Ideas for ADIs Flashcards
What should you carry out every time you get in the driver’s seat and why?
The cockpit drill. You should do to make sure the car is completely safe to drive.
What do the initials DSSSM in the cockpit drill stand for?
- doors
- seat
- seat belt
- steering wheel
- mirrors
What check should you make on the seat?
That it’s in a position where you can depress the clutch pedal fully with a reasonable bend in the knee.
What position should the head restraint be in?
So the centre is in line with the top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
What check should be done on the seat belt?
It should be adjusted so that the belt lays centrally on the shoulder, not on the neck.
What check should be done on the interior mirror?
The interior mirror should frame the rear window.
What check should be done on the exterior mirrors?
The side of the vehicle should be just visible in them.
What kind of glass does the interior mirror have?
Flat glass.
What kind of glass do the exterior mirrors have and why?
Convex glass, because it gives you a wider view.
What effect does having convex glass in the exterior mirrors have?
Cars and other vehicles will appear to be further away than they actually are.
What other two checks should you make, on top of the DSSSM check?
- Check the handbrake is on.
- Check the car is in neutral.
When parked on the left, which is the safest way to approach the driver’s door of the car and why?
From the back side of the vehicle. This ensures that approaching traffic, on your side of the road, can see you and you can see them.
What percentage of breath test fails are from the morning after drinking?
40%.
What’s a quick way to check the doors are shut properly?
Look in the exterior mirrors and make sure the bodywork is flush along the shut lines.
What does the accelerator do?
It controls the rate at which fuel is supplied to the engine.
What is the accelerator often called?
The gas pedal.
When you depress the footbrake, how many of the wheels do the brakes work on?
All four.
How should you apply the footbrake?
Lightly at first, and then more firmly if needed.
What is brake fade?
It’s when the brakes become spongy and less effective, for example if you’ve been braking all the way down a long hill. The brakes can overheat and become less effective.
What should you do after driving through deep water?
Check if the brakes still work.
How often should you check your brake fluid level, and when should you do it?
Weekly, when the engine is cold.
How should you add brake fluid?
First wipe around the reservoir before removing the cap, as dirt and grit can damage components.
What is the purpose of the clutch?
It enables the driver to engage and disengage the power from the engine to the driving wheels of the vehicle. This is done so the gears can be selected smoothly.
When else is the clutch useful?
At very slow speeds, when it helps you control the vehicle. This is called clutch control.
What is the clutch made up of? Name them.
The flywheel and the clutch plate
What happens at the biting point?
The clutch plates come together.
What is the flywheel, and what does it do?
The flywheel is the plate which gets turned by the engine whenever the engine is running.
What is the clutch plate connected to?
It is connected to the drive wheels via the gearbox.
When does the clutch plate turn?
Only when in contact with the flywheel.
What happens when you depress the clutch? Give both what physically happens and the effect of that.
It separates the clutch plate from the flywheel, which disconnects the engine from the wheels.
True or false? When the clutch pedal is up, the drive from the engine is always transferred to the driving wheels.
False. The car must also be in gear, there must be no slippage or mechanical issue with the clutch, and road conditions must not interfere.
What is the drivetrain?
The group of components that deliver power from the engine or motor to the wheels.
Is the engine drive transferred to the wheels when the car is in neutral? Give a reason why.
No, because the gearbox is disconnected from the drivetrain.
What is it called if you were to hold the clutch pedal down as you were cornering with a gear selected?
Coasting
Explain the dangers of coasting.
Coasting reduces control, as the engine is no longer connected to the wheels, so you lose the ability to use engine braking to help control your speed. The car also feels less planted in the road.
What is engine braking?
When you take your foot off the accelerator while the car is in gear, the engine’s resistance slows the vehicle down naturally.
When is engine braking most effective?
In lower gears because then the revs are higher.
When reversing, does the biting point stay the same as when driving forwards or will it change?
It stays the same, but it can FEEL different, as the engine’s power is delivered differently from in first gear.
Is it possible to have a car with a manual gearbox but not have a clutch pedal? Explain.
Yes. These systems are often referred to as automated manual transmissions (AMTs) or clutchless manuals, where the system engages and disengages the clutch for you.
Most automatic cars don’t have a traditional clutch as found in manual cars. What do they have instead? Give two possibilities.
A torque converter or dual-clutch mechanism, depending on the type of automatic transmission.
What is the transmission?
