The hand controls are used the operate the remaining functions. Use the following links for an explanation of the main driving controls The controls I am going to look at in this driving tutorial are:
Handbrake
Gears
Steering Wheel

The handbrake is used whenever we are going to be stationary for more than a few seconds, or to prevent the car moving when stopping on a hill.
The handbrake only operates on the rear 2 wheels so although it will hold the car still once stopped, it should no be used to actually stop the car.

To release the handbrake pull the lever slightly upwards which releases the ratchet which holds it in place - push the button in and lower it to the off position (down to the floor).

To apply the handbrake after stopping - push the button in and

raise it until you meet a firm resistance.

The gear lever is used to select different gears as we drive. There are 5 forward and a reverse gear on the car you will be learning to drive in. In the early stages of your training we will only be using gears 1 - 4. These are laid out in the shape of a capital H. When the lever is in the crossbar of the H it is in neutral (no gear is selected) and you will be able to move the lever freely from side to side.

The gears are used to help the engine work more efficiently, when moving off uphill or on level ground you will need to be in first gear, this is the most powerful forward gear and will get the car moving even on a steep hill, it is also used when manoeuvring in a confined space and when you need to move very slowly.
As soon as the car is moving you will have to select 2nd gear, 2nd gear will drive comfortably up to about 18mph, when you will need to move into 3rd gear which works comfortably up to about 28mph when you will need to select 4th gear.

To select 1st gear press the clutch pedal to the floor, then take hold of the gear lever like this palm facing away from you move the gear lever to the left until if felt a slight resistance and then ease the lever forward into first gear. Then move the left hand back to the wheel and allow the clutch to come up smoothly using the left foot.
To select 2nd gear - hand to gear lever palm facing away from you - clutch to floor - ease the gear lever into neutral and then down into 2nd gear - hand back to steering wheel and allow the clutch to come up smoothly.

For third gear we take contol of the gear lever like this - palm facing towards you - gently move the gear lever forward (once in neutral it will move naturally towards the right hand side of the crossbar of the H) - and gently move it forward into 3rd gear.

For 4th gear take the gear lever with you palm again facing towards you - clutch to floor - ease the lever gently into neutral and then straight down into 4th gear.

You will be introduced to 5th and reverse gears as your training progresses.

[Introduction][Cockpit Drill][Foot Controls][Hand Controls][Other Controls]