Level 1
Driving Skills for Beginners – Cockpit Drill
Online Driving Course Cockpit Drill
Your first driving lesson will usually incorporate the basic Cockpit drill & controls lesson. Here is a recap of the main points that you need to remember.
Speed up your learning by studying the online cockpit drill lessons and downloading the accompanying PDF handouts between your in car driving lessons.
Before you take to the road, it’s essential to undertake a series of important checks that will significantly improve your safety and comfort throughout your journey. This critical process, often referred to as the cockpit drill, encompasses a variety of key safety measures that every driver should routinely follow to ensure they are thoroughly prepared for the trip ahead.
Lesson 1 Cockpit Drill
Cockpit Drill DSSSM or Doors, Seat, Steering, Seatbelts, Mirrors.
Doors
As the driver part of your cockpit drill is to make sure all the doors are closed correctly. You can check this by listening for a firm thud when they shut, looking in your door mirrors, and check for any warning lights on the dashboard.
Seat
Adjust your seat so you can comfortably reach the pedals and controls in your car. If you are driving a manual car, make sure that when your left foot presses the clutch pedal all the way down, your left knee has a slight bend.
Adjust your head restraint so that it the main part of it is level with the back of your head, this is to protect you from any whiplash injuries. Your seating position should be as comfortable as possible and you should be able to reach all of the controls. Driving whilst sittiong with a poor posture can put your back under strain and possibly cause injury.
You can adjust the seat in many ways, you can adjust the height of the seat as well as the rake of the back of the seat, find the position that is most comfortable for you.
Airbags
Understanding how airbags work is vital for your safety as you start driving. Airbags are designed to inflate during crashes, helping to cushion the impact and lower the chances of serious injuries. It’s important to keep a safe distance from the steering wheel, as sitting too close can increase the risk of harm when the airbag deploys. When adjusting your seat, make sure you have enough space to control the vehicle effectively while also keeping your safety in mind. Each part of your cockpit drill is essential for safe driving, and knowing how airbags function is a key step in getting ready for your journey on the road.
It is important to do this part of the cockpit drill before you adjust the mirrors, as when you adjust your seat your mirrors would need re adjusting.
Seatbelt
As the driver it’s your responsibility to check all passengers are buckled up for your own safety. Legally you are responsible for passengers aged 13 and under.
Passengers above 14 are legally responsible for themselves.And this should always be a part of your cockpit drill.
Steering
Additionally Check the handrake is on!
Ensure the handbrake is on and the gear stick is in neutral or park if you are driving an automatic. Starting the engine with the car in gear can cause it to move unexpectedly, either forward or backward if in reverse.
To release the handbrake, grip the lever firmly and make sure you are safely parked before gently pressing the button at the end of the lever to let it lower completely while keeping your foot on the brake pedal; this simple step will allow your vehicle to start moving smoothly when you’re ready to drive, boosting your confidence on the road.
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