shep532:
I have come across some exhaust brakes that operate the brake lights but can’t remember which trucks.
Newer DAF and MAN definitely do but not all the time, only when slowing down for a possible stop.
In my Volvo the brake lights only show when you go straight to mode 3 and you get a big reduction in speed.
Mode 1 into mode 2 then if you go from mode 2 to mode 3 on the same hill no brake lights. So I assume the sensor to operate the brake lights is some kind of speed reduction rate sensor. Can catch people out behind you so if someone is right up my arse I tend to touch the brake aswell to show lights just incase. I’ve had another lorry crash into my back doors before and it ain’t a great experience 
Shep that sounds like really clever stuff from SDC so much energy getting wasted when a lorry brakes.
Well that’s pretty much nailed the question/topic people, plus a good bit more so thanks! 
I concur with Uncle Dipper’s Renault assessment, and “at present” I’m probably not using the levels as well as I could.So I appreciate the advice of “prodding a bit of both on a vehicle 
” to balance things can be a good! Currently I’m a bit clumsy with it and can see that things could get a bit messy in certain conditions and I could slip out, I mean up!
I had a tiny little slide over the winter when I went to turn into my first drop, the wheels turned one way and the unit went straight on propelled by the trailer! Thankfully it was at very low speed, and no big drama, but I was shocked at how easy it let go on me turning me into a helpless passenger, and for a second I was worried a little wee came out!
So cheers, the advice isn’t lost on me Dave!
As for training Juddian, (And thanks for the compliment, I think! 
) I think what as it’s basically the PREFERRED method of initial breaking, it SHOULD get a mention in the training. But it doesn’t! Yes it must be hard to draw the line between what to include and what to leave out. But it wouldn’t need to be much, just a singe question/incidence from the examiner saying: At the next junction, can you please approach using the retarder. It doesn’t need to be the whole test or executed that well, just enough so they knew how to use it, and ensure they knew it existed! (The only previous mention of this braking method for a Newbie, is the theory questions…)
I was going to ask if it activated the lights, but won’t bother now. it appears the answer is “maybe!”
Thanks all, very informative…
Buggered if i know Evil, they dropped the gearchanging exercise and the controlled stop and gave auto passes a manual ticket, some hope them ever checking the ability of the driver on test by operating an exhauster.
More’s the pity.
What are peoples’ opinions on the Daf MX engine brake? Apparently it’s a £1000 extra but the demo we had didn’t have one. Are they worth it or is it not much better than the exhaust brake?
Juddian:
Buggered if i know Evil, they dropped the gearchanging exercise and the controlled stop and gave auto passes a manual ticket, some hope them ever checking the ability of the driver on test by operating an exhauster.
More’s the pity.
The controlled stop is still in it, although it may be called the “appropriate stop” now…
And as I passed both in an Auto, I can’t comment on the gear change! 
But to be fair, I’ve driven manuals and got the hang of them pretty quick, so assume other with a manual car licence do as well…