Why I Stopped Asking Learners to use the Handbrake in Traffic

Рет қаралды 75,484

Күн бұрын

For many years I asked my pupils to use the parking brake when waiting in traffic but given my bad experiences I eventually stopped asking and have found it made learning to drive easier. In this video I explain why I changed what I was teaching and how using the footbrake instead of the handbrake in traffic has led to less incidents.
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This video is a guide intended to help people who are learning to drive with a driving instructor in Great Britain, it is by no means a replacement for driving lessons with an appropriately qualified driving instructor.
Laws and driving rules may be different in your country. The makers of this video cannot be held liable for any consequences caused by any information that is in any way inaccurate, misleading or missing. The makers of this video are not liable for any person's driving other than their own, it is the responsibility of the person driving a vehicle to ensure they drive safely and within the law. The makers of this video are also not liable for any person failing a driving test as a result of the information provided in the video.
00:00 Is it mandatory?
01:09 Reasons to use the handbrake when waiting
05:09 Being ready to move out the way
07:11 Parking brake vs foot brake
09:55 Reasons not to use the handbrake when waiting
16:45 Reason I made this video

Пікірлер: 625

@Ben-fk9ey 6 ай бұрын

One of the reasons my instructor way back when suggested using the handbrake was to relax. If you've just come up to traffic and the light has just gone red then using the handbrake let's you take your feet off the pedals and have a breather.

@OldSkoolWax 20 күн бұрын

Sound advice if you feel you need a break and relax. You'll know when you do. When you don't need it, use the foot break.

@quinnobi42 6 ай бұрын

The glare from brake lights thing is actually something I've experienced. No one uses the handbrake when waiting in the US, and so at night there is a lot of glare from brake lights. Teslas especially have really bright brake lights, and it's honestly really annoying. In fact, when driving at night I pretty much wish all lights were dimmer. There's a lot of cars now with LED headlights that are basically as bright as high beams were in the 90s and so I find there is a lot more glare at night when driving than I would like.

@CrazyInWeston 6 ай бұрын

Oh give over! They are not that bright, plus you dont have to look directly at them! LED headlights on the other hand, are getting more ridiculous. Some are so bright they look like high beams. Spesh in the rain, its getting increasingly difficult to see if theyre actually on their side of the road!

@quinnobi42 6 ай бұрын

@@CrazyInWeston No, they aren't *that* bright. It's partially that my eyes want to adjust to the darkness, not the brightness of people's brake lights. So for me they are painfully bright to look directly at and can be somewhat distracting.

@Luki-jz6gm 6 ай бұрын

@CrazyInWeston true, I never have problems from red light glare. Just not looking at it directly like u do too

@ii795 6 ай бұрын

A major factor here is the driver's age. With age, it takes significantly longer for the eyes to adapt from bright light to darkness and vice versa.

@philipoakley5498 6 ай бұрын

True, they can be that bright, especially for those over 35.. there are many more years of driving beyond those of young drivers and younger instructors. Then there are the increase use of spectacles with age. Holding back 2 car lengths to make the dazzle and glare much less then invites other bad driving habits from other inconsiderate drivers (honking horns and cutting in).

@dodgechance4564 6 ай бұрын

When I was learning I was taught to use the handbrake when stopped in traffic for a while. At the time I hated it because it was an extra step to get confused and preoccupied with. Now that I'm more familiar with driving I prefer doing it simply because it feels less tiring than constantly having to have my foot on the brake if we're stopped for a bit. I think it also sometimes helps when moving away. I didn't even know the official reasoning was about supposed brake light glare.

@deyfuck 6 ай бұрын

Agreed on both counts. Gives the auld foot a rest and makes getting going again a touch easier. I definitely do get dazed from people's brake lights as well though.

@Mortimer50145 4 ай бұрын

My instructor was an ex Police Class 1 instructor before his retirement. He drummed into his pupils "footbrake is to stop the car; handbrake is to *stay* stopped". That's something I still try to adhere to 40 years later. The other thing he taught me which I still do is to try to waggle the gear lever before I start the engine or when I've come to a halt with the engine still on and I'm about to lift the clutch. If the gear lever waggles from side to side its safely in neutral; if it doesn't, it's still in one gear or another so there is danger of the car lurching - need to remember to come out of gear. It's part of my subconscious cockpit drill, along with "have the ignition and oil lights come on and then gone out once I started the engine?", "how much fuel fo I have" and "have I got my seatbelt on". My wife teases me that I put my seatbelt on as soon as I get into the car even if we've stopped for a picnic and I've got back in after getting the food from the boot - the "put your seatbelt on" action is so subconscious. I think one of the other official reasons for not holding the car stationary on teh footbrake is the risk of the car rolling is if your foot gets tired and comes off the pedal. I can't comment on how likely this is to happen in real life because I come off the brake when I stop unless I plan to set off again within a couple of seconds, so it never has chance to happen for me.

@zoutepindas6128 6 ай бұрын

In my country I've never heard of using the handbrake while standing in traffic so it was quite surprising to hear that it's taught like this in the UK. I agree with you on the reasons why it's a bad idea

@paulah.l. 6 ай бұрын

I was coming here to say the same, this whole handbrake thing came as a complete surprise to me. I just got my licence this summer and nothing like this ever came up. An interesting video anyway!

@hamsterama 6 ай бұрын

Even more surprising is the DVSA recommendation to use the handbrake in an automatic car when waiting in traffic. That is crazy bad advice. Definitely don't do that. Seems like that recommendation was written by someone who's never driven a car with an automatic transmission. The only reason you'd use a handbrake on an automatic car, ever, is after you park it and are about to turn off the car. In my nearly 20 years of driving automatics, that's the only situation I've ever use the handbrake. It saves wear and tear on the parking pawl. As Richard explains in this video, if you're in traffic, you either keep your foot on the brake, or maybe put it into P. Though putting it in P is not necessary, you'd only do that if your foot gets tired while waiting at a very long red light.

@renataavgeri1132 6 ай бұрын

Same. I was told to use normal breaks to stop, and if the car doesn't roll when i release them, just let them even

@zydol1 6 ай бұрын

@@hamsterama I don't know where you got the idea that the only time to use the handbrake in an automatic is when parking. I have a torque converter auto and often engage the handbrake when stopped for a while in traffic. I leave it in Drive and rest my foot. This is handy and doesn't damage anything.

@hamsterama 6 ай бұрын

@@zydol1 Hey, you do what you want, but I personally have never used the handbrake when stopped in traffic, nor do I know anyone who does. Before this video, I've never heard of that even being a thing. I've been driving automatics for 18 years.

@devlifedotnet 6 ай бұрын

Rule 114 affects different people differently... I'm personally quite sensitive to glare at night and i find driving in the dark very tiring because of it and it's one of my big annoyances when people in traffic don't use their handbrake particularly at night. during the day it's not so bad, but I find it incredibly frustrating that people don't really consider it at night....Having the front and rear lights on at night mitigates a lot of what you've spoken about about other road users awareness of situations like parked cars vs queue.... My preference is to use the handbrake and rest my foot on the brake pedal, so that if someone runs into me , the natural instinct of putting my foot out to stop myself engages the footbrake. I can still choose to use the foot brake to show my lights if needed (e.g. back of the queue on a slip road / fast road etc) and I'll generally leave my footbrake lights on until a car comes to a stop behind me. I only passed 5 years ago and remember what learning to drive was like but it does worry me a bit that people don't have the concentration levels needed to be able to remember the process of Clutch in - in gear - bite point - handbrake off - add revs / clutch out..... If doing 5-6 different things in a few seconds too complicated for people, shouldn't we really just be teaching people to drive Automatic's anyway? Interesting video though.

@giggity4670 6 ай бұрын

It is very common to sit on the brake in automatic cars as easy to set off and most new cars are automatic as manual is going out of fashion and the new cars have auto hold features so holds the car for you without you having to pressing the brake pedal and keeps the brake lights on so sometimes it is not the drivers doing it is the car for safety so people know you have stopped. But I am the same some nights lights just seem really bright for me but just something you have to get use to as it only going to get worse with the new cars having stupid bright lights i had one behind me on country roads in dark and there normal beam lights lit up more in front of me then my lights did i could of turned mine off and still see perfect but did not effect me in rear view mirror as the light were more spread out that how bright they were when they were behind me and they were not close to me just shows how bright they are getting now.

