One of the hallmarks of an advanced driver is a smooth style with manual gear changes.

A car's gearbox is so well developed that all you need to do is gently guide where it wants to go.

Yet 'snatching' at gears is common, causing an abrupt and a less than comfortable ride.

To make the gear change smoother, let the gearshift pause for a second or two as it crosses the central gate' or neutral zone.

This will make your gear changes smoother - there's no need to rush them.

Secondly, guide the gear lever with the palm of the hand semi-open with the thumb sticking out.

Guide the gear lever away from you for first to second. The thumb should be pointing down.

Now guide the lever towards you for second to third, third to fourth and fourth to fifth (or even fifth to sixth). Now the thumb is pointing upwards.

For block changing (when you skip' intermediate gears) keep the thumb down for fourth to second.

And remember, around town, you can often stay in third gear and respond to new hazards early by easing off the throttle.

Adjusting your speed with a fine throttle has all sorts of advantages.

As a check to see how smooth your gear changes are, take a glance at your front seat passenger's head.

Are they constantly nodding? If so you need to make your gear changing smoother and less hurried.

Your passengers (and transmission system!) will appreciate it.