System of vehicle control
The method of driving described in this section is the
safest and most efficient way to drive a motor vehicle.
It is called the 'system of vehicle control'.
A safe and experienced driver will automatically use
the system of vehicle control when approaching and
negotiating road or traffic hazards or other potentially
dangerous situations.
Examples of hazards include:
• intersections, roundabouts and traffic lights
• lane changing and overtaking
• actions by other road users that could affect you.
The system of vehicle control is a series of actions that
drivers should follow when approaching any hazard.
The following sequence of actions sets out the system of
vehicle control
• Select your course: choose the safe and legal path.
• Check your mirrors and signal/indicate: check your
mirrors for any vehicles following and/or overtaking you,
and warn them about what you plan to do by using your
indicator (blinker).
• Brake: adjust your speed so that you will arrive at the
hazard travelling at an appropriate speed to negotiate it.
- Decision point: do not release the brakes until you
can see it is safe to continue. If it is not safe, you
need to stop.
• When it is safe to continue, select the appropriate gear
and check your mirrors (and blind spot if applicable)
for any following or overtaking vehicles.
• Accelerate through the hazard: apply the appropriate
level of power to leave the hazard quickly and safely.
'Dry steering'
'Dry steering' means turning the steering wheel while the
vehicle is not moving.
Dry steering should be avoided because it can cause
unnecessary wear and tear on the tyres, steering and
suspension.
Friction point
In a manual vehicle, the friction point refers to the clutch
and accelerator position at which engine power and the
transmission engage.
A manual vehicle that is stopped and in gear will begin to
move when the clutch is released past this point.
Every vehicle is different, so it is important that you find
the 'friction point' in the vehicle you are driving. As a guide
approximately 1500 revs should be adequate to achieve
the friction point.
'Feathering' the clutch
'Feathering the clutch' is a phrase used to describe a
method of controlling a vehicle's movement using the
clutch during low-speed manoeuvres, such as parking.
When feathering the clutch, the driver moves their foot
on the clutch pedal, near to friction point, to apply small
amounts of power to move the vehicle slightly, without
using the brake or accelerator.
Coasting
Coasting is when a vehicle is moving and the engine is not
connected to the driving wheels.
In a manual vehicle, this happens when the driver puts
the car out of gear and into neutral or pushes the clutch
pedal down.
An automatic vehicle will coast when neutral is selected.
Coasting should be avoided until the vehicle is almost
stationary.
Sideways pitch/roll
Sideways pitch is the amount a vehicle leans to one side
when going around a corner or bend. In extreme cases, if
a vehicle is travelling too fast when it takes a corner or a
bend, the vehicle can roll.
Drivers should avoid excessive sideways pitch by
always driving smoothly and at a speed suitable for the
conditions. Some corners and bends are signposted with
recommended maximum speed limits for negotiating them.
Lurch
'Lurch' is how much a vehicle pitches forward or backwards.
This can happen when brakes are applied heavily or when a
gear change or acceleration is not smooth.
Excessive lurch indicates that the driver is not in full
control of the vehicle. It should be avoided.
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