@Mortimer50145 4 ай бұрын

Yes. I always keep my foot on the footbrake if I'm stopped in a vulnerable position such as the middle of the road, indicating to turn right across oncoming traffic. But as soon as a car stops behind me, I come off my footbrake. The brake lights have done their job. The car behind has seen me and stopped. No need for them any longer - and they will dazzle him. My sister was once rear-ended in this situation in the USA (where it was obviously turning left). She stopped, waited for the car behind to stop and then came off the footbrake (she'd had her handbrake on right from when she came to a halt). As she took her foot off the brake, the car behind set off and hit her. His defence was "you took your foot off the brake - but you didn't set off". He was judged to be at fault, even by American standards of driving where no-one uses their handbrake apart from when parking, and absence of brake lights is taken as an unofficial "I am setting off" signal. The fact that her car had a flashing brake light instead of a separate amber indicator, probably didn't help because a flshing light of the same colour as a brake light rather than a different colour is less obvious among a sea of other lights from traffic around. Quite why the US still allows flashing brake/side lights instead of mandating amber indicators is a mystery to me. We got rid of that in the mid 1960s. Apparently in Australia, the use of the handbrake when stopped in traffic is not taught and is often illegal. But then (like in the US) they dont have a red-and-amber traffic light phase before the green, so they need to be able to set off without the benefit of a two-second "put the car in gear, bring the clutch up to the bite point, be ready to apply power and to release the handbrake" warning that we have.

@markwright3161 4 ай бұрын

@@Mortimer50145 It seems like all the issues surrounding using the handbrake is the result of decades of inadequate education of drivers for the test, with driving tests not being thorough enough or focusing on the right stuff to encourage that. Making using the handbrake illegal is stupid, even if there's no amber phase before green. Just like here, drivers can look to the other traffic lights and movement of traffic and/or pedestrians from those directions to figure out when they will be moving off, and initiate their sequence to release the handbrake from that.

@Mortimer50145 4 ай бұрын

For some reason, I find strongly monochromatic lights (red brake lights, low-pressure sodium orange street lights) are far more tiring on my eyes than broad-spectrum white (for some value of white!) lights such as LED street lights, or headlights. White head lights or DRLs are bright but they are transient - you quickly pass an oncoming car with thosse lights. Red brake lights are *much* more of a problem for me, especially as once you are behind a car in a queue, you cannot avoid seeing them for a long time - unless you shut your eyes and rely on sensing through your eyelids when the brake lights have gone out and therefore the car in front is about to set off. The concept of keeping you brakelights on once they have done their job of saying "I am about to stop" is one that is alien to me and a lot of Brits because of our Rule 114 in the Highway Code. People who keep their brake lights on are not popular and are liable to a stern "talking to" from teh driver behind if the traffic is stationary and thedriver begh

@ivorwhitecar 6 ай бұрын

I find that the glare from modern brake lights in your eyes for any period of time is dazzling and leaves spots in your eyes. When I did an AA Drivetech course for commercial driving we were told to use the handbrake and take your foot off the brake once traffic behind was stationary. If you get hit from behind your foot could lift off the brake, in which case the handbrake, although not as strong, would be better. The fact that it is mentioned in the Highway Code seems agood reason to use the handbrake. I have been driving for over 40 years too.

@silviuchitic162 6 ай бұрын

I've been driving for 15 years and I use the hand brake as I find it more comfortable than keeping my foot on the pedal. And I hate the bright brake lights from these new LED lights

@AREALLYLONGYOUTUBEHANDLEHIHIHI 5 ай бұрын

Skill issue

@Mortimer50145 4 ай бұрын

@@silviuchitic162 LED or 21W tunsgten - both types of brake light are equally annoying as they sear into my eyes after a few seconds of being in the same place in my field of view. Maybe I'm unusual in finding strongly coloured lights (of any colour) more intrusive than white(ish) lights of the same brightness.

@jillymunnery4521 6 ай бұрын

Personally, I have to disagree with the glare issue (I think I have astigmatism). A queue of brake lights is personally a nightmare for me and the longer I have to look at it the worse it gets. I'm okay with break lights when people are slowing down/ momentarily stopping or oncoming headlights because they're either moving or not in a fixed place for a long time. If you're the person who does get dazzled by break lights seeing how far the queue of traffic goes is of no benefit and if anything it will take you longer to get going (even if you don't get glare, seeing the front of the queue offers little benefit anyway as you can only move when the car in front of you does).

@johndoegsm 6 ай бұрын

I wish manufactures would configure vehicles brake lights to go off when stationary if foot is left on pedal because bright brake lights constantly on is certainly an issue.

@armadillito 6 ай бұрын

@@johndoegsmit’s useful to be able to flash them on when stationary at the back of a queue

@johndoegsm 6 ай бұрын

@@armadillito or you know people could just pay attention to the road infront of them to notice when vehicles have stopped?

@armadillito 6 ай бұрын

@@johndoegsmthey could. Some don't. And in adverse conditions it's nice to have all the clues you can get.

@Volaths 6 ай бұрын

I don't think it's particularly my problem if you've got astigmatism though is it? I see where you're coming from, I have it too but it's not really my responsibility

@SeanVlismas 6 ай бұрын

I go handbrake and neutral whenever I have to wait for more than a couple of seconds unless I'm at the front of a queue when I'll leave it in gear with the clutch down. I have no more intellectual reason to do it except laziness and particularly on long drives, every bit of energy saved counts!

@deliriousdrama2.078 5 ай бұрын

I was taught to put my handbrake on in traffic to reposition my feet without fearing the car rolling back. This allowed me to pull off quicker. With practise, I was able to pull off without the handbrake to reposition my feet. It was a good way to build confidence.

@send2gl 6 ай бұрын

I was an instructor for many years teaching learners, advanced, lorries and buses and I think your manner and technique is excellent. Very good justification for actions although I differ slightly with opinion regarding glare of brake lights at night. Provided the car behind me has come to a halt I will then take foot off foot brake to relieve glare and apply handbrake. Re handbrake for some autos, my present AMT I have been assured by main dealer both footbrake and handbrake disengage creep, not convinced so any prolonged stop I select neutral and usually apply handbrake. This is personal choice as I am not now instructing and is a choice for mechanical reasons.

@techguyone11 6 ай бұрын

I agree, I'll keep my footbrake on until the car behind has stopped, then handbrake, glare IS an issue in rain/night time

@GodmanchesterGoblin 5 ай бұрын

I also use the handbrake very frequently when stopped as soon as there is another car behind me, primarily to reduce glare, since it's something I am also very sensitive to. As for creeping with the brake applied - this varies quite a lot even within the same manufacturer. My wife's Polo (DSG automatic) maintains drive with the handbrake applied and the eco stop-start function only kills the engine when using the footbrake, so if I want to use the handbrake I have to put the car into neutral. (It's a purely mechanical handbrake too.) My Passat (also DSG auto) does not maintain drive when the handbrake is applied, and will allow the engine to switch off when stationary. It has an electric parking brake and will release this automatically with accelerator pressure when the engine is running. A tiny pressure on the accelerator will also start the engine without releasing the brake, just before I am ready to move off.

@michaellakeman4208 3 ай бұрын

@@techguyone11 Absolutely. Does Richard wear sunglasses at night?

@paulcericola4016 6 ай бұрын

Richard, just wanted to say a massive Thank you, literally watched everyone of your videos the past three months and today I finally passed on my third attempt, you’ve taught me more from these videos than my actual three instructors I used, I’ll be recommending your vids to anyone I know learning to drive, p.s my wife just walked in and said “why are you still watching these you’ve passed now ?” I’ll never stop 🤣🤣 thanks again my friend, your videos have been really insightful, educational and at times hilarious, keep doing what your doing 😁🚘👌🏻

@WiIza_ 6 ай бұрын

Well, they say you only start learning to drive once you've passed your test!

