Control

Expected outcome/competence

This section covers, where appropriate, the safe and controlled use of accelerator, clutch, gears, footbrake, parking brake, and steering. Additional specific control elements apply to the drivers of different vehicle categories.

The vehicles controls should be used as smoothly as possible,

For example:

Making proper use of: Accelerator and clutch to make a smooth start -the clutch should be depressed before the vehicle stops. The correct gear should be selected to match the road and traffic conditions. The vehicle should not be allowed to coast by running on in neutral or with the clutch depressed. The footbrake should be used smoothly and progressively. Full use of the parking brake should be used, to prevent the vehicle rolling backwards or forwards.

The vehicle should be steered as smoothly as possible. Steering too early / late, may cause the vehicle to hit the kerb or swing out towards another road user. When a motorcycle is being ridden slowly, a straight line should be maintained. The machine should not wobble towards other vehicles.

Potential deviations from expected outcomes

Accelerator:

• Uncontrolled use
• Excessive revs

Clutch:

• Not depressing the clutch pedal before stopping
• Uncontrolled engagement after changing gear

Gears:

• Clutch coasting
• Looking down when changing gear resulting loss of steering control
• Selecting the wrong gear for the road and traffic conditions

Footbrake:

• Uncontrolled use resulting in pulling up too early or too late
• Late or harsh braking
• Missing the brake pedal completely

Handbrake:

• Applying whilst in motion
• Not applying where necessary resulting in rolling forwards or backwards
• Allowing the vehicle to ‘creep’ with an automatic
• Unable to release fully

Steering:

• Unable to maintain a steady course in normal driving
• ‘Swan Neck’ turns when turning right
• At a normal stop, mounting and dismounting the kerb
• Not following the contour of the kerb at a bell mouth junction

Examples of what might constitute something that would result in a fault being marked

Driving fault

Incorrect gear selection, resulting in a reduction in vehicle speed with no risk to
following vehicles.

Serious fault

Incorrect gear selection, resulting in a sudden reduction in vehicle speed, causing following traffic to alter speed/or direction.

Dangerous fault

Any situation brought about by the above control faults, that resulted in actual danger to the examiner, candidate, the general public or property