Cockpit Drill
This is the basic routine used when you first get into the car. The primary aim to to ensure you able to operate all the controls and are comfortable to drive
Doors
Ensure all doors are closed. For safety and security reasons it is also wise to lock the doors. The door automatically lock on my car when you move off.
Handbrake (Parking Brake) & Neutral
You should first check the handbrake is applied and that no gear is selected (the car is in neutral)
This is also referred to as "precautions before starting the engine".
Seat (including head restraint)
The seat should be adjusted so that you can comfortably reach the pedals and hand controls. The seat moves backwards and forwards, higher and lower and the rake on the seat can also be adjusted.
You should also ensure the head restraint is correctly adjusted so that it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. The rigid part of the head restraint should be level with eyes or the top of your ears
Seatbelt
Once you are comfortably seated you should ensure you fasten your seatbelt.
You can adjust the height of the seatbelt to ensure it fits comfortably. Ensure the seatbelt is not twisted and there are no kinks as this can lead to serious injury.
Although as the driver you are legally responsible for anyone under 14 wearing their seatbelt, we have a moral responsibility to ensuring ALL passengers are wearing their seatbelt before driving. After all in a crash any not fixed or restrained will continue to travel.
Steering
The steering wheel can be adjusted to be higher or lower but also nearer you or further away.
The steering wheel should be no closer that 10 inches from the driver to prevent risk of injury in the event of the airbag being deployed.
You should also be able to comfortably reach the steering wheel like the picture demonstrating the seating position above. Hold the steering wheel at the 10 to 2 (or quarter to 3) position.
Mirrors are adjusted last. This ensures that once you are comfortable to drive your mirrors are set to suit you.
Controls
This section details the main controls of the car - Please note controls differ between different makes and models of car. My car is the New Citroen C3 1.4 HDI VTR+
Foot Controls (brief explanation - detailed explanation will be delivered on lessons)
Accelerator (also called the Gas) - Pedal on the right - increases the fuel fed to the engine (revs) - operated with the right foot
Brake - Pedal in the middle - Slows the car down and ultimately stops the car - operated with the right foot
Clutch - Pedal on the left - The clutch connects the engine to the gearbox - The clutch drives the car - operated with left foot
Hand Controls
Steering Wheel - Operate with both hands using the "pull push" technique. Both hands should be on the wheel unless the other is operating another control - gears for example
Gears - Operate using your left hand - detailed explanation how to use the gears will be given in lessons
Handbrake (parking brake) - Operate with your left hand - This holds the car still when parked and stationary. A detailed description of how to use this will be given during lessons
Auxilary controls
This includes indicators, wipers/washers, lights, heater and demister controls and will be fully covered during lessons