A key component of the drivetrain that manages the delivery of power from the engine to the wheels.
What two things does a torque converter do?
It connects the engine to the transmission and allows the engine to keep running even when the car is stationary.
What can happen in an automatic car if the gears are engaged and the driver is not using the accelerator?
The car can slowly move or creep forward.
Which wheels does the handbrake operate on?
The rear wheels only
Why should you press and hold the button on the end of the lever of the handbrake when you apply it?
To avoid wear to the ratchet system.
How should you release the handbrake?
Lift the lever slightly, press and hold the button and ease the lever down.
When you apply the handbrake, does it activate the car’s brake lights? Explain why or why not?
No it doesn’t, because its primary function is to hold the vehicle stationary, rather than signal to other drivers.
What’s the best way to change from second gear into third gear?
Nudge the gear lever out of second, allowing the spring to return it to the middle, then simply nudge it forward.
What can you do if you lose track of what gear you are in?
Nudge the gear lever so it springs to the middle, its ‘home’ position. Then you can select the gear you need from there.
Which wheels does the steering mechanism turn?
In most cars, just the front wheels.
Where should your hands rest on the steering wheel normally?
In the ‘ten-to-two’ position.
How should you turn the steering wheel?
Using the ‘pull-push method’. Your hands slide up and down the steering wheel, with one hand holding on to turn the wheel, while the other hand just slides. You keep alternating which hand is holding the wheel to turn it. Do not cross your hands over on the steering wheel while turning.
What is ‘dry steering’?
Turning the steering wheel when the vehicle is not moving.
Why should you avoid dry steering?
Note that many mechanics don’t actually think dry steering causes any wear or tear to your car.)
- (possibly) increased wear on steering components
- (possible) damage to tyres
- (possible) power steering system stress
So in general it’s best to avoid it, just in case. But if you have to turn around quickly in a tight space then do it and don’t worry.
How can you check if your power steering is working?
Before starting the engine, apply a little turning pressure to the steering wheel and hold your hand steady as you start the engine. If you feel the wheel start to move a little the power steering is operating correctly.
Why is it important not to cross your hands on the steering wheel?
If you hit a post or other object it could set off your air bag, which can deploy at around 210mph with immense force. If your arms are crossed on the steering wheel, they are likely to be thrust upwards by the force towards your face.
When should you use your mirrors?
Well before signalling and any change in speed or position, as part of the MSM routine. You should be checking your mirrors frequently with quick glances.
How can you deal best with blind spots?
By glancing over each shoulder.
How many rear view mirrors must cars have legally?
At least two. One internal and one externally on the offside.
When should you use the mirrors when the car isn’t moving?
Before opening the car door.
Once you have started the engine, what should you do?
Start the POM routine, which stands for prepare, observe and move.
Explain the prepare step in POM.
- Get the car ready.
- Find the biting point.
- Don’t release the handbrake yet.
Explain the observe step in POM.
- Check the road ahead and your centre mirror. Wait if necessary.
- Check left door mirror and left blind spot if necessary.
- Check right door mirror.
- Look over your right shoulder to check the blind spot.
- Consider giving a signal if needed.
- Prepare to release the handbrake.
- Check behind and over the right shoulder again just before moving off.
Explain the move step in POM.
- When it’s safe, release the handbrake.
- Ease the clutch up to start moving.
What routine should you use when stopping?
The MSM routine, which stands for mirrors, signal, manoeuvre.
What precautions should you take when parking on a hill?
If facing uphill, turn your wheels away from the kerb. If facing downhill, turn your wheels towards the kerb.
When stopping, what should you do with the brake pedal just before the car comes to a halt?
Reduce pressure on the brake.
What does MSM/PSGL stand for?
- Mirrors
- Signal
- Manoeuvre
- Position
- Speed
- Gear
- Look
When should you use the MSM/PSGL routine?
- When performing any manoeuvre.
- When dealing with any potential hazard.
What is a manoeuvre?
A change of position or speed.
What is a potential hazard?
Anything which may cause a change of speed or position.
Explain the mirrors step of the MSM/PSGL routine.
Check your mirrors in good time to assess the position and speed of traffic behind you. Check that it is safe to carry out the manoeuvre.
Explain the signal step of the MSM/PSGL routine.
Should you give a signal? If yes, then do it.
Explain the manoeuvre step of the MSM/PSGL routine.
The manoeuvre step is broken down into PSGL, which stands for position, speed, gear, look.
