The first question is yes, the second are not level one down, but according to the speed down, and then hang the corresponding gear. For example, the 8 stop position of the brakes, stop the car speed to 3 speed, this time should choose low gear hanging 3 block area. Instead of a reduction from the 8 block to the next, the car won't be designed this way.
You are using a fast 12 speed gearbox or a meal or a long time, you can feel a most appropriate proportion of speed and the speed of the engine, this depends on you