Gear-Brake Separation

Gear/brake separation is used to reduce the amount of driving actions being taken at any one time. When used regularly, it becomes habitual. It should generally be used on the approach to a hazard (e.g. junction, roundabout, acute bend, etc), a typical example is on a major road, when planning to slow down, prior to turning into a junction, or roundabout etc.

 

Exceptions are: 

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• When driving downhill: On the approach to a hazard, gear/brake overlap should be used. This is because if separation is used, the car could increase speed (run away) before the gear change is completed.

• If planning to stop: In this case, apply the brakes gradually, then just before the engine is likely to judder, depress the clutch pedal, and come to a halt (no need to change down through the gears before stopping).

• When in a busy queue of slow moving traffic.

 

Process of gear/brake separation.

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• Look ahead using the main beam technique, and decide when to start slowing down. Establish that it will be safe to continue, when reaching the hazard.

• Release the accelerator, and use acceleration sense to slow the car.

• If necessary, feather the brakes to assist slowing of the car.

• Before turning into the hazard, remove your foot from the brake pedal, then depress the clutch pedal, and change into a gear to match the speed of the car. This may be a block change if required. It should be in good time to negotiate the hazard, at a safe speed.

• Drive the car into the junction, or roundabout, etc, at a safe speed, in the selected gear. Do not change gear whilst moving the steering wheel. On completion of the manoeuvre, accelerate away from the hazard, changing gear to match the speed.

 

Remember:

Gears are for going, and brakes are for slowing. Gears form an essential part of the system of car control: Information, Position, Speed, Gears, and Acceleration (IPSGA).