Just did my first independent test route

15 serious and 19 minor faults. In my defence, majority were clearance and late gear changes (like 7 of the serious faults were late gear changes). But HOW DO I PICK UP ON WHEN I NEED TO CHANGE THE GEAR WITHOUT CONSTANTLY LOOKING AT THE SPEEDOMETER. My driving instructor keeps saying ‘just listen to the car’ IS THE CAR SPEAKING TO ME?? HUH?? AM I JUST DEAF??