bhg
// to change down a gear every time I approached traffic lights or a zebra crossing,//
That just about confirmed my suspicions of some of the driving tuition you may have received. I recall the driving phrase, "into danger slowly out of danger quickly" but to change down a cog on the approach to ATS or a Ped X is a joke. Do you still do that?? If you a approach lights that start to change you use your brakes not your gears to slow down and stop. Depress clutch,handbrake on and put gear lever into neutral. Likewise approaching a Ped X or any other potential hazard. I was taught to drive progressively and not to change down gears: because, if ,might, could happen. Ok the British Snail School of Motoring allows their pupils to stare at the car in front of them. I was taught to give a running commentary and comment on what potential hazards I could see about 300 yards plus ahead and act in good time.
I believe Gness has done the I.A.M. Advanced course but I wonder how some of you may fare. I knew the late Ted Clements well. He was the senior IAM examiner and I attended the same driving school as he did. He was a lovely affable chap and took Road Safety very seriously but I can assure you that on a good day he might pass a Advanced candidate with questions as to why signals were unecessarily given.On a bad day he would fail them.
Two links I have provided demonstrate that same mantra from driving instructors.
Excessive and unecessary use of direction indicators can result in a test failure. I am not making this up.!!