Matter of a pinion

My 17-year-old son has just started learning to drive. He is having lessons as well as driving me around in his FIAT Seicento that we bought him for his birthday. His instructor tells him always to use the brakes to slow down, whereas I encourage him to use the gearbox. I realise that brakes are far better now then they were when we were learning but by using the gearbox you are always in the right gear as well as making the brake pads and more importantly (these days) the discs last a lot longer. Will his changing down count against him when taking his test and if so who is the genius that decided this change in driving discipline ?

Asked on 6 February 2010 by M.E., South Ascot

Answered by Honest John

You're wrong. The instructor is right. Don't confuse him until he's
passed his test or he'll fail. Your advice came from the days when
brakes didn't work very well. However, in snow and ice it is vital that all of us start braking three times earlier than usual and preferably cadence brake to give the car a chance of stopping.

Tags: driving driving techniques learner drivers

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