Theory

A. Driving technique

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Mastering driving techniques is essential for safe, efficient driving. It starts with a good position behind the wheel, an understanding of the vehicle’s controls, and relies on safety systems to anticipate emergency situations.

I. Driving technique

Driving position

Hands on steering wheel in 09:15 or 10:10 position. Arms and legs slightly bent, back against the backrest. A maximum distance of 5 cm between the back of the head and the headrest. Never grip the steering wheel from the inside.

Hands on steering wheel in 09:15 or 10:10 position. Arms and legs slightly bent, back against the backrest. A maximum distance of 5 cm between the back of the head and the headrest. Never grip the steering wheel from the inside.

The pedals

From left to right: The clutch to shift gears and avoid stalling. The brake to slow or stop the vehicle. The gas pedal to go faster. To change gear, you need to disengage the clutch. To disengage is to depress the clutch pedal, thus cutting off transmission of power from the engine to the wheels. Clutching is raising the clutch pedal and transferring energy from the engine to the wheels.

From left to right: The clutch to shift gears and avoid stalling. The brake to slow or stop the vehicle. The gas pedal to go faster. To change gear, you need to disengage the clutch. To disengage is to depress the clutch pedal, thus cutting off transmission of power from the engine to the wheels. Clutching is raising the clutch pedal and transferring energy from the engine to the wheels.

The gearbox

Controls the speed at which the engine runs. This is called the car’s rpm, measured in revolutions per minute. Too high an rpm results in high fuel consumption. Revs too low mean a lack of power and high fuel consumption. It’s important to ensure that engine speed is neither too high nor too low, by adapting gears to the situation. The engine speed of a diesel vehicle is 2000 rpm. The engine speed of a petrol vehicle is 2500 rpm.

Controls the speed at which the engine runs. This is called the car's rpm, measured in revolutions per minute. Too high an rpm results in high fuel consumption. Revs too low mean a lack of power and high fuel consumption. It's important to ensure that engine speed is neither too high nor too low, by adapting gears to the situation. The engine speed of a diesel vehicle is 2000 rpm. The engine speed of a petrol vehicle is 2500 rpm.

ABS: Anti-lock braking system

Prevents the wheels from locking during emergency braking. If the ABS warning light is on, the system has been deactivated due to a malfunction in the braking circuit.

Prevents the wheels from locking during emergency braking. If the ABS warning light is on, the system has been deactivated due to a malfunction in the braking circuit.

Engine brake

When you stop accelerating, the vehicle brakes with the engine. To do this, the vehicle must be in motion and in gear. Do not switch off the engine or put the vehicle in neutral while it is moving. Depressing the clutch pedal will cancel engine braking.

When you stop accelerating, the vehicle brakes with the engine. To do this, the vehicle must be in motion and in gear. Do not switch off the engine or put the vehicle in neutral while it is moving. Depressing the clutch pedal will cancel engine braking.

Adopting the right driving techniques not only preserves the safety of driver and passengers, but also optimizes vehicle performance while reducing fuel consumption. Careful, regular application of these principles is the key to responsible, controlled driving.