When should a driver select the proper gear?

Selecting the proper gear is crucial for ensuring safe and efficient vehicle operation. While there are various situations where gear selection might seem relevant, the primary concern is to choose the appropriate gear before moving the vehicle. This practice allows for optimal control and performance right from the start of the drive.

When a driver selects the correct gear before initiating motion, it ensures that the vehicle responds smoothly to acceleration and can handle various conditions encountered immediately after starting, such as navigating uphill or downhill or merging into traffic. Proper gear selection is particularly important in automatic vehicles, where the system adjusts gears automatically, but the driver still needs to ensure the vehicle is in the correct mode (Drive, Reverse, etc.) for the movement intended.

While turning and stopping also require careful consideration of gear selection, they typically don't involve shifting gears directly unless specific maneuvers demand it. Parking situations may also require attention to gear, but they are specific to preventing rollaway rather than enhancing the vehicle's performance when driving starts. Thus, the emphasis on selecting the right gear before starting to move is essential for safe driving practices.