Use the gears smoothly and appropriately so speed, engine and road/traffic conditions match. Keep full control, avoid coasting, and coordinate brake/gear so the car stays balanced. Based on the official DVSA DT1 examiner guidance.
- Correct gear for speed and situation (junctions, bends, hills, overtakes).
- Progressive braking with coordinated clutch so speed stays stable.
- No coasting (not in neutral; not holding clutch down).
- Smooth clutch work: clean pull-aways, clutch down before stopping, no riding.
- Changes that don’t cause sudden slowing or affect others.
Linked skills: MSPSGL / Mirrors / Speed / Junctions. See also Highway Code 160–161.
- Plan with MSPSGL. Match engine speed to road speed.
- Ease off the accelerator to unload gearbox and keep vehicle stable.
- Clutch down fully, select target gear smoothly, clutch up steadily.
- Balance throttle to avoid jerks and recheck mirrors if speed changes.
Use both the rev counter and road speed to choose your gear. These figures are based on a 1.2-litre petrol engine such as the Suzuki Swift used for tuition. Every car feels slightly different — gear ratios, engine size, and hybrid systems change how early or late you’ll need to shift. Use these as a guide and build your own references as you practise.
Normal Road Use
| Gear | Change up (rev / mph) | Change down (rev / mph) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 → 2 | 2,000–2,500 rpm / ~10–15 mph | — | Move-offs, tight turns |
| 2 → 3 | 2,000–2,400 rpm / ~20–25 mph | ~1,100 rpm / ~12 mph | Urban driving, small roundabouts |
| 3 → 4 | 2,000–2,300 rpm / ~28–33 mph | ~1,100 rpm / ~20 mph | 30 mph zones, gentle bends |
| 4 → 5 | 1,900–2,200 rpm / ~35–45 mph | 1,000–1,200 rpm / ~28 mph | Dual carriageways, faster roads |
| 5 → 6 | 1,800–2,000 rpm / ~45 mph+ | 1,000–1,200 rpm / ~35 mph | Steady cruising |
Approaching or Emerging at Junctions
| Situation | Recommended gear | Rev cue | Speed cue | Instructor tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closed / tight give way | 1st | ~1,500 rpm | < 10 mph | Creep & peep; prioritise control and visibility. |
| Open give way / emerging | 2nd (1st if uphill or busy) | 1,500–2,000 rpm | 10–15 mph | Be ready to go if clear; no rush if not. |
| Turning left / minor bend | 2nd | 1,700–2,000 rpm | 10–15 mph | Set gear before turning; no mid-turn changes. |
| Turning right across traffic | 1st or 2nd | ~1,500 rpm | < 10 mph | Control first; clutch fully down if waiting. |
| Roundabout entry (small) | 2nd | 1,700–2,200 rpm | 10–20 mph | Match the gap; keep clutch up if moving. |
| Roundabout entry (large / flowing) | 3rd | 2,000–2,400 rpm | 20–30 mph | Smooth merge; mirrors for following distance. |
Rule of thumb: Under light throttle, aim to change up near 2,000 rpm. Change down if the engine begins to labour (around 1,000 rpm) or when more control is needed.
Use the dashed centre lines as distance zones to plan a steady, progressive slowdown to a give way. Assuming five dashed lines between you and the give way line. Speeds and gear selections here are based on a 1.2-litre Swift-type car. Adjust your timing and gear choice for your own vehicle’s response.
| Centre line | Approx. speed | Typical gear | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th (furthest back) | ~20 mph | 3rd or 4th | Begin light, progressive braking; eyes up; mirrors checked. |
| 4th | ~15 mph | 3rd | Increase brake slightly; prepare for clutch down if stopping. |
| 3rd | ~10 mph | 2nd | Ease more; scan left/right; decide whether to roll or stop. |
| 2nd | ~5 mph | 1st (or clutch at bite) | Almost stopped; focus on visibility and fine control. |
| 1st (nearest line) | < 5 mph / roll to stop | 1st | Ease brake; come to a calm, controlled stop at the line. |
Adjusting for Queues, Signals & Crossings
| Situation | What to adjust | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic lights | Start slowing earlier from ~25 mph with gentle brake. | Gives time if lights change; avoids harsh stops. |
| Pedestrian crossings | Early mirror checks and lighter braking. | Gives time for pedestrians to clear safely. |
| Roundabouts (busy/closed) | Aim for 1st by the 3rd/2nd line; creep with clutch control. | Maximises control while gap-searching. |
| Queuing traffic | Leave 1–2 car lengths; roll smoothly; avoid stopping too early. | Keeps flow; reduces clutch/brake fatigue and tailgating risk. |
Key habits: Mirror checks before each braking phase (MSPSGL), finish with a short, steady squeeze on the brake, and avoid coasting — keep the clutch up until you’re about to stop.
- Driving fault: Wrong gear causes a small dip or brief labouring/over-rev but doesn’t affect others.
- Serious: Gear/coordination error causes sudden slowing so following traffic must slow/alter course.
- Dangerous: Any gear/control error creating actual danger (e.g., stalling across a junction forcing evasive action).
Coasting warning: Don’t roll with the clutch down or in neutral — it reduces control.
- Use block changes where appropriate to reduce workload and keep the car settled.
- Lower gears for hills — engine braking downhill, extra power uphill.
- If you mis-select, clutch down, neutral pause, re-select smoothly — don’t force it.
- If you stall: handbrake if needed → neutral → restart → MSPSGL → set bite → rejoin when safe.
Video coming soon