Unit 1 - Operate vehicle

Operating the vehicle can be broken down into these five elements:

1. Make sure the vehicle is safe.

2. Get ready to drive.

3. Move off.

4. Use instruments and switches.

5. Stop.

1.1.1. Make sure that the vehicle is legal to drive.

Check all these:

• current, valid registration sticker;
• inflation and valve caps - all tyres, including spare;
• all lights;· windscreen wipers;
• horn; and
• the vehicle’s bodywork.

If you need further information read Section 1.4 of drive safe.

1.1.2. Check basic maintenance points.

Check these items:

• the windscreen is clear;
• there is enough air pressure in the tyres (look at the tyre sticker in the car to find out the correct amount.);
• There is enough fuel;
• the fluids under the bonnet are at their correct levels - engine oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid, steering fluid and windscreen washer bottle;
• the electrical connections under the bonnet are secure; and· fan belts are in good condition and correctly tensioned.

1.1.3. Make sure that when you leave the vehicle it is parked safely.

Check these points:· the handbrake is holding the vehicle;

• a manual vehicle is in first gear (if it is on the flat or facing uphill) or reverse gear (if it faces downhill);
• the tyres are turned towards the kerb;· an automatic is in park;· the ignition is locked;
• the windows are closed;
• the key is removed; 
• all the doors are locked;
• the vehicle is legally and safely parked (read Drive Safe for full details);   and
• the parking position is safe.

back to top

1.2.1. Check whether you meet the legal requirements to drive.

• You have a learner’s permit or a driver’s licence with you.
• The vehicle has the proper plates on it (L or P).
• You are following any special conditions on your licence or permit (for example, driving aids like special controls, contact lenses or glasses).
• Make sure you comply with any restrictions on your licence or permit.

1.2.2. Check that you can find the controls and that they work properly.

Check each one of these:

• security system and steering lock - find out how to operate them;
• handbrake - find it, put it on and make sure it feels firm;
• footbrake - should also feel firm;
• gears - where they are, and how many there are;· clutch - how its pedal feels to move;
• position of accelerator; and· instruments, switches and controls - where they are and how they work.

1.2.3. Sit in the driver’s seat in a way that lets you control and operate the vehicle effectively.

Here are the important points for a good driving posture:

• Sit with your legs apart, and your left foot on the brace if there is one.
• The seat supports your legs, and you can fully press the clutch pedal 
  with your left foot.
• Your knees are slightly bent and will not lock into a straight position if you fully stretch them.
• Your hands can make a full turn of the steering wheel, and there is a slight bend in the elbows when your shoulders are against the seat.
• Adjust the head restraint (if you can) to suit the height of your head.  It’s usually about level with the top of your ear.
• Adjust the seat height, and its base and back supports, to suit you.
• Adjust the steering wheel to suit you.  Make sure it doesn’t block the instruments or cramp your legs.

1.2.4. Adjust the mirrors to see as much as possible.

• The rear window shows evenly in the centre mirror. 
• In the side mirrors you can just see the tip of your door handle in the lower edge of the mirror.

1.2.5. Put on and adjust the driver’s seat belt.

These are the important points for correctly putting on your seat belt:· the lower part of the belt fits below the stomach;

• there are no twists in the belt where it touches your body;
• make the belt firm - pull out any slack between the belt and your body; and
• adjust the shoulder height if the facility to do so is available.

1.2.6. Make sure the inside of the cabin is safe.

• Make sure nothing is loose inside the car - store things in the boot or glove box if you have to.
• In a station wagon or a van, make sure that any cargo cannot move about.
• Close the doors (and lock them if you feel safer that way).
• Make sure the passengers have put on their seat belts and adjusted them.

1.2.7. Set the climate control and demisters.

• Set them for the conditions you expect on this journey.

1.3. Move Off

1.3.1. Start the engine.

• Make sure you know the best way to start this vehicle so that it will run, and keep running.  The vehicle should be standing still when you start the engine.
• Make sure you know what to do if the engine does not start the first time or if it does not keep running.

1.3.2. Select gear.

• Keep the vehicle stopped and hold it with the footbrake before you select a gear.
• The gear you select will be the one that lets the vehicle move off in the right direction without straining the engine.

1.3.3. Move off smoothly.

• You should move off without jerking the car.
• If you make a mistake while moving off you should be able to fix it immediately and not allow the mistake to affect other parts of your driving.
• You should ensure the handbrake is fully released.

1.3.4. Move off on a hill.

This can be either uphill or downhill.

• You should move off without rolling the wrong way.  It is not necessary to use the handbrake if you can take off smoothly without it.
• You should be able to move off without jerking the car.
• If you make a mistake while moving off you should be able to fix it immediately and not allow the mistake to affect other parts of your driving.

back to top

1.4.1. Check the gauges and warning lights after the engine starts.

You must know what to do if warning lights do not go off at the proper times.  You should also know what to do if the gauges tell you there is a problem.

1.4.2. While driving, respond to gauges and warning lights by taking the necessary action.

· You must know what to do when warning lights come on or gauges say there is a problem.

· You should respond to warning lights and gauges in less than thirty seconds.

1.4.3. Use switches and other controls as you need them.

The switches and other controls include:

• lights* indicators, horn and hazard lights
• wipers
• climate and ventilation controls
• cruise control* the side window
• equipment for entertainment and communications.

back to top

1.5.1. Stop the vehicle.

• When you stop, you should not strain any of the car’s mechanical parts or jerk the vehicle.
• The vehicle should stand safely, with the engine running.

1.5.2. Use the park brake to hold the vehicle in place.

• If you are going to leave the vehicle, or if you  will not be driving away again immediately, you must put on the handbrake.
• Pull hard enough on the handbrake to hold the vehicle still (as hard as if you were starting on a hill).

1.5.3. Switch the engine off.

• Do this in a way that suits the vehicle.

1.5.4. Select a gear that makes the vehicle safe.

• Place an automatic vehicle in ‘Park’.
• Place a manual vehicle in first or reverse gear.  When you are facing uphill on a steep slope, select first gear; when you are facing downhill, select reverse.

back to top