Vehicle Controls, Handling and Pre-Driving Checks
This domain tests your knowledge of the controls and the checks that prevent breakdowns and collisions. It covers the cockpit drill, what to check before a journey, and how to handle the vehicle smoothly.
Cockpit drill
- Check doors, adjust the seat, steering wheel and head restraint, fasten the seat belt, and set the mirrors.
- Know the pedals: clutch on the left, brake in the centre, accelerator on the right. The handbrake is for parking and hill starts.
Pre-driving checks
Use the POWDERY checklist:
- Petrol/fuel; Oil; Water/coolant; Damage to body, lights and tyres; Electrics (lights, indicators, horn); Rubber (tyres, wipers); Yourself (fit to drive).
- Check tyre pressure when cold, look for cuts, bulges and worn tread, and confirm the spare is usable.
- Test lights and indicators, including brake lights.
Moving off and stopping
- Mirrors, signal, blind-spot check, then move off smoothly.
- Brake progressively; avoid locking the wheels.
ABS and skids
- ABS prevents wheel lock under hard braking. Keep firm pressure; do not pump the pedal.
- In a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer where you want to go.
Worked example
Before a long drive you find a bulge in a tyre sidewall. The tread looks legal, but you should not drive on it. A bulge means the internal cords are damaged and the tyre can blow out. Fit the spare or have the tyre replaced. Checking pressure after a long drive gives a falsely high reading because heat raises pressure; check cold.
Traps that cost marks
- Checking the oil on a slope, which gives a false dipstick reading.
- Forgetting the spare tyre.
- Using the handbrake as a service brake.
- Adjusting mirrors after moving off.
- Ignoring a dirty windscreen, which worsens glare and blind spots.