Driving Test - Use of handbrake

ClaraPetal

I have just recently learned to drive and took my test last month. My instructor taught me to use the Handbrake when stopping i.e at traffic lights etc., to avoid keeping foot on foot brake and blinding the driver behind with the brake light. I got several traffic lights on my test and used the handbrake each and every time and passed my test!

thescouselander

I certainly don't use the handbrake in my car because it confuses the start stop function causing the engine to restart. Also, if I was to be hit from behind the engine would either be cut off or the smart brake assist should kick in if I was about to crash into anything. Seems the advice is outdated to me.

neilmcl

thescouselander wrote: »

I certainly don't use the handbrake in my car because it confuses the start stop function causing the engine to restart. Also, if I was to be hit from behind the engine would either be cut off or the smart brake assist should kick in if I was about to crash into anything. Seems the advice is outdated to me.

What car is that?

almillar

I certainly don't use the handbrake in my car because it confuses the start stop function causing the engine to restart

Er - that's what start/stop is meant to do - stop the engine when you're stopped, and quickly start the engine again when you move off. If you don't like it, disable it, instead of potentially dazzling other drivers.

Also, if I was to be hit from behind the engine would either be cut off or the smart brake assist should kick in if I was about to crash into anything. Seems the advice is outdated to me

You need to explain this better. If you're hit from behind it's not a good idea to have your feet on the pedals! The handbrake being on WILL hold you, maybe not as well as your foot slammed on the footbrake, but it will still reduce movement. What is smart brake assist, and are you absolutely certain it doesn't work when start/stop has activated? Nothing outdated about the advice, handbrakes should be on when you're stopped. Simple.

Iceweasel

almillar wrote: »

Er - that's what start/stop is meant to do - stop the engine when you're stopped, and quickly start the engine again when you move off. If you don't like it, disable it, instead of potentially dazzling other drivers.

Er - No - if you put on the handbrake, select N, and take your foot off the footbrake, the engine will restart.

It doesn't restart when you move off - it's taking your foot of the brake pedal that does it.

Noctu

almillar wrote: »

Driving test - I always thought that it WAS necessary for the test, but maybe it's just highly recommended, a check, to demonstrate to the examiner that you have stopped.

I was under this impression too as per other posters - to use the hand brake when stopped for longer than a few seconds at lights etc, and on hill starts.

My instructor also told me that I MUST use the handbrake at a junction with a STOP sign otherwise it would be a fail! Wonder if that's still true...

dannyrst

Noctu wrote: »

I was under this impression too as per other posters - to use the hand brake when stopped for longer than a few seconds at lights etc, and on hill starts.

My instructor also told me that I MUST use the handbrake at a junction with a STOP sign otherwise it would be a fail! Wonder if that's still true..

My instructor said it isn't essential but easier to ensure that you demonstrate that you have stopped. i.e. if you use the foot brake, you're more likely not to come to a full stop.

PCMcGarry

Iceweasel wrote: »

Er - No - if you put on the handbrake, select N, and take your foot off the footbrake, the engine will restart.

It doesn't restart when you move off - it's taking your foot of the brake pedal that does it.

Dipping the clutch restarts some and taking your foot off the brake doesn't restart all of them.

almillar

Er - No - if you put on the handbrake, select N, and take your foot off the footbrake, the engine will restart.
It doesn't restart when you move off - it's taking your foot of the brake pedal that does it.

Iceweasel - there are lots of different systems, and I did ask thescouslander what car he was talking about - but you suggest that the engine switches ON when you park the car. That's the wrong way round! On a manual, it usually stops with the car in neutral, clutch pedal out. It starts again when the clutch pedal goes in. That's on a 2012 Mini.

My instructor also told me that I MUST use the handbrake at a junction with a STOP sign

Same as 'using handbrake when stopped' - you MUST stop at a stop sign. Putting the handbrake on too, will demonstrate to the examiner that you really are stopped - a failsafe and very good practice, at least for the 'L' test.

onlyroz

Iceweasel wrote: »

Er - No - if you put on the handbrake, select N, and take your foot off the footbrake, the engine will restart.

It doesn't restart when you move off - it's taking your foot of the brake pedal that does it.

I have a semi-auto with stop-start (Peugeot 208). You need the footbrake for the stop-start to engage, regardless of whether the handbrake is on.