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

That's really great to hear! Thank you for continuing to watch the videos and congratulations on passing!

@AhamedImran 6 ай бұрын

Ha am in the same boat too. Still keep watching these videos and learn something new every time.

@davyarthurs 6 ай бұрын

Well done. The learning never stops however!

@send2gl 5 ай бұрын

Dont worry about three attempts, four attempts by me as a teenager prompted me to do advanced training, ended up a biker, lorry with trailer, bus, IAM, RoSPA and police trainer plus ADI. It is what one does after the test that is important.

@888SpinR 6 ай бұрын

That's a very good explanation, I use the parking brake mainly because it feels less tiring, but only after the car behind me has come to a stop. I do think there's still an objectively good safety argument to be made for the parking brake in that it doesn't depend on the driver's continuous, conscious effort. For example, you don't have to be knocked unconscious by an impact, you just need to be momentarily shocked, possibly even a bit furious and gravity can do the rest.

@Asto508 6 ай бұрын

I sometimes have my hand on the parking brake when I'm standing and see a car approaching from behind too quickly for my taste. If they fail to brake, there is a better chance that I'm not lunging forward as much. That's the only situation other than parking or long waiting where I think it makes sense to be ready for it.

@giggity4670 6 ай бұрын

I don't think the unconscious thing even works as he has pointed out you can still move with handbrake on easy and if you ever did got unconscious from a crash and your foot rest on the accelerator the handbrake will do nothing to help. But most modern cars now will shut off and apply brakes after a bad rear end crash. I had a crash in my Auto BMW side impact and the car automatically goes in to a limp mode state then stops engine when stopped and hazards come on so not many risk of it going far.

@ukeleleEric 6 ай бұрын

You are relying on the automated systems working. @@giggity4670 As a former computer programmer (currently a professional driver), let me tell you that relying on something happening that should happen is a dangerous way to go.

@AREALLYLONGYOUTUBEHANDLEHIHIHI 5 ай бұрын

Skill issue

@MRDNRA 6 ай бұрын

As a driver of now 18 years, my personal preference is to use the handbrake as it means I can get the revs up a bit before I release the brake when I'm ready to go! You do make some good points especially about being at the back of a queue on an otherwise fast moving road, and I in fact experienced pretty much the same scenario today at the bottom of a hill just about to go up a steep hill (which is a hill i hate queueing on because often the traffic is creeping uphill slowly which my car doesn't handle all that well without a fair amount of revs anyway), i was at the back of the queue with, unusually for this road, no one in sight behind me to the top of the hill (the brow of the hill itself being the exact same point as a bend in the road). I deliberately left extra space as a result, even with the handbrake on, when I saw the next car coming behind I then used my footbrake as well to indicate to the car coming behind that "yes I am stopped". Generally if I'm at the back of a queue these days, even if I am using my handbrake, I will also use the footbrake to show people behind that I'm stopped until they too have slowed down or even stopped. Car positioning can also help - if stopped near, on or in rare cases just after a bend I will do my best to position my car a bit wider so as to help any drivers behind see me earlier when needed.

@leenevin8451 6 ай бұрын

As a learner of 18 years 😂

@MATDMixes 6 ай бұрын

No way bro said 18 years learning 😭😭😭💀

@MRDNRA 6 ай бұрын

@@MATDMixes Nope, passed test 1st time 18 years ago with 1 minor after about 1 year learning (and could have probably taken my test sooner but I didn't take the theory test til quite late!)

@stefansoder6903 6 ай бұрын

Why on earth would you need to "get the revs up a bit"? I think you should look up how a car works...

@ChristopherWoods 5 ай бұрын

@@stefansoder6903 you don't drop the clutch with the engine at idle, you'll guaranteed stall or have a *really* bad time setting off. You bring the revs up just sufficiently to provide some torque and simultaneously bring the clutch to the bite point, blending the two until the clutch plates are engaged. I think you should look up how a manual transmission works... ;-)

@kapu3746 6 ай бұрын

I only ever use the parking brake when I want to rest my foot and I know that it's going to be a long wait at certain lights.

@PauldeVrieze 6 ай бұрын

Level crossings, open bridges...

@kapu3746 6 ай бұрын

@@PauldeVrieze haven't run into one of those yet, but I'd imagine so, yes!

@julianpenfold1638 6 ай бұрын

This makes a lot of sense to me. I only ever use the handbrake when waiting at level crossings, especially when the barriers have just come down and I know it will be a long wait - I do this just to rest my feet. It would never have occurred to me to leave it in drive with handbrake on - I press the footbrake, handbrake on, then into park, then footbrake off.

@ScottM7209 6 ай бұрын

At a level crossing I would apply the footbrake too.

@julianpenfold1638 6 ай бұрын

@@ScottM7209 Yup makes sense in general though the one I go over regularly people approach slowly because of how the road is laid out, and very quickly a queue builds up so risk of getting shunted onto the line is low.

@Xanthopteryx 6 ай бұрын

@@ScottM7209If not shit cold, i would stop the engine too.

@Mortimer50145 4 ай бұрын

I'd do that except I'd use neutral because I am mindful that a quick flash of my reversing lights as I move through R to P is likely to make the car behind think (even if only for a split second) that I am about to reverse into him!

@julianpenfold1638 4 ай бұрын

@@Mortimer50145 Good point

@seed2375 6 ай бұрын

recently passed my driving test and wanted to thank you for all the really informative videos on your chanel. great stuff man, thanks a bunch.

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

@tsf1769 6 ай бұрын

just passed my driving test yesterday, and i wanted to give you my kindest regards for your videos as they've been great learning material as well as just being entertaining. Thanks!

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

That's great news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

@garysmithson9707 6 ай бұрын

Another great video mate. I passed my test last Friday and was taught this way. I'm still learning some great stuff from your back catalogue of videos even though I've now passed. Never stop learning. 👍

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

That's great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

@douglasreid699 6 ай бұрын

your job as a driving instructor is not to make it easier, its to teach the skills the pupil will need when they drive unsupervised, and if you can make that simple then well done (in the past i got told to stop using the word easy and change it to simple as some things in life, like learning to drive, are not easy to do but are simple to do). if they are struggling with pulling away with the handbrake applied while in traffic then that could mean they need concentrated practice at that skill so they can do it and its more simple for them to it when in traffic. for the majority of collisions where a vehicle is rear ended, its not about the strength of the brakes applied but the vehicle being stopped after the collision. in the motorbike world, the advice is to stop and put it into neutral so if you are rear ended and you let go of the controls the bike wont go far or be out of control, where as if you hold the clutch while in first gear, get rear ended, you twist the throttle and drop the clutch the bike could accelerate off not under control. in the car, each driver will react differently to being hit, its possible to lose control of the pedals on impact. with the hand brake on, the car will not move after the collision, even when the road is on a gradient and if in gear the handbrake is enough to stall the vehicle if the clutch released. by being on the foot brake you are also taking more energy from the impact in your vehicle rather than using the hand brake where the energy is spread out as your vehicle is moved forward which could lead to more harm to the driver. technology is good in modern cars but there is a chance the driver wil need the skills to drive an older car or vehicle which is why those skills should still be taught. new tech is a tool to help and aid your driving skills at the end of the day, not do it for you. you can also still be using the hand brake and gently press the foot brake to have the lights come on if you feel you need that once stopped but for your example of being on a high speed road i would not advise that and use your advice.

@richardashton8224 6 ай бұрын

Hello. I'm an older learner driver, early 40s. I did have some lessons when younger but struggled with driving but wasn't sure why, so stopped lessons. Since then I have been diagnosed with autism, and through that journey have understood why I struggled before and what could help me. Recently I started lessons again with a friend who used to be an instructor, just to get me started while I find the right instructor for me. I have been watching your videos and they have been very informative. Before, I was taught to use the handbrake a lot, but my friend has been like you with not using it all the time, that has been a big help to me. I'm not sure how you teach your students clutch and gears, but another thing that has helped me. When I had lessons before, it was drilled into me that before I get to the bite point on the clutch, set a specific number of revs, and when moving change gears at specific speeds. Again, my friend has not done this, he has allowed me to get a feel for the car, and through that, I have been able to tell if I'm a little short on revs, or coming up on the clutch a little to quickly. I've also come to realise that when I had all these rules about revs and gear change speeds before, I was focusing to much attention in he car making sure I followed those things, where as now, I can focus on the road a lot more. Yes, right now, when pulling away from a junction where I have to turn, I may hold 1st gear a little to long, but I have only had a couple of lessons with him, so I'm sure that will improve with practice.

