gear. It needs finesse. Often that mid bend/RAB gear change is because they are too heavy on the throttle.

[@dgilbert222]

Another really helpful video, thank you. One other challenge I now find with modern Mild Hybrid (MHT) engines (certainly those by BMW) is their focus on economy and emission reduction, i.e. in Comfort and Eco driving modes, the engine will often shut down on *approach* to corners/junctions and effectively coast until you touch the accelerator. Midway through a corner, this can be felt as the engine restarts (almost like a touch of oversteer feeling in your backside). Also, when you come off the brakes on approach to a roundabout, not only do you need that 2-3 car lengths for the car to settle, you need to allow the engine to restart after that initial touch of the accelerator before pressing any further, almost like a 2 stage acceleration phase. All this can be quite a challenge to get a smooth ride! To overcome these MHT engine "characteristics", I have been advised to leave the car in Sports Driving mode, so that the engine never shuts down or coasts when with my IAM/RoSPA examiner. However, in this day and age of rising fuel costs, with focus on emission's and economy, should advanced drivers really be using Mild Hybrid cars in less eco friendly sports driving mode all the time? What's your thoughts please?

[@billfisken9401]

Thanks Reg. Your explanation of why there should be a pause between braking and acceleration has helped me better understand the benefits of eliminating as much as possible BGOL in a manual car. Excellent video as always.

[@kennethbanks6487]

Excellent coverage and reasoned advice Reg. Any reason why you made no mention of cruise control. I find this very useful in abiding by the speed limit including 20 mph.

[@Abigail-Rebecca]

In the early part of the video, I thought I was watching a Euro Truck Simulator video as you passed MAN, Iveco and, a bit later, Scania truck dealers (twice) LOL. Kidding aside, I once hired a Citroen Cactus C4 with an automatic box, whilst I liked the car very much, the box seemed extremely limited and built for simplicity, with only Park / Neutral, Drive and Reverse, as a set of three buttons on the dashboard. If there were any other options, I didn't see them...but then again, I only had the car for one day to attend my mother's funeral.

[@R04drunner1]

Love the way you explain things, Reg, in a relaxed and straightforward manner while also demonstrating the optimum techniques! Can you advise on correct technique when waiting at traffic lights in an automatic? I would normally go Neutral and (electronic) parking brake on, then move off by pressing the brake pedal, selecting Drive and releasing the Park Brake. But I have discovered the auto box on my car is set up so you can come to a halt using brakes, then press the (Electronic) Park Brake and step off the pedals. Although the transmission is in Drive, the Park Brake keeps the car static. To move off, one simply dabs the throttle and the Electronic Parking Brake releases. Smoother and easier... but would that be a problem on an IAM Masters test?

[@philkelly4732]

Very interesting question Michael! I don't have the benefit of an electrically operated Parking brake (08 SEAT Altea 2.0 TSi DSG) However, clarification from Reg concerning the the issue of engaging Neutral and the use of Handbrake/Parking brake when waiting at Traffic lights would be very much appreciated. Incidentally, I use that procedure 100% at night IF I have queuing traffic behind me to prevent dazzling them with my Brake lights. In most other temporary situations (ie say Give Way at Roundabouts) I relay on just the footbrake although I'm very conscious of previous training that cautioned of the dangers of that method should you receive a rear impact by a following vehicle that resulted in jolting your foot off the Brake and perhaps even onto the Gas! Over to you you Reg!

[@R04drunner1]

@@philkelly4732 nice car! You make great points about safety in the event of a shunt from the rear, as well as consideration for drivers behind (especially at night) by not dazzling them with rear brakelights. In the situation I have outlined (car static, automatic transmission in Drive, EPB on, foot off the brake pedal) there is no dazzle. The EPB is holding the car, rather than the driver's foot, so a shunt from the rear would not stop the braking effort nor cause the driver to inadvertently accelerate. The EPB hold then auto release does seem to be a design feature of the car so I would expect using that feature should not be a negative on an IAM Masters test - however I would love to know for sure!

[@mikeroberts]

A lot will depend on what the manual says about the hand/parking brake and how it functions. In my DCT car if you put the handbrake on and leave it in gear it will continue to try to creep. With dry clutches you can imagine the damage that would do. 😮 So neutral it is for me. Also auto hold may or may not keep the brake lights on.

[@RegLocal]

That approach would be fine on any advanced car test Michael.

[@t.m3070]

Good video , I like the music at the start of your videos

[@cameronleehorace]

An advanced test I think would be easy in an automatic as it does not have the same challenges that gears bring

[@sambonnett5770]

Hi Reg. Your videos are brilliant! Please keep doing them! I wondered whether you'd recommend using the fitted adjustable speed limiter? Cheers, Sam

[@RegLocal]

Hi Sam, if it helps you stick to tye speed limits, then yes, you should use it - its perfrctly acceptable for advanced car test.

[@sambonnett5770]

@@RegLocal appreciate the advice! Keep up the good work

[@richardbower8707]

Really useful to see just how smoothly you can get the DCT working. In my wife's Mercedes, a click of the paddles gives you about 15sec of manual control before it reverts to automatic. Inevitably the revertion causes an up-shift midway though a corner or just as you negotiate a hazard. Is there any reason not to go straight to full manual every time?

[@RegLocal]

Not if thats what you prefer Richard, no.

[@mammadtori3964]

What about hybrid cars? Especially e-cvt boxes made by toyota which are a combination of full electric and ICE experience.

[@RegLocal]

These are general tips for automatic gearboxes - it would be impossible to make a video which covers every permutation of automatic gearboxes I’m afraid.

[@Hotoadle]

12.24 onwards Reg gives some (as usual) great pointers for modern transmissions - research and adapt, watch out for more run on if there's less engine resistance in the braking phase (so even more need to separate the phases of system). You might have a econ or regen options in addition to sport so use those to max advantage and control with modification e.g. regen for more braking but dab the brake pedal to show brakes to following vehicles if necessary. (anyone has suggestions to improve this response please do). Reg, thank you so much for doing these videos they deserve a wider audience...

[@bradleysteeves7891]

I cant believe how low the comment numbers arevor views. Stupid people watching cat videos...ibstead of improving their driving skills.