Cockpit Drill

Caution! Please learn this and carry it out in order every time you enter the car and sit in the driver's seat. Do not forget to take care walking into the road and before opening the driver's door. Opening a door carelessly can put you and others in danger. It may force them to brake or swerve and could cause an accident.

The examiner on your driving test will expect you to:-

Make sure all the doors are closed
Ensure your seat and head restraint are properly adjusted
Check your mirrors are properly adjusted
Fasten your seatbelt.

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:-

Make sure the hand brake is on and the gearstick is in neutral before starting the engine

DOORS - Check they are securely closed. Make sure that any passengers have closed theirs. You are responsible for the safety of your passengers. A door not properly shut may fly open as you drive along.

SEAT - Adjust it for comfortable use of foot controls and steering. Push the pedal on the far left (clutch) down to the floor. You should be able to do this without stretching.

STEERING - Adjust seating position for comfortable steering Don't get too close or you may find it awkward to let the pedal up and you could knock your knee on the steering wheel.

SEATBELTS - Ensure all seatbelts are on correctly. The law requires that all passengers wear seatbelts where fitted, unless they have an exemption certificate. It is the driver's responsibility that children under 14 have the seat belt fastened.

MIRRORS - Adjust your mirrors. You should be able to see clearly in the mirror with the minimum of head movement. When adjusting, hold the mirror keeping your fingers off the glass. Adjust the door mirrors to reduce any 'blind spots'.