Tip
Narrate your control
During lessons, say ‘mirrors, ease off, brake, gear, position’ as you approach hazards. The script keeps actions smooth.
Module 12 of 140% complete
Vehicle Handling: Stay Smooth and in Control
Build the steering, braking, and gear skills that keep your car stable in bends, junctions, and challenging conditions.
- 1Overview
- 2DVSA Essentials
- 3Skills
- 4Conditions
- 5Checklist
- 6Test
Why Vehicle Handling Matters
Smooth control keeps passengers comfortable, tyres gripping, and fuel consumption low. It’s also essential for avoiding skids and maintaining confidence.
DVSA Essentials
- Use progressive braking: press gently at first, increase pressure, then ease off as you stop.
- Look and steer where you want to go—your hands follow your eyes.
- Match gear to speed; block change when appropriate to keep the car stable.
Core Handling Skills
- Steering: use the push-pull method or controlled hand-over-hand at low speed for precision.
- Braking: plan early, brake in a straight line before corners, and cover the brake when needed.
- Acceleration: apply smoothly to maintain traction, especially when exiting bends.
Bends and Hills
Approach bends at a speed that lets you stop within the distance you can see. On hills, select a lower gear early and use handbrake control to prevent rolling back.
Low-Grip Conditions
- Wet or icy roads: increase following distance, use higher gears to reduce wheelspin, and avoid harsh inputs.
- Loose surfaces: steer gently and allow longer braking distances.
- ABS and traction control: understand how they feel so you remain calm if they activate.
Ready-for-Test Checklist
Tick each habit you can demonstrate consistently on lessons.
0% complete
Practice Tips
Theo’s Advice
Theo’s cup test
Place a half-full reusable cup in the cup holder (with a lid). Aim to keep the liquid steady—smooth control saves fuel and keeps the car balanced.
Tip
Skid awareness
Watch DVSA videos on ABS and traction control. Knowing what to expect reduces panic if systems activate.
Check your understanding
Ready to check your understanding? You'll answer 5 questions with four options each. Submit your answer to reveal the explanation, then move on to the next question. You can flag anything you'd like to revisit later.
Ready to mark this module complete?
We’ll record your progress so the dashboard shows this module as finished. You can revisit it anytime for a refresher.