Shifting Gears and Seeing Hazards
Shifting Gears and Seeing Hazards tests manual transmission control and hazard perception. The exam expects progressive shifting, correct gear selection, and early recognition of risk.
Core rules
- Use progressive shifting: upshift at the lowest safe rpm and downshift before the engine lugs. Do not coast in neutral.
- On a downgrade, select a lower gear before the descent. Use engine braking and steady brake applications; do not fan the brakes.
- Double clutch if the vehicle requires it: clutch, shift to neutral, release, clutch again, and shift. Match engine speed to road speed.
- Scan for hazards such as brake lights, merge ramps, work zones, pedestrians, and wet pavement. Identify an escape route.
- Look ahead and use mirrors; do not stare at one hazard.
Worked example
A loaded truck approaches a long downgrade. The driver downshifts before the crest and checks the brake system. Near the top, the driver selects a gear that holds speed without braking. Reasoning: downshifting before the grade uses engine braking from the start; waiting until brakes fade leaves too few options.
Traps
Coasting downhill in neutral; shifting too late and lugging the engine; and focusing on the hazard instead of the path around it.