Happy with the pass but what about these minor faults?

NEW AND WANNABE DRIVERS (INTERACTIVE)
1

Passed C on Thursday (at last), thanks to Peter Smyth Training and to my instructor Chris.

I know ’ a pass is a pass’ but I am a bit confused by a couple of minor faults I picked-up on use of the parking brake. The examiner said ‘over-use’ was the problem and that I was applying it when only stopped for a few seconds.

Now I can understand that there must have been occasions when I could have managed without using it but, as its use didn’t delay me or anyone else, I am having trouble understanding why my over-use was actually a test fault.

Wise thoughts welcome.

Alan

2

Firstly, congratulations on the pass. Two reasons for the marks: dumping air if brake applied/released too often and slight delay in moving up with traffic.

The first one is important as you will stop moving all together until the air builds up. The second is not too drastic.

When you’re driving alone you’ll automatically reduce the use of parkbrake so I just wouldn’t worry about it.

Well done again, Pete :laughing: :laughing:

3

■■■■ what the test sheet says as long as it’s pass at the bottom of it :laughing:

4

Congratulations on the pass.

I agree with what Peter has said about air dumping and the slight delay moving up with traffic.

We teach not to use the handbrake at roundabouts if you are 1st in the queue and waiting for a gap (unless on an uphill approach). There is a delay of approx half a second after releasing the brake before you can actually move. This slight delay is very useful for hill starts but can cause you to miss a gap in the traffic at roundabouts and some road junctions.

There is no hard and fast rule about the handbrake but generally as a guideline I would say use it when there is a possibility of people walking in front of your vehicle. Pedestrian crossings and traffic lights are the most common.

Apart from that a rough guide would be to apply it if you think you will be stopped for more than about 5 seconds. This is a very rough guide only and it comes with more experience.

5

congrats on the pass, well done :slight_smile:

James.

6

OnlyAlan:
Passed C on Thursday (at last), thanks to Peter Smyth Training and to my instructor Chris.

Congratulations on passing your Cat C test Alan. :sunglasses: Good luck on actually using it now! :laughing:

7

Well done on the pass mate :smiley: I passed on saturday and hey i got 9 minors but I know most were caused through nerves but guess what i dont care now :laughing: 9 minors are better than 1 seriouse … :smiley:
all the best Roy

8

what is cool about you mate is a- you passed !!! WELL DONE YOU "and you are concerned enough to look at your "minor " faults and post a question re them ,good for you , methinks once "settled! you will be a credit to yourself / the skill !