Explain the position step of the MSM/PSGL routine.
If a change of position is needed, then move into position in plenty of time. This helps reinforce your signal and intention to manoeuvre.
Explain the speed step of the MSM/PSGL routine.
Get to the right speed to do the manoeuvre.
Explain the gear step of the MSM/PSGL routine.
When the speed is right, select a gear that will allow you to maintain control of the vehicle throughout the manoeuvre. Your foot must come completely off the clutch pedal before starting the turn at the junction.
Explain the look step of the MSM/PSGL routine.
This can be broken down into LADA:
- Look: What can you see?
- Assess: Is it safe to proceed?
- Decide: Based on what you have assessed.
- Act: Carry out your decision to proceed or wait.
What should you do once you have turned into a new road?
Check your centre and right mirrors again. This is a check for any other road user who might try to overtake.
What is block gear changing?
Missing out intermediate gears when changing gear, such as going straight from fifth to third gear, missing out fourth.
Is block gear changing okay?
Yes, but not at first when you are first learning to use the gears.
What is the initial ‘Mirrors’ step when approaching a junction to turn right?
Check your centre and right mirrors in good time to assess the position and speed of traffic behind you, and that it is safe to carry out the manoeuvre. Watch out for anyone overtaking you, especially motorbikes, which can be hard to see.
What is the ‘Position’ step when approaching a junction to turn right?
Move the car to a position just left of the centre line of the road. This helps reinforce your signal and intention to manoeuvre. If there is no centre line then position just left of the centre of the road.
What’s a good thing to ask yourself when trying to judge if there’s a safe gap to turn right?
“Could I walk across the road safely?” If you can then you should be able to drive across safely too.
What does ‘emerging’ mean in a driving context?
When a vehicle leaves a minor road to enter or cross a major road.
What’s the difference between an open junction and a closed junction?
- An open junction offers a good clear zone of vision. You may be able to take the junction in second gear.
- A closed junction has restricted vision. You should take this kind of junction more slowly.
What must you not make happen when emerging?
Cause another road user to stop, slow, swerve or swear.
What routine should you use when making a decision about when to emerge?
The LADA routine, which stands for Look, Assess, Decide, Act.
When emerging at a closed T-junction, what method should you practise?
The ‘peep and creep’ method.
Why is the Give Way triangle the only warning sign that is inverted?
To really make it stand out, so it’s instantly recognisable even if the sign is obscured, damaged or viewed from the rear.
What does ABS stand for?
Anti-lock braking system.
What advice is often given for vehicles with ABS when making an emergency stop?
Depress the clutch at the same time as braking.
What should you do when given the instruction to drive on, after making an emergency stop?
Check all around, including the left and right blindspots.
How does ABS work?
ABS activates automatically when you brake hard. The system releases the brakes and reapplies them rapidly, in fact several times a second, which sends a pulsing sensation through the brake pedal. This can be quite unnerving the first time you experience it and you will be tempted to take your foot off the brake. Don’t! Keep applying maximum pressure instead.
How can you replicate ABS in a non-ABS car?
Quickly come off the brake pedal and reapply it straight away. Repeat this until the car stops.
What is it called when manually replicating the way ABS works?
Cadence braking.
What procedure should you use when emerging from a minor road?
The MSPSL procedure, which is the same as we use at T-junctions. MSPSL stands for Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, Look. (So MSM/PGSL minus the Gear.)
What should you do if you are crossing the path of another vehicle?
Give way to them.
What should you do if you are both crossing each other’s path?
Try to make eye contact with the other driver. Go carefully and be prepared to give them priority.
What can happen if you cause a death while proven to be driving tired?
You can be charged with death by dangerous driving, which carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
What is the difference between offside turning and nearside turning?
- Offside turning is where you go around the back of each other.
- Nearside turning is where you turn right in front of each other.
What are the pros and cons of offside turning?
Both drivers have a clear view of oncoming traffic, but you can’t see the road you’re turning into as well.
What are the pros and cons of nearside turning?
You have a better view of the road you’re turning into, but you don’t have a good view of oncoming traffic.
Should you use offside or nearside turning?
It depends. Sometimes road markings will force you to use one or the other. At other times, you should try to communicate with the other driver to decide how you’ll tackle it.
What should you do if you break down on the motorway and cannot make it to the exit or the service area?
Get out of the vehicle. It is dangerous to wait inside as you are at risk of being hit from the rear at high speed by passing cars.