@send2gl 5 ай бұрын

Teenage years are not always the best time to learn, mostly they are but not always. I taught a couple of drivers in their 60s, both a pleasure to instruct. Took wee bit longer but no major issues.

@wewel5949 6 ай бұрын

I've always use the handbrake when in waiting of red light to turn green. Doing so allows me to rest my foot instead of having to press the brake pedal continuously. Also, at night this reduce glare to the drivers behind me, LED brake light glare is no joke btw. I drive an automatic, just push the gear to 'N' and pull the handbrake at stop, pull the gear to 'D' and release the handbrake to move.

@AREALLYLONGYOUTUBEHANDLEHIHIHI 5 ай бұрын

Skill issueee

@wewel5949 5 ай бұрын

@AREALLYLONGKZfaqHANDLEHIHIHI guess you are still in the immatured phase to not care about other people eyesight.

@naukatacom 6 ай бұрын

I started embracing the idea of the handbrake, when I became a bus driver, because a whole night shift in London is just killing you with that stop lights glare. I've been reflecting on the physics of an impact from behind and I think that helps. As per the video, there are some other beneficial uses of the handbrake. But I am VERY relieved to hear that using it is NOT mandatory, because there definitely are situations when I don't want to be pulling that handbrake up every damn time. Makes it more learner-friendly as well!

@nofun1269 6 ай бұрын

Hi Richard, I am thankful for you helping us to drive. I really appreciated your efforts. I just passed my driving test with 1 minor.

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

@williamandrews2465 5 ай бұрын

As a driver with over 50 years experience I have seen the brake light issue increase dramatically over recent years. Getting stuck in a queue of traffic in the dark, winter 'rush hour' is not a comfortable experience for me, especially with the prevalence of larger, higher level brake lights. I do use the foot brake if I'm the last car in the queue but only until somebody joins behind me.

@thekitchencounterauthor 4 ай бұрын

With you on this👍

@user-qj4bs4qq1r 6 ай бұрын

Hi Richard, Thank you for the videos and the knowledge shared through them. I passed my driving test on the first attempt with 2 minors earlier today. Though I had been driving a manual in a different country for over a decade, I had to unlearn and relearn as per the UK norms and I was determined to do so without taking classes. My input sources were the internet (your channel and another one on the same platform ) and my wife (who took driving classes and cleared the test last week). I just drove around (with my international license) and kept practicing what I learned from the sources. Keep the videos coming!!

@LS-ex9nn 6 ай бұрын

How wonderful the issue it is, and the manner you handle the issue❤ I learned how we driver should in details observe and judge the situation not only our convenience but also all stakeholders involved with our vehicles in dynamics. If we drive are not aware of our role and responsibilities as the only decision-maker on the driver's seats, accidents are only a matter of time. Instructions only provide directions, but all drivers take care themselves with their vehicles as a partner once on the road. Thank again for such an inspiring content, Richard 🌹

@Cee_Kaye12 6 ай бұрын

Im from the philippines and i watch your tutorials to hone my driving skills and i have a positive progress towards my driving thanks a bunch👌

@chrishughes62able 6 ай бұрын

It's funny but I was taught 40 years ago to use the handbrake when stationary at lights or in traffic. After I had passed my test I moved to the foot on the brake method. 30 years ago, as a driving instructor, I taught the handbrake method even though I still used the footbrake method. Now, more recently, I have, for some reason started to use the handbrake and feel much more comfortable in doing so. I guess it's horses for courses but maybe BOTH methods should be taught, or at least explored, and the driver can then choose in the circumstances which method suits those circumstances. Great videos! 👍🏽🏆

@ii795 6 ай бұрын

Maybe with age you become more sensetive to the fact that glare affects other road users, as this started to affect yourself. With age, it takes us longer to adapt from bright light to darkness and vice versa.

@davidevans3227 Ай бұрын

i find the handbrake helpful, i can't imagine driving without it... automatic cars sound strange!

@theonlyintruder 6 ай бұрын

My pet peeve is when people rest on their footbrake, especially at night. Brake lights are brighter than ever with these LED lights in use.... Personally, I found waiting with the handbrake easier. You can rest your feet making it more comfortable and relaxing and it's easier to set off (no juggling pedals) - I've found many people when they set off from resting on the footbrake use their handbrake to set off anyway (especially on a hill....) So why no use the handbrake anyway... Additionally, newer cars come with an electronic parking brake that disengages automatically when the car is able to pull away giving more of a reason to use it, more convenient and easy to use. It's just good driving habit and courteous to other road users.

@StazMan55 6 ай бұрын

What is even worse is when stopped on an incline, the driver in front may not realise their pressure on the brake pedal is relaxing and the vehicle slowly starts to roll backwards. This has happened to me more than once. One time when i blipped the horn (not a long blast), the surprised driver took their foot off the brake and then had to be reapplied when they realised they were rolling backwards. The prevalence of automatic gearboxes has made drivers lazy and less aware of their situation.

@giggity4670 6 ай бұрын

Some cars even keep the brake lights on without the pedal i had a automatic BMW with auto hold feature so you don't have to rest your foot on the brake it will hold for you and you just press the accelerator then it will move again without touching the brake pedal but when it was on auto hold the brake lights will stay on. I don't like some of the new cars that have super bright lights but just don't look at them you will know when they move off when the lights go out.

@kspades2530 6 ай бұрын

I'm not using the handbrake for less than 30s in traffic bro

@theonlyintruder 6 ай бұрын

@@kspades2530Why? If you've already waited 5 seconds already, you're going to wait a whole traffic light cycle (which can be anywhere between another 5 seconds upto 2 minutes) on the footbrake? If you're someone who rests on the footbrake, can you provide me with some insight and tell me why (assuming you're an experienced driver)? What do you do with the clutch and gears? Do you keep the clutch pressed down or do you go into neutral? Or if you're in an automatic, you leave it in drive?

@kspades2530 6 ай бұрын

@@theonlyintruder I don't mind waiting on the foot brake and clutch while I'm gear, only exception is when I myself can see that there will be a long wait. I'm not that experienced but I find that easier to do as my mind is focusing on other things lol

@lynchyyygames6107 6 ай бұрын

Hi from Australia just did a 45 minute drive today I got my Ls back in august and your videos have helped thank you 🙏

@starlight8554 6 ай бұрын

In Ireland you still get marked for not using the handbrake if you stop for more than 10-ish seconds. I recently passed my test but I’ll continue to watch these videos because you never really stop learning as a driver imo

@lovablesnowman 6 ай бұрын

I was never told to use the handbrake at all unless parked and I learned in ireland. I was told by my instructor its entirely personal preference.

@starlight8554 6 ай бұрын

@@lovablesnowman really? On my last pretest before the test my instructor was like every time you’re at a red light and you’re stopped for a while you must use your handbrake, or you’ll get marked for it :/

@lovablesnowman 6 ай бұрын

@starlight8554 my instructor never told me that anyway. No idea who's right though

@alanfairbrother890 6 ай бұрын

I was told, if hit from behind and you have your foot on the brake and the foot on the clutch and in gear. You get hit, your foot comes off the brake and the clutch you'll take off. So in front of Q you could end up out in the middle of a junction. Or in the middle of a Q you hit the car in front at a higher force.

@starlight8554 6 ай бұрын

@@lovablesnowman ah who knows. As long as we’re safe on the road I guess.

@AntonHu 6 ай бұрын

Rule 114 is spot on. Dazzling brake lights are simply inconsiderate to people queueing behind. By all means stress your braking system by keeping your foot on the footbrake if/while there is nobody behind you; it might indeed alert those approaching that there is a need to slow down or stop. As for moving off, the parking brake is used by rally drivers to make a 'slingshot start'; moreover, you can keep your foot over the throttle oedal if the hand-brake is on.

