Using car handbrake,?

Question

I want someone to tell me, on the driving test, do you literally have to use the handbrake every single time you stop, even if your only stopping for 2 seconds on a level surface. I know obviously if your on a hill you use it, but im not 100 percent if im to put it on if i only stop for 2 secs to let a car pass or something, am I to literally always put it on whenever I stop or just use clutch and footbrake?

Answer 1

Its always wise to. Especially if you were to be hit from behind, to stop you hitting the car infront or someone on a crossing etc.

Answer 2

If you are at a Give Way junction (UK info here) you DO NOT need to use your hand brake.... But if you think you will be stopped for more than a few 4/5 seconds then you should use the h/brake until the major road is clear.
Give Way does not mean stop it means make progress if the road is clear.
If you come to a Stop sign then you MUST stop and I would recommend using the hand brake as proof that you have completely stopped.
If you use the h/brake every time the examiner will mark you down for hesitation. Look for opportunities to go but don't take chances.
If you emerge onto a road and make another driver slow down or change direction the you shouldn't have come out and you will be marked down for that.
Ask your instructor for advice before your test s/he should have explained this anyway.
Hope this helps
Drive Safe

Answer 3

Hand brake is mainly for parking, if you are briefly stopping then there is no need.

It is also used for control, for example in hill starts, to stop your car rolling the wrong way while you get your gears and accelerator sorted. They tell you to put it on during the turning in the road because the roads have a camber 9slope at the edge), so effectivly a mini hill start with each new bit of the turn.

Its not needed for a couple of seconds, but I would use it at say a red traffic light.

Answer 4

Always use it at junctions when you stop, even for a few seconds, after all you're supposed to take some time to check at junctions before moving off.

This is required so that if a car ran into the back of you, you would not roll forwards into possible passing or oncoming traffic.

Answer 5

I did my test about 2 years ago, and no you do not need to put your handbrake on everytime you stop, only when you are stopping for long periods...E.g. at traffic lights, or if you are on a hill. GOOD LUCK :D

Answer 6

you don't really have to use the hand brake every others time you are driving. But since you spoke about clutch, I can implied that you drive a shift stake. I also drive a shift stake, but I used my hand brake when I am parking or on a hill and I don't want to use the foot brake by putting my car in gear. certainly you don't always have to used the hand brake when you're driving.

Answer 7

Just use the clutch and handbrake. Use the parking brake and set it if and when you park. Make sure that it is in good working condition and not rusty cables, or you may find yourself sitting there with a stuck on parking brake that will not release.

Answer 8

Look at it this way, you wont fail your test if you do use your handbrake all the time whereas if you dont use your handbrake when you should, you can fail. I would use it all the time just to be safe.

Answer 9

If you stop for long enough to take your foot off the brake pedal, then apply the handbrake first.

The examiner won't fail you for doing so.

Answer 10

You won't get penalised if you use the "handbrake - neutral" rule when you stop. Better to overuse it rather than forget when it's critical such as when doing the three point turn.