Module 12: Vehicle Handling

Smooth control reduces wear on your vehicle and improves safety. Key tips include:

• Use gentle acceleration and braking to maintain stability
• Keep a relaxed grip on the steering wheel to respond precisely
• Avoid abrupt steering or sudden gear changes
• Plan ahead to anticipate changes in traffic or road conditions

Smooth driving reduces fatigue, improves passenger comfort, and allows better vehicle control.

Cornering safely is about controlling speed, steering, and positioning:

• Slow down before entering a corner, not during
• Keep your vehicle on the correct side of the road
• Look through the corner to where you want to go
• Maintain a steady speed and smooth steering

Correct cornering reduces the risk of skidding, losing control, or colliding with other vehicles.

Parking and reversing require awareness of surroundings and careful control:

• Check all mirrors and blind spots before reversing
• Reverse slowly, using steering smoothly to adjust position
• Ensure adequate space for turning into parking bays
• Be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and obstacles

Practising these techniques in quiet areas builds confidence and reduces accidents.

Towing affects braking, acceleration, and turning. Key safety points:

• Check weight limits for your vehicle and trailer
• Ensure all lights and brakes on the trailer work correctly
• Allow longer stopping distances
• Take corners wider and slower than normal

Practise towing in low-traffic areas until confident.

Controlling the vehicle on slopes is crucial:

• Use the handbrake or hill-start assist to prevent rolling back
• Release brakes smoothly while applying throttle
• Stop gradually to avoid rolling or sudden jerk
• Ensure clear visibility of the road ahead before moving

Practice on gentle slopes first and progress to steeper hills as confidence increases.

Module 12 Quiz