Manual Lesson Notes - Papakura - Takanini

Gears and Clutch Control:

• Don't look down at gears when changing gears.
• Be in 1st or 2nd gear before turning.
• Push the clutch fully in before changing gears.
• Let go of the clutch before turning, don't ride the clutch around.
• When stopped down hill, just use the foot brake. Let the car roll down the hill.
• Use the hand braking when stopped uphill, before moving off.
• Use 1st or 2nd when going over speed bumps.

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General Notes:

• Parking Curb-Side - You must indicate and check your blindspot before braking. Must be under 30cm from the curb.
• Center Mirror Usage - Check the center mirror every 10-15 seconds on a straight road. Check the mirror before braking. 
• Blindspot Checks / Shoulder Checks -  You must check your left blindspot when moving to the left and right blindspot when moving to the right. Turn your head 90 degrees to the left or right. Don't twist your body, keep your chin up and look next to you.
• More Scanning / Searching Ahead - Activity search for potential hazards, try to see 100 meters on each side. Move your chin and move your head. Check all intersections. Don't lean forward while moving forward.
• 3 Point Turn - You must indicate right and check your right blindspot on the 3rd turn. Use the space around you.
• U Turn - keep left and recheck your right blindspot.
• Right Turns - Find the center of the road before turning, don't rush and don't cut the corners to turn.
• Left Turns - Check the bus / cycle lane before turning, the left blindspot and angle the car with the road. Be slow before turning and you must see 100meters on both sides.
• Roundabouts - Must give way to cars on your right. Angle the car to the left and look for cover vehicles on your left. Alway indicate left before exiting.
• Stopping Distance - Stay further behind trucks and buses. Have a buffer zone around you. Have enough room to move around the vehicle in front of you.
• Following Distance - Double your following distance when behind trucks and buses. Have a buffer zone around you.
• Stop Sign - Stop, pause, check both sides and then move.
• Parallel Parking - Indicate left and check the center mirror before stopping. Use the space behind you and recheck the right blindspot. Don't just use the camera, you must look behind you. Stop before the rear wheel hits the curb.
• Hand Position - Move your hands and make big turns when needed. Don't drop your hands when slowing down.
• Foot Position - Keep your heel on the ground and push with your toes. 
• Roadworks - Posted 30km, you must slow down and stay at the posted speed limit.