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When you get into a car you need to carry out a series of checks before you can start the engine and drive away, this routine is known as the cockpit drill. Once seated in the drivers seat you have the responsibility for the car and any passengers that you are carrying.
DOORS It is your responsibility as the driver to ensure that all the doors are properly closed, listen to the sound they make when closing, with a thud sound or a quiet sound a thud sound ensures that they are closed. You can also check by using the door mirrors, if the side of the car at the door handles is flush then the doors are closed and if the side of the car is not flush then they are not properly closed.
SAFETY CHECK Ensure that the handbrake is applied and that the gear lever is in neutral.
SEAT Adjust the seat so that you are seated comfortably and are able to fully depress the clutch pedal with your left foot leaving a slight bend at the knee. To do this you may need to move the seat base forwards or backwards or even adjust the height of the seat. The seat back can also be moved forwards or backwards by turning the seat rake, usually located on the lower sides of the seat back. Do not forget to adjust the head restraint so that the top of the head restraint is level with the top of your head. That way should the car be hit from behind it will restrict your head being thrown backwards too much.
STEERING Make sure you can reach all parts of the Steering wheel with both hands freely, and by holding it in either the ten to two or quarter to three position you should have a slight bend at each elbow. Some steering columns can be raised or lowered by first releasing a catch and then moving the steering column to the desired height. Please ensure it is securely locked back in position after adjustment.
SEATBELT Put your seatbelt on making sure there are no kinks or twists in it and it lies flat across your chest. When removing the seatbelt always guide it back never let it go as it could cause damage to you or the car window.
MIRRORS Whilst being seated in your driving position, adjust the rear view mirror with your left hand, using your thumb and index finger only, frame the top of the mirror with the top of the back window, with it being slightly offset to the right to see more to your offside. The rear view mirror is made of flat glass and gives a true picture of what is behind you without size or distance being distorted. The door mirrors are made of convex glass which gives you a wider field of vision but a vehicle behind seems smaller in a convex mirror so it could be closer than you think. When adjusting door mirrors divide the mirror horizontally, the top halve will have trees, houses and sky, the bottom halve will show the road for the right door mirror along with a thumb width of the car on the left hand edge and the pavement for the left door mirror along with a thumb width of the car in the right hand edge of the mirror.
ELECTRIC OR NOT Most modern car door mirrors are electrically operated but some car door mirrors require manual adjustment and this may mean that you have to adjust the door mirrors before putting on your seatbelt.
To Help You With Your Cockpit Drill, Remember D. Triple S. M.
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