‘If you want to you can’, says instructor over little-known driving test hack – make it easy at the click of a button
A DRIVING instructor has revealed that most learners don’t know they can use a little-known button to help them pass their tests.
Richard Fanders, who runs Conquer Driving, explained that the DVSA[1] actually requires drivers to have an understanding of the handy function and its potential “adverse impact on safety”.
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Driving instructor Richard Fanders revealed how a little-known button could help you pass your driving testCredit: YouTube/@ConquerDriving
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Many learners might not know that their allowed to use cruise control during their examCredit: YouTube/@ConquerDriving
In an instructional clip uploaded to his YouTube channel, Richard urged other instructors to make sure their students were clued up on the trick.
He said: “I often get asked… ‘can you use cruise control[2] on the driving test?’
“In Great Britain, the DVSA set the driving test[3] and the driving syllabus.
“It states: ‘You need to know and understand the use of cruise control systems, their potential benefits to the environment and their potential adverse impacts on driver fatigue and safety’.
“So as a driving instructor, I should be teaching my pupils how to use cruise control.”
And Richard added that, while you don’t have to use the cruise control on your driving test, you are allowed to if you wish.
Cruise control allows the car to maintain a consistent speed in a straight line without the driver having to hold down the accelerator pedal.
It is usually automatically deactivated when the driver presses the brake or accelerator and can be reset at different speeds.
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This can be very useful for scenarios like motorway[4] driving in fast-moving traffic, where drivers will be required to maintain motorway speeds for long periods of time.
Some modern cars even feature adaptive cruise control systems, which use sensors to maintain the distance to the car in front, adjust to different speed limits and even change lanes at consistent speeds.
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However, it is not clear in the regulations if these systems can be used in a driving test as rules are yet to be produced to cover “driverless” tech.
Cruise control can normally be activated from a button or switch on your steering wheel[5].
This is often marked with the words ‘cruise control’ or a speedometer symbol with an arrow pointing to a set speed – this looks like a small clock with the hands pointing to the number 11.
Other markings include a steering wheel within two lines, usually for when the cruise control features a lane-keeping feature.
On using the system, the RAC[6] advises: “Cruise control is designed to be used on A-roads and motorways that don’t have frequent stops and turns to negotiate.
“While cruise control has many benefits, there are times when it is not safe to use.
“In heavy traffic, on winding roads, going downhill and when approaching a bridge. Basically, whenever a constant speed is impractical.
“On slippery roads – that includes snow, ice, heavy rain and hailstorms – as this increases the chances of sliding.
“Late at night or when you feel tired. Cruise control can soon become snooze control.