Final answer:
First gear should be used for low speed maneuvering and is typically meant for speeds from 0 to around 10-15 mph. It is not suitable for reaching high speeds such as 60 mph, as that would require shifting through higher gears.
Step-by-step explanation:
First gear in a vehicle with a manual transmission should generally be used for starting the vehicle from a stop and for low speed maneuvering. The typical speed range for first gear is from 0 to around 10-15 mph (miles per hour), depending on the vehicle and how much you are pressing on the accelerator pedal. It's important to shift to higher gears as the vehicle's speed increases to maintain engine efficiency and performance.
In practical driving conditions, you wouldn't use first gear to reach speeds of 60 mph; instead, you would shift through the gears as the vehicle accelerates. Driving tests and procedures like the ones mentioned, where you are asked to record the distance it takes to reach 60 mph or to measure the time it takes to accelerate from 50 mph to 60 mph, are used to assess the performance characteristics of the vehicle, such as acceleration and fuel economy.