A-Z of Learning to Drive

Part 1 A- D

Apps

If you've got 10 minutes in your lunch break or are bored on the bus then there are some fantastic apps available for learner drivers.

We recommend the Driving Test Success Theory Test & Hazard Perception apps. Using the Theory Test App you will learn how to become a safe driver and gain in-depth knowledge of the Highway Code. By using the Hazard Perception App you will learn how to recognise potential dangers on our roads and gain the confidence and experience you need to pass the second part of the Theory Test.

All these apps are available for Android and Apple devices.

Basics

Before you have your first lesson, you may be feeling nervous...there’s no need!

On your first lesson with Roadstar you will need to bring your Provisional License (both parts) and fill in a simple form.

Your lesson will take place in a quiet location where we will run through the Cockpit Drill. We will show you how to control the car while it is turned off, this will take about 30 minutes.

We will also run through the basics of car mirror adjustment, steering, how to change gears and when to use the handbrake.

When you are ready we will then move off and stop the car so you can get a feel for driving.

If you have any questions during your first lesson don’t be shy! Wayne is there to guide you through every step of the process.

Cockpit Drill

There are 6 Easy Steps to the cockpit Drill, if you get used to them before your first lesson it would be a great start for you. Why not ask your parents if you could practice in their car with them.

Step 1 – DSSSM

There are five basic parts to the cockpit drill:

· Doors

· Seat

· Steering

· Seatbelt

· Mirrors

This is abbreviated to ‘DSSSM’ to make it easier for you to remember;

Step 2 – Doors

Check that all your doors are closed. It’s simple advice, but you don’t want the doors to come flapping open in the middle of a driving lesson! Checking the drivers’ side door is easy; just give it a firm tug. If it doesn’t move, then it’s closed. If it does move, check around you for pedestrians or cyclists and, if the way is clear, open the door and close it with a firm pull. Don’t slam, we won’t thank you for slamming their doors.

The passenger doors simply require you to check your side mirrors. If the doors aren’t closed properly they will obviously not be in line with the rest of the vehicle. If you can see that any passenger door isn’t closed, simply ask your passenger/instructor/examiner to close it or safely exit the vehicle and close them yourself.

You can also use the light that most modern vehicles use to indicate that a door has been left open.

Step 3 – Seat

The seat will need to be adjusted to allow you to easily and comfortably control the vehicle. Finding the ideal position for you is just a matter of depressing the clutch with your left foot and moving the seat forwards/back until you have a slight bend in your left leg.

Most cars have a lever or handle underneath the seat to allow you to adjust the position. If you can’t find it, just ask.

Step 4 – Steering wheel

Now you’ve got your seat in position to give you control of the pedals, you need to make a few adjustments to make sure that you’ve got the steering wheel under control. Place one hand at the 12′o’clock position at the top of the steering wheel and use the seat controls (usually found low down on the right hand side of your seat) to move the backrest of your seat around until there is a slight bend in the arm that’s resting on the steering wheel.

Step 5 – Seatbelts

You have to wear your seatbelt; it’s the law. Put it on and make sure there are no twists in it. The only time you’re legally allowed to drive without a seatbelt is when you’re reversing. This is because the belt can make proper observations difficult when reversing. This applies during your driving lessons and driving test, but make sure that you remember to put it back on when you move off.

Step 6 – Mirrors

You’re almost ready to go, just the mirrors left to sort out!

You need to adjust your mirrors to give you as clear a view as possible of the road behind you. All you need to worry about are the side/door mirrors and the rear view mirror stuck in the centre of the windscreen.

The interior mirror is easy to position; just settle into your driving position and gently move the rear view mirror around to give you as good a view out of the back window as possible.

To adjust the side mirrors stay in your driving position and use the leaver to move the mirrors until the horizon sits in the middle of the mirror and a small part of the side of your vehicle shows in each mirror.

That’s it...you are now ready to move off!

Driving Essential Skills

Alongside the Official Highway Code and Know your Traffic Signs Books Roadstar Highly recommends you also read The Official DVSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills to get you through all parts of your tests.

This essential reference guide is recognised as the industry standard driving manual, packed full of driving advice for learners, experienced motorists, professional drivers and instructors alike. This comprehensive guide provides all motorists with everything they need to know to help them learn and maintain safe driving skills and stay safe on the road for life.

The Official DVSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills, together with The Official Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs, provides the source material for learner car drivers and driving instructor theory tests, being referenced throughout the latest official DSA theory test titles for car drivers. It is strongly recommended that you study from these source materials, as well as products containing the theory test questions themselves, to prepare fully for your tests.

It can also be purchased as a kindle edition, making it easy for you to ready anywhere...except perhaps in the bath!