Learn The Basics

Just a short section to help you get on your way to learning to drive.

Doors: First pull, then push to make sure they are closed. Also you can use the exterior mirrors to check that the rear doors are closed.

Seat: Make sure that all three parts of the seat are adjusted correctly, the bottom of the seat so that you can reach the clutch pedal comfortably. The back of the seat so that you can move the steering wheel and reach all of the auxiliary controls easily. And the head restraint which should be in line with the top of your head.

Seat-belt: Make sure that the seat-belt is sitting across the shoulder and not up at the neck, use the height adjuster if necessary. Also make sure that it is not twisted.

Mirrors: The interior mirror should be adjusted so that you can see all four corners of the rear window in the mirror, or if this is not possible you should line up the top and right hand side of the mirror with the top and right hand side of the rear window.

Always Always Always remember that before starting the engine, check that the handbrake is applied and that the gear is in neutral.

Cockpit Drill

This should be carried out every time you enter the car.

D.S.S.M. Doors / Seat / Seat-Belt / Mirrors.

Moving Off

P.O.M. Prepare / Observe / Move

Clutch fully down.

Select 1st Gear.

Set gas.

Clutch up to biting point.

(Biting Point is when the tone of the engine drops and the bonnet rises).

Prepare

Observe

Left mirror

Interior mirror

Road ahead

Right Mirror

Blind spot (look over right shoulder)

If a signal is necessary, apply the signal and observe again.

Move

If safe, release the handbrake and slowly ease the clutch up, when fully up take your foot completely off the clutch pedal and place on the floor.

Remember there should be no delays between checking the blind-spot and moving off. If there is just remember to observe all round again.

Stopping

M.S.P.S.L. Mirrors / Signal / Position / Speed / Look

Mirrors

Must be done in the following order

When you are driving along you always start with the interior mirror first and then check whichever side mirror is most beneficial, in this case the left mirror.

Interior and then left mirror

Signal

Only signal if you think that it would benefit someone.

Position

Line the kerb up with your reference point.

Speed

Once you are happy with your position cover the clutch and the brake.
Brake gently and then press the clutch fully down.

You should be looking all the time during the M.S.P.S.L. routine for any hazards or dangers and also making sure that you are going to stop in a Safe Convenient and Legal Place. S.C.A.L.P. e.g. avoiding driveways, double yellow lines etc.

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