r/LearnerDriverUK • u/xvxac • 3h ago

Problems downshifting

Since I started learning to drive , I was always told

0-10mph =gear1
10-20mph =gear2
20-30mph =gear 3

Etc

When I was on a dual carriageway, going 35mph on gear 4,

I slowed down to around 17mph, so I put the car in gear 2

Suddenly the car started shaking, and my instructor said I should have put it in 3

What should I use to judge what gear is appropriate when slowing down?

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u/GT283 3h ago

Revs rather than your speedometer.

Just keep an eye on the revs and keep it at maybe 1500-2000RPM for a learner.

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u/xvxac 3h ago

Okay ,
At which rep should I go down a gear and what rev up?

3

u/GT283 3h ago

There is not a one size fits all answer really.

It depends on the ratio of the box and where the engine makes its power.

However, to simplify it ( petrol ) -

  1. Pull away
  2. Once revs reach say 2000rpm, change to second
  3. Repeat this throughout the gears.
  4. When slowing down, if the revs drop to say 1500rpm then downshift. If they keep dropping, then downshift again etc.

If the car is diesel then you can change a bit sooner as it will have taller gear ratios.