Ultimate Driving Course Module 1: COCKPIT DRILL

Question 1

When do you carry out the cockpit drill

Answer 1

As soon as you enter the vehicle

Question 2

What is the cockpit drill

Answer 2

A number of safety checks carried out as soon as you enter the vehicle

Question 3

Outline the entire cockpit drill

Answer 3

Doors

Handbrake

Seat

Steering wheel

Seatbelt

Mirrors

Question 4

Explain cockpit drill: doors

Answer 4

Make sure that all the doors are closed properly. Give them a pull and making sure they don’t rattle. There may be a warning on the dash if they’re still open or the interior lights may stay on.

Question 5

Explain cockpit drill: handbrake

Answer 5

Check the handbrake is applied by ensuring it is pulled up.

Question 6

Explain the cockpit drill: seat

Answer 6

There are 3 parts to the seat: the base, backrest, and the head restraint

The seat is normally adjusted by using handles or levers

The height of the base can be adjusted. The correct height is that when you’re sitting on the base, your eyes are level with the centre of the windscreen.

The base can also be adjusted to a forward or backward position. There is normally a handle bar near the front of the base which you pull up to move the seat, after moving it ensure that the base has locked into place. The base should be positioned so that you can reach the foot controls comfortably. When pressing the clutch pedal, there should be a slight bend in your knee.

The backrest can also be adjusted to a forward or backward position. When your back is against the seat, hold the steering wheel from the 10 to 2 position, and there should be a slight bend in your arms. If your arms are straight that means the back rest is too far back, and if there’s too much bend, it’s too far forward.

The head restraint is there to protect you from neck injury in the event of an accident, pull it up with both hands to bring it higher or press the button and push it down to adjust it lower. The correct position is when the centre part is level with the tops of your ears and is as close to the head as is comfortable.

Question 7

Explain the cockpit drill: steering wheel

Answer 7

Your hands should be able to slide from the top to the bottom of the steering wheel without any obstruction. Also check that the steering is not obstructing your view of the dash panel.

The steering wheel can be adjusted by pulling down a lever. It can normally be moved in, out, up or down.

Question 8

Explain the cockpit drill: seatbelt

Answer 8

When fastening your seatbelt ensure there are no twists in the belt.

Question 9

Explain the cockpit drill: mirrors

Answer 9

There are 3 mirrors: centre, left, right

The side mirrors make objects appear further away and smaller that they actually are, the centre mirror gives the true reflection.

When adjusting the mirrors, make sure you’re sitting in the normal seating position and not leaning forward or to the side

Adjust the centre mirror with your left hand and be careful not to touch the glass, when adjusted correctly you should be able to see the whole of the rear screen.

In most vehicles the side mirrors are adjusted electronically so you may need to turn the ignition on. When adjusted correctly you’ll be able to see some of your vehicle and mainly have a clear view of the road or footpath.

Question 10

Can you observe everything around you in the mirrors?

Answer 10

No, there are areas not covered by the mirrors,called blind spots. You can see what’s in the blind spot area by looking over both shoulders.

Question 11

How can you remember the order of the cockpit drill?

Answer 11

DH SSS M