@frankbrodie5168 5 ай бұрын

As an ex driver for a living I'll tell you that you touch upon an actual useful point in your post. Accidents on motorways could often bring traffic to a standstill. And at night time stationary traffic was visible from probably a mile away on a straight road due to the huge number of brake lights. Now this serves 2 purposes of course. 1) Less chance of nearby vehicles running into said stationary vehicles. 2) The distance aspect giving vehicles chance to exit the motorway and take a non traffic jammed motorway way to their destination. No one paid to drive a vehicle is ever going to be using a handbrake in traffic. That tells you all you need to know.

@AntonHu 5 ай бұрын

@@frankbrodie5168 To serve your points, only the last vehicle in each stationary queue needs to have their brake lights on, and these days many people go a step further by putting their hazard lights on. Once you're in the queue and not the last vehicle, it's pointless.

@cszqravr 5 ай бұрын

I'm ultra confused at your logic. You are claiming you should avoid stress (which there is no significant amount of) by engaing the footbrake. You immediately follow that by mentioning a motorsport technique, that should not be used on public roads, that causes a lot of wear and stress. If you have issues with the lights, get your eyes checked and wear appropriate eyewear. This is not someone shining a bright light through your bedroom windows, these a legally mandated and thightly regulated warning systems. What's next? Should we turn off all traffic lights, because your poor baby blues can't handle them, just because you don't want to take care of yourself?

@AntonHu 5 ай бұрын

@@cszqravr I wasn't suggesting everyone does a slingshot start, merely pointing out that use of the handbrake needn't be slower, and indeed, because use of the handbrake permits the right foot to be poised over the throttle pedal, avoids the need to switch from brake pedal to throttle when the lights change. But this, as well as any alleged benefit of holding the car on the footbrake, is trivial compared to the time most drivers seem to require to wake up when the lights change. As for stress on the brake system, I'd bet that on a car such as a novice driver might buy, with some appreciable miles on the clock, brake fluid would leak past the seals in the slave cylinders of the callipers. That especially on a night such as tonight when I suffered the glare of the car in front's brake lights for on and off an hour after the A27 was closed. You then choose to be rude about my eyes, which which there is nothing wrong, I just prefer it if people don't shine lights in my eyes - do you enjoy it?

@cszqravr 5 ай бұрын

@@AntonHu I don't enjoy it, but it's a you problem. You seriously need to get your eyes checked if brake lights are even an inconvenience for you. This is not normal - you might be unintentionally endangering people around you, depending on the condition that causes you to have issues with brake lights. Maybe some kind of treatment or eyewear could potentially safe you from ending someones life. Again, the experience you describe is not normal. Please get it checked out, how know what might be the cause.

@joefoxon75 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for teaching your pupils to blind the people waiting behind them

@zackaplowitz 6 ай бұрын

a couple points - i like to rest my legs every chance i get, whether that’s neutral and off clutch or handbrake up and off brake, it all helps, especially on long journeys i’m autistic and the brake lights are an issue for me. it’s not that i find them immediately dazzling, but it builds up over time and can end in a headache or sensory overload.

@antonwallman7987 6 ай бұрын

Passed my driving test here in Sweden yesterday I have especially found your videos about Eco-driving more in depth clutch control and rev matching very helpful. I will continue to watch and learn. Thank you.

@Xanthopteryx 6 ай бұрын

YEY! Sweden here too! Please drive carefully now. Especially now when it is so ridiculously slippery in several areas. It was an accident here, hundred meters from where i live, this morning. Two cars, one pretty bad (and the speed limit is 40 km/h so it was really lucky that it was not a higher speed road).

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

That's great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

@antonwallman7987 6 ай бұрын

@@Xanthopteryx I think of having a licence like my grandfather told my dad who told me. "Having a drivers licence doesn't mean that you know how to drive, it just means your allowed to practice by your self " and that's also my take on driving.

@Xanthopteryx 6 ай бұрын

@@antonwallman7987 Really good one! Will take it with me.

@ThePatriots010304 6 ай бұрын

I've never used the handbrake in traffic or for hill starts. Any hills or incline it's always been foot on the brake while getting the clutch to the bite point and in regular traffic it's neutral with foot on the brake.

@LS-ex9nn 4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much, Richard ❤ Love the way you always explained in details with the pro and con based on the operation mechanism that helps me a lot to acknowledge of how it's important to assess of the varied situations before making decisions among the possibilities you provided or more. This reduces much of my anxieties during driving. 🌹

@lukebates7354 6 ай бұрын

Just passed today with 5 minors. Thank you for your videos, really insightful and made me 10x more confident. Learnt that the driving test is more about situations rather than following procedures like 3 lines to reverse back into a space. Thank you for everything, never will forget when you called a guy stinky though. Cheers x

@nffctv184 6 ай бұрын

What video did he call a guy stinky 😂

@lukebates7354 5 ай бұрын

@@nffctv184 it was his video about his pet peeves over the years

@scooterRL 6 ай бұрын

I agree with some of these points however I passed 7 weeks ago and what I have learnt is its key to put your car in neutral when stuck in heavy traffic as if your foot comes off the clutch by accident then you will not stall forward as well as not burning through your clutch. In my opinion this is way safer as well as taking better care of your car in the mean time.

@wrightwoodwork 6 ай бұрын

You will only burn the clutch if you hold on the biting point. Saying that it is better to be out of gear If more than a pause

@stewartdorrell2506 6 ай бұрын

I disagree with the video. I always find the long time brake light use dazzling and irritating especially at night when you are trying to keep your night vision.

@Era-lk1lo 6 ай бұрын

@@stewartdorrell2506they seem pretty irrelavent compared to the LED dimmed lights coming in the opposite direction or going over a speed bump in the opposite direction and temporarily blinding you.

@davidevans3227 Ай бұрын

neutral and handbrake, that's what i do

@scooterRL Ай бұрын

@@wrightwoodwork if your foot comes off you will still stall forward tho.

@jassenjj 5 ай бұрын

I've been entertaining myself recently by watching driving lessons and tests in the UK and I've been quite frustrated when I see that the handbrake very often is used as a part of the regular driving routine, not only for isolated cases like hill start. By the way, I took my driving lessons in the 2000's too, but in Bulgaria and this also plays a role, because back then the car fleet was quite old here. Here's why I don't always use a handbrake in addition to the reasons in the video: 1. Handbrakes that use a cable to activate the brakes mechanically tend to become loose the more you use them; 2. In some parts of the world I would never use handbrake in the winter with a car with drum brakes, even for parking. And I mean the parts of the world where there could be a 20°C or more drop in temperature between activating the brake in the evening and when you have to release it in the morning. Drum brakes can get locked due to the thermal contraction of the brakes in combination with the handbrake cable becoming shorter for the same reason. If there is a concern that 1st gear might not be enough to keep the car in place, the reverse gear has lower gear ratio and its braking force is much stronger; 3. Mechanical handbrakes have a hysteresis curve which means that sometimes the release of the handbrake does not result immediately in full release of the braking action; 4. Very often there is no indication when the handbrake doesn't work; 5. On an icy road stopping with the handbrakes could cause the car to slip sideways; 6. Finally, experiencing a handbrake cable snap can surprise you and it can make you lose control on the car for a while. Never heard of the stop light glaring issue, never experienced it for 500,000+ km of driving, although I prefer to do long trips during the night.

@thekitchencounterauthor 4 ай бұрын

The slipping sideways thing - is that when applying the handbrake before stopping? You are way ahead of me on cold weather driving, I've not been in places with that level of temperature difference, I just don't quite get into my head how using the handbrake can be so awkward; a snapped cable is surprising, but the vehicle would be stationary and on foot brakes before being applied. (These days, anyway 😉👍)

@RazorSharpRust 6 ай бұрын

I still do it and never had any issues but I always command the space around my car. I also find it good that I don’t have to unnecessarily put extra stress on my right foot holding a brake pedal because of the busy traffic I’m in. RSI is a thing when you’ve been driving for a long amount of time

@davidevans3227 Ай бұрын

cramp i get a lot as well, and the handbrake can give me a moment

@unknownfuture. 4 ай бұрын

I love your vidoes! you explain things so well, and it makes sence to hear it from your opinion/point of view.

