What are Dual Control Cars?

A feature popular with driving instructors, dual-control cars feature pedals on both the driver and the passenger sides of the car. Through the extra pedals, the passenger (driving instructor) can stop the car. Instructors can control the vehicle at all times in this way-we’ll discuss this in greater detail below.

On the passenger’s side of a manual dual-control car, there will be two pedals: a brake pedal and a clutch pedal. It will only have a brake pedal if the car is automatic dual control.

If you want to become a fully qualified instructor, you need to ensure your learner is safe in your car at all times. Sharing driving tips and giving pearls of wisdom will only go so far. It is not uncommon for learners to make silly mistakes, or other road users get impatient and do something that is potentially dangerous. In this situation, instructors need to have the ability to take control of the situation.

Instructors can do just that with dual control cars. A driving instructor can use the controls in the worst case scenario to stop the car and to prevent anything potentially harmful from happening. Learner drivers benefit from this safety net as it lowers the risk of an accident during lessons.

Static Dual Controls
As the name suggests, these pedals (on the passenger’s side) don’t move when the learner driver presses a pedal. This, on one hand, ensures that instructors do not have to worry about their foot getting trapped under a pedal when the learner steps down on the clutch or brake. In contrast, the instructor will not be able to tell if the student is coasting if they are using the pedals incorrectly. During the night, this can be especially problematic.

Passive Dual Controls
In contrast, passive dual controls will move along with the student’s pedals. The instructor is able to see exactly what the student is doing even in the dark, which is extremely beneficial. On the other hand, instructors are at risk of getting their foot trapped-so they have to be very careful!