- Identify every primary and secondary control in the vehicle
- Set up a correct and comfortable driving position
- Recognise the most important dashboard warning lights
The cockpit drill
Before starting the engine, work through a fixed routine: doors closed, seat position, steering position, seatbelt, mirrors. Doing it in the same order every time means you never move off badly seated or with a mirror out of position.
Primary controls
The accelerator, brake, clutch, steering wheel and gear lever change the vehicle's speed and direction. Inputs should be progressive: squeeze the accelerator, squeeze the brake, and turn the steering smoothly rather than snatching at it.
Secondary controls
Indicators, lights, wipers, hooter, demister and handbrake support safe driving. Learn where they are by feel so that you never need to look down while the vehicle is moving.
Dashboard warnings
Red warnings usually mean stop as soon as it is safe: oil pressure, brake fault, engine temperature. Amber warnings mean check and attend to the issue. Ask your instructor to point out each one in the training vehicle.
Use this with a lesson