@thebiggerbyte5991 6 ай бұрын

I learned to drive around the same time as you, and 'handbrake neutral' was a mantra. My instructor used to say 'If you've got time to think about applying the handbrake, do it. After my test, I mostly drove an automatic and would put it in P if I thought I might be dazzling the driver behind with my brake lights, but would mostly just use the footbrake. Much like engine braking being largely replaced by 'gears to go, brakes to slow', it's good that teaching practices change as cars change.

@send2gl 5 ай бұрын

What made you out it in P rather than neutral?

@thebiggerbyte5991 5 ай бұрын

@@send2gl In P it would stay put, in N it would roll freely, so on any kind of incline it would require my foot on the brake if not in P. Also, sitting in traffic with the car able to roll freely is a bad thing - especially at the head of a line of cars, as if you get rear-ended you'll go rolling freely into whatever (or whoever) is in front of you.

@gonch72 5 ай бұрын

The problem with sticking it in park is your reverse lights flicker on for a second whilst you move it back to drive.

@Azurael 5 ай бұрын

@@gonch72 Not on any modern car, they don't... my current car has an electronic shifter with park as a button on the top and drive and reverse in opposite directions but even the last one I had with a more traditional P-R-N-D mechanical shifter had a short timer before engaging the reversing lights so they wouldn't flash on the way through to drive.

@davidevans3227 Ай бұрын

am still at handbrake/neutral driver after twenty years, passed 2005...

@dlevi67 6 ай бұрын

Good tip about leaving significantly more distance at the back of the queue - will start doing that. Thank you! Another reason the handbrake is largely useless in a queue (even at the front of it) is that it generally acts on the rear wheels only. Not only is the braking action generally weak (sometimes only acting on a small auxiliary braking system instead of the main discs), but the weight will move from rear to front when hit from behind.

@nffctv184 6 ай бұрын

Finally passed my test on the 3rd try. Just wanna say thanks as your videos were useful in helping me become a better driver.

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

@broggie123 6 ай бұрын

As you said I use it manily for hill starts. Also if I need to give my feet a rest. Also you start to remember which traffic lights take extra long to change.

@Jackorias 6 ай бұрын

I passed my test in May but I still keep coming back to watch these videos. Great videos for anyone learning to help build their knowledge on top of what their instructor is teaching them!

@mishasche 6 ай бұрын

Just took the test - 1 minor for waiting too much on a zebra. Immediately thought I would first THANK YOU! You are an absolute G. Can’t thank you enough! Keep it up

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

That's great to hear! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

@mishasche 6 ай бұрын

@@ConquerDrivingkeep it up!

@alexandergullis8412 6 ай бұрын

Thank you mate :) I passed with 3 minors - alot of credit to your videos. You're an absolute diamond and a credit to the driving world

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

@alexthearmy 6 ай бұрын

I've got my licence in 2018, never was I taught nor asked to use the handbrake when stopped in traffic and I only use it for two things: hill starts and securing the car when parked on a slope. Nice video!

@james9958 6 ай бұрын

Excellent and well explained video as always. I tend to only put handbrake on if the wait looks like its going to be a while, otherwise its foot brake.

@ocelot32chess70 6 ай бұрын

Comfort for me - if I’m waiting in a queue for a long time I don’t want to have to keep my leg extended to keep the brake pedal planted. I use the handbrake.

@thomasdalton1508 6 ай бұрын

Maybe move the seat forward? You shouldn't need to extend your leg significantly to use the pedals.

@obaidullahhaimdi8499 6 ай бұрын

Hello dear sir I hope you’re doing well, I’m really appreciate your hard working for people about driving skills in UK , I passed my driving test recently with just one minor fault In first attempt, I learned many skills form your videos thanks a lot and keep going sir best wishes.

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

That's fantastic news! Thank you for watching and congratulations on passing!

@leemil2002 6 ай бұрын

When I was learning I was told to use the handbrake when waiting in trafic to relax my foot and to switch to the brake pedal if there's less than 7 seconds till green light. It really helps for long journeys (>2 hours driving not on a highway).

@davyarthurs 6 ай бұрын

As a person who passed in the 90s I was always taught handbrake on. However, as I drive an auto now I do use the handbrake less, unless stopped for long periods. If using the handbrake and I’m stopped at temporary lights at night and I’m back of the queue, i will apply my footbrake when I see an approaching car to worn them we have stopped.

@nonotorious1467 6 ай бұрын

Not only is the foot brake operating all 4 brakes but if someone rear ends you and your foot is on the brake then inertia will push you further onto the pedal, not to mention the hand brake is usually just a pair of break shoes in the drum and only strong enough to stop your car roll down a hill. The foot brake is designed to stop your car from moving.

@ldewproductions7271 5 ай бұрын

most of the bad drivers who sit there with their foot on the brake roll backwards OR forwards when they release it. Even you admit it is to make it easier for bad drivers who can't control themselves or their car properly.

@hx4zx 6 ай бұрын

Never liked it since the day I started learning. Been used to never using it on the move, only use it to park up hence why it's also known as a parking brake.

@johncookson4117 6 ай бұрын

I'm with you all the way on this Richard. I teach the same as you, real-world stuff meant to make life easier and be safer all round. Avoid faff at all costs!

@rmatube 6 ай бұрын

Totally agree with your logic reasons to do things. We also call it park break in our country and only used once parked.

@johnmoss7227 6 ай бұрын

I have been driving for work since 1968 until I retired. I was often stuck in queues for a long time for all the usual reasons and I eventually became very agitated by the car in front having their brake light on unnecessarily. You see, after a tiring day, the added fatigue of the glare adds even more fatigue in a horrible loop that can cause us to get angry at the driver in front for being too lazy to use their hand brake! I was once a passenger in a car driven by a young lady who almost never pulled her handbrake on, and I asked her “Why?” She claimed that she was not strong enough to pull her handbrake hard enough to actually latch it fully on. I talked about this and taught her to keep her arm straight and pull with her body by leaning to the side. When she got used to doing this she thanked me for showing how easy it is 😊, I want thank you for your videos as I realise that my driving may need refreshing as, at 73 years old, I must lack some modern knowledge, not least regarding later updates to the highway cod, Road law etc. I have always been looking to learn new thing every day and never regard myself as knowing it all. My Father drove a DUKW on D-Day and as an NCO had a lot of experience in teaching new and inexperienced drivers. He passed on many techniques when teaching my siblings and I and we have all spent decades of driving with no self-caused accidents. I thank you very much fro your advice in these videos and can only. "Good Work, Keep it up"

@carlostma643 6 ай бұрын

Now that I have a car with hill start assist, I only ever use it when parked. The only time I'd ever use it when driving is a longer wait on a steep hill- probably a monthly occurrence. I like to have the brake lights on to show I'm stopped rather than just slow, plus as you said, the footbrake is stronger.

@Ep1cure 6 ай бұрын

Very good video. Just one thing I would like to add. When there is a car behind that has stopped and the traffic is stopped for a while and isn't going any time soon, I go into neutral (manual and automatic cars), then apply the handbrake. I think at this point it is both safer and more comfortable. I can use anticipation to prepare the car to go just before the traffic is starting to move again. I am a very experienced driver, so if the movement of traffic going again takes me by surprise, I won't be that long getting going anyway. But for a relatively new driver or learner, I totally get the more ready to go stance without the handbrake.

@vanessaeden8174 6 ай бұрын

Never use handbrake in my automatic at lights. Never ever used neutral either. Leave it in drive with foot on brake. Simples

@Ep1cure 6 ай бұрын

@@vanessaeden8174 Facepalm. The reason you don't do this is because if you lose control for any reason at any moment, the car could lurch forward. It's not very comfortable either. Is this a troll attempt?

@MartinRose-id6xu 6 ай бұрын

I am lost for words! I am thankful that you didn't teach anyone I know how to drive.

