IAM test in an automatic with left foot braking?

[saladdays]

I'm considering an IAM test. My car is an automatic with a DSG box. I also brake with my left foot.

Is it acceptable to take the IAM Advanced Driver course with left foot braking? How is left foot braking perceived by instructors?

[ScoobyChris]

If you can do it systematically and smoothly, you will be fine (don’t think they’ll be looking at your feet )

Chris

[cliffords]

I believe there is some ruling about braking and accelerating with the same foot not necessarily left or right .There are clearly exemptions for modified cars or disability. I have done IAM on motorcycle and cars and I recall the same foot discussion at some point . Related to not being able to brake and accelerate together.

Edited by cliffords on Sunday 26th February 08:09

Edited by cliffords on Sunday 26th February 16:09

[tivver500]

Quite a number of dsg vehicles will not allow you to brake and accelerate at the same time as the accelerator is disabled as soon as the brake pedal is pressed. Unlike some of the torque convertor autos where you could keep the engine revs up even while braking.
I only use my right foot when driving (Leon Cupra ST) as no advantage to using the left foot.

On a dsg vehicle I would advise any associate of mine not to use left foot braking (even more so if they also have a manual to drive!!!)

[InitialDave]

tivver500 said:

Quite a number of dsg vehicles will not allow you to brake and accelerate at the same time as the accelerator is disabled as soon as the brake pedal is pressed. Unlike some of the torque convertor autos where you could keep the engine revs up even while braking.
I only use my right foot when driving (Leon Cupra ST) as no advantage to using the left foot.

On a dsg vehicle I would advise any associate of mine not to use left foot braking (even more so if they also have a manual to drive!!!)

It's not restricted to any type of gearbox, a large number of cars will not allow throttle input with brake application, even on the sporty versions of FWD models.

[saladdays]

Thanks for your advice. I'll contact IAM directly.

[PhilAsia]

tivver500 said:

Quite a number of dsg vehicles will not allow you to brake and accelerate at the same time as the accelerator is disabled as soon as the brake pedal is pressed. Unlike some of the torque convertor autos where you could keep the engine revs up even while braking.
I only use my right foot when driving (Leon Cupra ST) as no advantage to using the left foot.

On a dsg vehicle I would advise any associate of mine not to use left foot braking (even more so if they also have a manual to drive!!!)

It shortens the reaction time from an average 0.7 seconds to 0.3 or 0.4 seconds for manual and auto drivers. I would consider that an advantage.

[johnao]

saladdays said:

Thanks for your advice. I'll contact IAM directly.

Don’t bother. You’re unlikely to get a coherent answer. Just do it smoothly, unobtrusively, and effectively and the examiner will be more than happy, even if he notices. However, if it’s not smooth and effective it will be a fail, as it would be whichever foot you use!

[waremark]

tivver500 said:

Quite a number of dsg vehicles will not allow you to brake and accelerate at the same time as the accelerator is disabled as soon as the brake pedal is pressed. Unlike some of the torque convertor autos where you could keep the engine revs up even while braking.
I only use my right foot when driving (Leon Cupra ST) as no advantage to using the left foot.

On a dsg vehicle I would advise any associate of mine not to use left foot braking (even more so if they also have a manual to drive!!!)

I normally LFB in any two pedal car - I perceive various advantages (and yes I also have manuals).

[R0G]

LFB is fine if always going to be using an auto but could be an issue if also driving manuals

[PhilAsia]

waremark said:

tivver500 said:

Quite a number of dsg vehicles will not allow you to brake and accelerate at the same time as the accelerator is disabled as soon as the brake pedal is pressed. Unlike some of the torque convertor autos where you could keep the engine revs up even while braking.
I only use my right foot when driving (Leon Cupra ST) as no advantage to using the left foot.

On a dsg vehicle I would advise any associate of mine not to use left foot braking (even more so if they also have a manual to drive!!!)

I normally LFB in any two pedal car - I perceive various advantages (and yes I also have manuals).

I would add that, in some instances, LFBing is justified in a manual as well. I often "cover" the brake pedal with the left foot.

Great consideration should be given as to whether there is an advantage to be had from a covered brake and LFBing - considerations include:

1. Potential hazard risks
2. Impeding or maintaining progress of traffic flow through constant speed
3. Following distance of vehicle
4. Potential for conflict when slowing
5. Advantage of earlier reaction, earlier brake light warning and lighter brake pressure
6. Whether LFBing is more advantageous than slowing

The differential in speed may only be negligible, a few mph in many instances. But, the impact of your constant monitoring and reaction to change should be both actually and potentially beneficial to all - this can be achieved by maintaining steady progress where possible (by covering the brake with the left foot, not the right) consideration is given to your impact to others. Where no benefit is gained then LFBing is unnecessary.

[PhilAsia]

R0G said:

LFB is fine if always going to be using an auto but could be an issue if also driving manuals

Yup, could be, but also may be safer...

[waremark]

R0G said:

LFB is fine if always going to be using an auto but could be an issue if also driving manuals

Have you or anyone else had experience of it being an issue, all the people I know who lfb also drive manuals?

To avoid any doubt although I think I've said it earlier in the thread it does take significant practise before lfb becomes intuitive.

[PhilAsia]

waremark said:

R0G said:

LFB is fine if always going to be using an auto but could be an issue if also driving manuals

Have you or anyone else had experience of it being an issue, all the people I know who lfb also drive manuals?

To avoid any doubt although I think I've said it earlier in the thread it does take significant practise before lfb becomes intuitive.

Vital.

[Sheepshanks]

tivver500 said:

Quite a number of dsg vehicles will not allow you to brake and accelerate at the same time as the accelerator is disabled as soon as the brake pedal is pressed. Unlike some of the torque convertor autos where you could keep the engine revs up even while braking.
I only use my right foot when driving (Leon Cupra ST) as no advantage to using the left foot.

You can operate both at the same time - in the right sequence as they work on a 'last good input' basis.

So if you keep your left foot on the brake pedal, then press the gas, the car will power against the brakes.

[waremark]

Sheepshanks said:

You can operate both at the same time - in the right sequence as they work on a 'last good input' basis.

So if you keep your left foot on the brake pedal, then press the gas, the car will power against the brakes.

That suggests that H & T should work - but it doesn't????

[cliffords]

From DVLA driving test site :

Footbrake and accelerator
The use of the right foot for both brake and accelerator pedals has considerable safety advantages. It is therefore recommended practice for normal driving, but is not necessarily applicable to disabled drivers. The use of the left foot on the brake pedal should not however be marked as a fault unless it involves the use of the footbrake against the accelerator.

So maybe fine for IAM test too

[Sheepshanks]

waremark said:

That suggests that H & T should work - but it doesn't????

In an auto?

[PhilAsia]

Sheepshanks said:

waremark said:

That suggests that H & T should work - but it doesn't????

In an auto?

I prefer to use LFB and a sustained rev to "encourage" an earlier (but smoother) change than pre-selected change points allow. But, for the same reason, you can H&T in an auto, yes.

The timing of the gas is extremely important though.

[saladdays]

cliffords said:

From DVLA driving test site :

Footbrake and accelerator
The use of the right foot for both brake and accelerator pedals has considerable safety advantages. It is therefore recommended practice for normal driving, but is not necessarily applicable to disabled drivers. The use of the left foot on the brake pedal should not however be marked as a fault unless it involves the use of the footbrake against the accelerator.

So maybe fine for IAM test too

Thanks for this advice.

Thanks to all of you for your help.