must the handbrake be used when stopping at traffic lights, even if you are not on a hill?

Question

in regards to the rules of the road for the Republic of Ireland. for the first 10 driving lessons I got i was told not to use the hand brake, then for the last 6 told only to use it on a hill. but now im driving my own car in prep for my test and my sister who is also learning tells me her instructor told her to use the handbrake EVERY time she stops. my dad who's been driving for 50 years says the same.

Answer 1

Yes...thats one of the basic rules!

Answer 2

Yes for good driving practice use the handbrake. I think the test examiner will expect you to. Having said that I must confess that as a driver with many years experience I only use the handbrake on hills. I control the car with the clutch and foot brake. To control the movement of the car using the clutch requires a certain amount of skill and to be used to the amount of play in the pedal. This varies from car to car. You are best using the safer preferred method.

Answer 3

If you will be stopped for more than 5 seconds apply the hand brake at all junctions etc. If stopped at traffic lights always apply the handbrake - Pedestrians cross the road at traffic lights, if a car drives into the back of you the hand brake will limit the amount of distance that the car will go forwards, if you are using your foot brake and a car hits you from behind you will instinctively pull your feet towards you and your car will fly forwards, running over any pedestrians in the road.

Answer 4

The general view is that if you know you are going to stop for a very few seconds, e.g. you are approaching a set of lights and it's just about to change, then there's no need to engage the handbrake. But if you have just pulled up and the light has freshly turned red and the wait is likely to be 20-50 secs, it's advisable to use it because once you stop at the lights, the car MUST be stationary and any movement will be unacceptable. For such a long pause, using the foot brake is inadvisable as it may cause glare to the driver behind you.

Answer 5

I would say that if stopping for more than a couple of seconds you should put the handbrake on.
First of all it will stop your car moving as far if you get shunted from behind.
It will also stop your brake lights glaring into the person behind's eyes (if you were to sit with your foot on the footbrake).
Lastly, you shouldn't slip the clutch to remain stationary (when on a slight hill), unless it will only be for a second or two. You will use more fuel than necessary and you will also wear your clutch out a lot faster. And who needs higher service bills!?

Answer 6

When you take your test the examiner wants to see that you know how be a safe driver. So yes, do apply the handbrake when you stop-esp at a traffic light!! Gives yr feet a rest too! Otherwise you have to be very swift on that clutch control- rolling backwards will not impress! If traffic is moving along quickly it wouldn't make sense, but depends if you need to get the clutch control back! Good Luck.

Answer 7

Test conditions: yes. As far as traffic lights go anyway. Stopping for other reasons, it depends on why/how long you're stopping. If you're stopping for a period of time, you should use the handbrake.

Real life: up to you. There are certainly benefits from using the handbrake. But sometimes it's quicker/easier to use clutch control. But you'll find that out after you've driven enough, and can make your own judgement call.

Answer 8

Hi

For the purposes of your driving test, you should use the handbrake EVERY TIME you stop, hill or no hill. This is to maintain full control of the vehicle at all times, or you will fail.

After your test, however, it is up to you, but until you have gained experience I would advise you use the handbrake.

It makes sense, don't you think?

Regards

Geordie

Answer 9

My youngest son recently passed his test, and had been told NOT to use the handbrake every time you stop at a road junction or traffic lights. He did this on his test and passed. I know when I poassed my test (1965!!) you had to put the handbrake on evry time you stopped.

Answer 10

NO

only use the handbrake when you actually STOP...

otherwise you just slow down yourself and everyone else...

aproach in 2nd... and keep going if its giveway, and the way is clear...

only use the handbrake for a hill start for control.. and for stopping if you take the car out of gear, or need extra control..

there is no rule that says you use it at all, anywhere...

hope thats useful...

i only USE mine for hill starts and parking !!! savie..

Answer 11

Lillmissy, (my puppies name) Since your dad suggested you do it I thing I would follow his instructions particularly if you're learning to drive with a standard transmission.
I can only suggest that you quiz other people who have taken a dirvers test recently to learn if they hand braked on their driving test. It's very important that you drive exactly like your driving manual suggests while taking your driving test.
You can show him or her how compitant your are if you drive a tad slower than the speed limit and move your head and eyes slightly every time you go through an intersection even if it not a controlled (stop, red / green lit) intersection.

Best wishes to you on your written and driving test!