@nineteenninetyfive 6 ай бұрын

I agree. I explain to my pupils that some instructors advise the handbrake on when the car is stopped and why, but then explain my thoughts which are handbrake on if risk increases due to pedestrians immediately in front of the car or if waiting for extended periods of time. Normally I think handbrake on causes problems moving away in a timely manner. It's a thing with give and take with risks and benefits on either side.

@justinbuckley 6 ай бұрын

I was taught to use hand brake when waiting in traffic and for hill starts. My First car had a broken handbrake, so it was quite the experience when I tried to do my first independent hill start. These days I only use it for parking :) And often park in gear as well as I still don’t trust hand brakes

@finalscore2983 6 ай бұрын

I take 2hr driving lessons. I started using the handbrake whilst waiting at lights at maybe around 25 hrs because my right foot was hurting, keeping it tensed at a certain position on the pedals (both brake when stopped and accelerator when moving) or floating above as necessary. I stopped resting my left foot on the clutch during normal driving maybe around 18 hrs for the same reason. Left foot never hurts after a lesson now, right foot is usually a little weak and delicate for an hour or so but not really painful. Waiting at lights, I use handbrake, clutch and first. I could try handbrake and neutral, but it feels like an extra step to me when I want to get going quickly.

@thomasdalton1508 6 ай бұрын

You shouldn't rest your foot on the clutch pedal, anyway. You will be applying some pressure to the pedal meaning the clutch plates will be able to slip slightly, causing wear.

@finalscore2983 6 ай бұрын

@@thomasdalton1508 aye. I knew I was supposed to, but size 9 feet, I couldn't fit my foot onto the footrest properly. It would get caught under the pedal. Took me a while to realise I could just relax it in front of the pedals. My instructor never actually mentioned it.

@Ye_Olde_Duke_of_Edinburgh 6 ай бұрын

I've always driven with the handbrake on when waiting for a prolonged time and everyone I've learnt with suggested this to me as well. Once you get the knack, it's no more of an imposition.

@Mortimer50145 4 ай бұрын

I wouldn't describe it as a knack. It's just part of the normal procedure and sequence of operations when driving: brake to a halt, press clutch when almost stopped and engine is about to stall, handbrake on, into neutral (handbrake and neutral in that order). It's a subscious process that once learned is never forgotten. Likewise, clutch down, into gear, foot on accelerator ready, then when its safe, handbrake off, clutch up and appy power as three synchronised movements. Harder to think through what I do and to decribe it than to do it!

@trs4u 6 ай бұрын

1:33 Bruh! Give it 20, 30, 40 years and then review your opinion of brake light glare. I've got photos taken with my kids of us staring into the sun behind the camera, me with my face wrinkled up like a walnut and them staring wide-eyed and happy with barely any visible pupil at all. Not everyone on the road has infant-good eyesight, but most of us have driving-good eyesight. Headlights are designed to reduce illumination on the offside exactly so that headlight glare isn't an issue. Brake lights are warning lights, so glare being an issue is precisely how they work. 114 is obviously written with that 'warning signal' character in mind. I sit in long queues of traffic after work in the winter in which nearly every driver is sitting for minutes on the footbrake with my 'sun visor' vertically down, and it's your fault! I enjoyed the video... you're a good presenter.

@alexr71088 6 ай бұрын

I’ve never commented on KZfaq but feel this is necessary. I’m a learner driver about 20 or so lessons deep and the past 10 have felt like I’ve been going nowhere. A lot where my instructor uses the break or takes the wheel. Then very similar briefings at the end. I watched just 3 of your videos last night before my lesson this morning. I really didn’t think it would make much difference and I felt like this was all stuff I knew. Just finished my lesson and my instructor said that “was the best he’s ever seen me drive!” I don’t think that’s a coincidence as I’ve never been told anything remotely close to that. To anyone reading this; give this Chanel a watch if you relate to this or struggling with the test. You might not think you’re learning or it’ll make a difference (same for me) but subconsciously within just a few videos I have skyrocketed in just 1 lesson! Cheers mate I will be watching regularly for sure 👍

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

That's really great to hear! Thank you for watching!

@robertl426 6 ай бұрын

I'm in the UK and I've driven automatics for 20 years, I've almost never used the handbrake in traffic. If it's a clearly long wait due to an accident ahead then sure, unless of course I'm at the back of the queue then the break lights help the cars behind me. Same as any situation where I'm at the back of a queue, or the first and only car stopped at a red light. The break lights in those situations tell the drivers behind to slow down and potentially stop.

@antilogism 6 ай бұрын

I do about the same. I'm in the US and I'll often put it in neutral and set the handbrake for a train crossing, to rest the cluch foot, but not until there's a car stopped behind me do I release the foot brake.

@ITNoetic 6 ай бұрын

I've said this before, but watching you drive without glancing at the camera is so reassuring. Literally every single driving KZfaqr other than you spends half the time staring into the camera while who knows what is happening on the public road they're driving on. And it undermines everything they have to say.

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

I used to look at the camera a bit but I stopped because I agree with you.

@send2gl 5 ай бұрын

100% agree.

@FBIAGENT95103 3 ай бұрын

its been 2 months already since this epic video? wow.

@Kaiser-ks3yq 6 ай бұрын

I find when I'm worried about being rear ended I'll leave it in first, with the handbrake on, because then I can have my foot over the throttle to be ready, and disengage the handbrake with my hand, that way my foot doesn't have to move from the brake to the throttle should I see someone not stopping, but on the other hand I can completely see a situation where you're panicing to get the handbrake off, so I see where you're coming from saying to use the foot brake.

@quagsir-behattedbloboftheu5051 6 ай бұрын

So when I was learning to drive my teacher also tried to teach me that while waiting in traffic I should use the handbrake. He would also tell me that if there's a slight incline at a junction I should use the handbrake. However, I was quite happy to not use the handbrake in those situations and he would often comment on the speed at which I could switch from clutch and foot brake down to bringing the car to the bite point and creeping forward. But, as the years went on I started using the handbrake more. I would just find it more comfortable to quickly switch from clutch down with handbrake to bite point, handbrake down and creeping forward instead of the alternative with using the foot brake. If I am sitting in traffic and a pause becomes a wait I pull the handbrake and take my feet of the pedals, leaving the car in neutral. When I think enough time has passed that we will soon move on I put my car into gear, but leave the handbrake engaged and the clutch pedal down so that when I am ready to move, all I have to do is bring it to the bite point and release the handbrake. I don't know why this change happened besides me now finding it more comfortable.

@LoveJaeger 6 ай бұрын

Im the exact same as you, constant use of the handbreak seems comfertable, easier and just natural, opposed to swapping from break to accelerator whilst finding the biting point. I also just dont like sitting there keeping constant pressue on the footbreak when i can just let the hand break do it for me.

@wrightwoodwork 6 ай бұрын

That's the way us older generation where taught the faffing about with foot on brake then over to accelerator personally is a nuisance. I remember as a kid going to Canada and you had step streets with lights. Nobody used the handbrake as almost all cars are automatic. If manual would use foot brake., let of foot brake then start to bring up the clutch whilst rolling back

@ravecsucks6192 5 ай бұрын

I spend a lot of time waiting in hour long queues at border crossings and I personally always engage the handbrake and disengage the normal brake asap, in addition to turning off the bright headlights in favor of the dim ones, as to not blind others through their side mirrors. It makes a massive difference and I often notice when I do these things other people tend to follow, bless them, the eye strain is real.

@steves427 6 ай бұрын

I was always taught to hold my car in neutral & to use the hand brake when stationery, at traffic lights, doing a hill start or just in heavy stop/start traffic. Failure to do so meant that my driving instructor back in 1978 commented that I was running the risk of not keeping up with or hindering traffic flow. (Leant to drive in SE London, passed at Sidcup 1st time ).Car 1977 Chrysler Sunbeam 1.0 hatchback. Was also tought to disengage the hand brake at traffic lights once at amber, depress clutch, hold car on footbrake if necessary. Balance clutch lift with required power requirement to avoid clutch slip & screaming engine & away you go. Repeat process next time you have to stop. Benefits include its not you holding up the traffic flow, better all round combined coordinated handbrake, clutch & accelerator control, your left knee joint does not get knackered & your cars clutch lasts longer. Up to 173,000 miles on my 19 year old Astra. Good video, all things to bear in mind.

