Dual Control Car Fittings: Why They’re Essential for ADIs

07/12/2021

As all ADIs know, new drivers are risky drivers. The fact is that 1 in 5 new drivers will crash their car within a year of passing their test. For your safety and theirs, you can't take chances when teaching inexperienced drivers.

The bottom line is you need a dual control car. How do dual control car fittings work exactly? How can you find the right one for your needs?

Read on for our dual control car guide.

Why ADIs Need Dual Control Cars

Dual control car fittings mean that you're always in control and can take charge of the situation. They stop things from getting out of hand and keep you and your student safe. 

There are a number of inherent dangers to teaching inexperienced drivers how to stay safe on our roads. 

The UK is not blessed with a road system of wide streets and spacious lanes. British roads are often cramped, narrow and at times, tricky to negotiate. That's especially true if you're an inexperienced driver.

An ADI's job is not an easy one, and at times you need to take over. A learner might make a silly mistake, they might misjudge a situation, or a fellow driver may become impatient. At times like this, an ADI's role is to keep everyone on the road safe.

Do I Have to Have a Dual Control Car?

This is an interesting one. By law in the UK, you don't need to have a dual control car to become an ADI.

For a modest investment, you gain a huge amount of peace of mind. For all the warnings in the world, sometimes learners just lose their heads and panic. In that kind of situation, you need to feel the pedals beneath your feet. 

Mandatory for Motorway Instructing

Recently, a fantastic law change meant that learners can now drive on motorways. But here's the exception: only with an instructor and only in a dual control car.

As most learners will be very keen to get this instruction, you'll be losing business if you don't have dual controls on your vehicle.

Dual Control Fitting Kits from Grade Six Supplies

One of the best dual control car tips we can give you is to buy a kit, rather than vehicle-specific dual controls. 

At Grade Six Supplies, we stock a range of dual control kits for right-hand drive vehicles. All our kits are suitable for manual and automatic transmission cars. We also have kits with longer cables available for larger vehicles.

Our FAST heavy-duty cable control systems feature adjustable pedal height and quick-release pedals. The dual control fitting allows the instructor both to intervene and also to demonstrate skills to the learner.

When you renew your vehicle, simply take it with you. All our FAST dual control car fittings can be transferred from one car to another. You will only need to replace the cable. 

With this in mind, all our units come with a lifetime guarantee. This applies to the main control unit and is against material defect or failure.

During the life of the system, you will only need to replace the consumable parts. These include the cables and pulleys and the pedal rubbers.

Grade 6 Supplies are the only UK importers of FAST Universal Dual Control Systems. They are manufactured in the Netherlands, and all kits are TUV type approved. As you can transfer them from vehicle to vehicle, they are cost-effective and kinder to the environment. 

Another advantage is that you can remove them easily and simply when you are not using the car for instructing.

FAST RHD Brake Kit

This versatile kit puts you in control of the brake at all times. Suitable for all vehicles, you can transfer it simply every time you change vehicles.

This is also available in a static pedal kit. The DC brake pedal will not move when you use the vehicle control. 

FAST RHD Brake and Accelerator Kit

This takes control to the next level. The FAST RHD Brake and Accelerator Kit is a universal kit that gives you both brake and accelerator control. 

FAST RHD Clutch and Brake Kit

The FAST RHD Clutch and Brake Kit unit will allow you to move the DC clutch and brake pedals. Also ideal for demonstrating skills to learners.

Don't want the clutch and brake pedals to move? Check out our FAST Clutch and Brake static pedal kit.

FAST RHD Clutch, Brake and Accelerator Kit

The FAST RHD Clutch, Brake and Accelerator Kit will move the DC clutch and brake pedals. This is the ultimate set of controls for any ADI, putting you in complete control. 

A static pedal kit is also available for this model, meaning the clutch and brake will not move. 

FAST Dual Car Control Car Fitting Guide

FAST controls work on a pulley system. The passenger side pedals are connected by pulleys to the control unit. This in turn connects to the pedals on the driver's side. 

Either a pedal clamp or a T-clamp connects the pulleys to the pedals on the driver's side. The systems are suitable for manual and automatic cars. There is even a UK specific option that includes an accelerator.

One of our top dual control car fitting tips is to ensure that there is enough space in the footwell on the passenger side. Packing support or a metal bracket may be needed to fix the base plate at the desired angle.

Next, you will prepare the DC unit. Partly assemble the DC unit and attach the DC pedals. Once ready, fit the DC unit.

After this, fit the driver's side pulleys. When they are in place, you can fit the pedal clamps and cables.

The system should then be thoroughly tested. Detailed instructions for fitting each unit are available on the Grade Six Supplies website.

Get Your Dual Control Fitting Today!

A dual control car is essential for any ADI. But that doesn't mean that you need to buy vehicle specific dual control car fittings.

FAST dual controls are economical and reliable. Plus, you can transfer them for minimal expense every time you change your vehicle. 

Grade Six Supplies is the only UK importer of FAST dual controls. We provide detailed instructions to make fitting them a doddle.

Take a look at our wide range of dual control car fittings today!