@TheRealEnglishTeacher 6 ай бұрын

My last instructor never told me to use the handbrake at traffic lights, I never used it on my test either except for securing the vehicle. I believe the footbrake will do just fine, and on most modern cars, the footbrake will automatically apply when a rear shunt is detected.

@PresidentNexus 6 ай бұрын

Very informative video!!

@ethan.anderson680 6 ай бұрын

I’m British but live in Cyprus so learnt to drive here. I had a very experienced ex rally driver instructor. The Only time the handbrake was used was on very steep hill starts and when parked. He use to say it sets you up for life and teaches control.

@procoding_ninja 6 ай бұрын

I never feel comfortable using handbrake even though 2 or 3 times my instructor asked me to use it in steep hills. I said the same to him and he said absolutely fine not to use it and you are handling such situation well with clutch and accelarator.

@joost00719 5 ай бұрын

I once had to make an emergency stop on the highway. Everyone went to left and right so we could stand next to each other on the same lane. I am pretty sure this prevented a chain collision. Having some extra space like you explained is really nice, but if it's a sudden stop and the car behind you is very close, you're probably better off to swerve a bit towards ditch so the car behind you can use part of your lane as stopping distance too.

@tonycharlton4296 3 ай бұрын

Some sensible arguments from you and commentators. I have held a licence though for over 40 years and will still use the handbrake in most circumstances. Only one criticism, you say your job is to make learning to drive easier. No, your job is to teach them to drive correctly and safely.

@Healthlifereporter 6 ай бұрын

I was also taught to apply the handbrake when waiting in traffic. I still do (but I drive a bus with air brakes). Nowadays with all the fancy gadgets on modern vehicles it's not really necessary. You're a great instructor Richard. Here's one for you...at a mini roundabout what would you do in a Mexican standoff, i.e. 2 cars turning right from different directions and one going straight. If they all stop at the roundabout at the same time, who has priority?

@ConquerDriving 6 ай бұрын

No one has priority when everyone has to give way to each other, I will start to move slowly and if no one else goes I'll continue.

@Kottery 6 ай бұрын

As I had learned manual from watching your videos I initially tried using the handbrake for more than just parking, but I quickly learned I found it far far far more comfortable to just go into neutral and hold the brake pedal down during traffic or at lights as that's what I've been doing in automatics for the past ten years anyway (aside from going into neutral).

@ianmorrison9480 5 ай бұрын

I’m ad ADI, have been for 20 years, I fully agree with this video. Glare can be an issue for me, I don’t enjoy being behind really bright brake lights esp in the rain and in the dark. If another drivers lights are causing me discomfort, I simply look away.

@kyle5 4 ай бұрын

With hill start assist, I rarely use the parking brake on hills now in this car, and it also has stop start if I come off the clutch at a stop, so I'm off the clutch I might as well come off the brake to rest both feet if I'm stopping for long enough to make it worth it. Good tip about stopping further back and using hazards on fast roads.

@daviemac9925 6 ай бұрын

I always pop my handbrake on and let my feet have a rest, also lets the auto stop/start kick in. I look 2 or 3 cars ahead, when they start moving it's time for me to get ready to go. One really bad habit I do have is when I know the road is level I've sat there with the handbrake off and no pedals pressed, yeah I know, my Driving Instructor Son goes mad! Everybody will find what suits them best.

@brutebiz82 6 ай бұрын

I use the handbrake infrequently when driving, (usually the steep inclines in high traffic regions). I probably replace my brakes every 4-5 years and have never had to replace the clutch on my vehicle, ('97 Honda Civic that I bought used in 2000).

@lulu-qz2en 6 ай бұрын

I once put the electric handbrake before stopping the car and I can confirm, it's stronger than what you are showing

@user-ok1kw4rr3h 6 ай бұрын

Some useful comments here thanks. I was taught to use handbrake same as you but many years before you. Please note that the efficiency of handbrake varies considerably from one make/model to another. Some cars can drive with the rear wheels locked. Unlike you, I do find high level brake lights often led, an irritation in the dark. (Some modern headlights also dazzle badly). Without handbrake, learners on a slight incline may roll back when starting off. They also may not keep their foot firmly enough on the brake. I help my partner with practice and notice this. I tell him always to have foot brake or handbrake on when stationary, but he’s always keen to set the gas and clutch ready to continue. I use the handbrake myself and drop into neutral in traffic but I’m aware from observation, of the rarity of doing so, but I do take your point about the value of showing brake lights in certain situations and do so. Most other drivers I’m quite sure are riding the clutch when stationary too, which is very poor practice as it wears the clutch, especially the release bearing. I dunno what your view is on this, I’m aware in any case that the days of manual transmission are surely numbered.

@Rapscallion2009 6 ай бұрын

Also worth keeping in consideration, many more modern cars do this all automatically for you. I always "cover" my brake out of habit, but i don't really need to

@trampc9826 6 ай бұрын

I think both ways are acceptable. Thanks for the experimental drivings w/ the handbrake on!

@Xanthopteryx 6 ай бұрын

I use parking brake when driving manual if there is a long stop because i do not like having to press the foot on the pedal for a long time. Could be road work where there is a longer delay or accident or just a real traffic jam. On my automatic (Volvo V90), it has auto brake when stationary. So it will keep the main brakes full on without me pressing the pedal. And if stationary too long, or opening the door, or some other stuff, it will apply parking brake. And as soon as i press the accelerator, it will release the brakes (main or parking - does not matter). REALLY nice!

@Pimp_Shrimp 6 ай бұрын

I actually stopped stalling after using the handbrake more than footbrake, oddly. Also like giving my foot a rest and going into neutral. If I drove an Auto I expect I'd swap to using the footbrake way more though.

@thomasdalton1508 6 ай бұрын

It probably just forced you to slow down a little. Either that, or changing into neutral means you definitely go into first and aren't trying to pull away in the wrong gear if you had a habit of that.

@Pimp_Shrimp 6 ай бұрын

@thomasdalton1508 I think having the time to apply gas on hills helps me a lot. I live in a very hilly area and basically every stop is on a slight incline. Very old 2009 Petrol Note so it isn't very forgiving!

@thomasdalton1508 6 ай бұрын

@@Pimp_Shrimp I don't think anyone is saying you shouldn't use the handbrake for hill starts (unless you have a modern car with hill start assist, of course).

@1988dgs 5 ай бұрын

The brake light issue came up this morning for me, I was sitting after the morning shift clearing the condensation in the van before setting off and a car pulled into the parking space in front and put its brake lights on and sat there for a few seconds, the whole windscreen lit up red. (I know everyone is going to say not to drive with a fogged up windscreen but it was mostly clear) I was just a few seconds from moving but it reminded me of cars decades ago always being damp. I was born in the 70’s so just remember cars from the 60’s which is probably where this rule came from, (if not earlier) dad always had a rag in the door pocket to wipe the inside of the windscreen and cars would fog up while in motion or stopped at lights. Car heaters and demisters have improved dramatically over the decades, but back in the day rule this probably made a lot more sense than it does now a days

@fredwest2234 6 ай бұрын

The trouble is you never know if the road is perfectly level. If you hold the car on the footbrake, you only find out when you take your foot off and apply the accelerator, which could result in the car rolling.

@23steveevets32 6 ай бұрын

thanks for this!

@patrickbourke2385 4 ай бұрын

5:29 great tip that I hadn't thought of . Thanks

@theprov 6 ай бұрын

I get bothered by front cars red lights so i wish everyone used handbrake in queue. And i personally get tired of braking with my foot, so I'm 100% for handbrake.

6 ай бұрын

I set car in park (in manuals I put neutral and handbrake on) when I'm stopped for a red light and I'm third or farther car in queue. This forces the stop-start system to shut off the engine and I can come off the pedals and stretch out a bit. Once I see the light going green, I get in drive and am ready to go once the second car in front of me releases their brake. Maximize time off controls, maximize time with engine off, maximize traffic flow.