Driver’s EducationDriver’s Education

Chapter 3

Basic Vehicle Control

Instrument PanelInstrument Panel

Speedometer – This tells you that speed that you are traveling in both miles per hour and kilometers per hour

Tachometer – This indicates the engine revolutions per minute. Engine damage can occur if needle enters the red

Odometer – indicates the total number of miles that a vehicle has been driven. – Trip Odometer – will indicate the number of miles for

a certain period of time and can be set back to zero

Instrument PanelInstrument Panel

Fuel Gauge – Shows the amount of fuel in the tank, if tank gets below ¼ full you run the risk of running out

Temperature Gauge/Light – warns you when the coolant in the engine is too hot

Oil Pressure Gauge/Light – warns you when the oil is not circulating at the proper pressure

Alternator Warning Light/Gauge – warns that the battery is not being charged and is using stored electricity

Instrument PanelInstrument Panel

Brake System Warning Light – reminds you to release the parking brake and warns is the braking system is not working properly

Antilock Braking System Light – tells you the ABS is working properly

Safety Belt Light – This reminds you to fasten your safety belt before moving

Air Bag Warning Light – tells you if the airbags are working properly

Instrument PanelInstrument Panel

Turn-Signal Indicators – These tell you the direction that you have signaled to turn

High-Beam Indicator – this is a light that glows when the high-beam headlights are on

Vehicle ControlsVehicle Controls

Steering Wheel – this controls the direction of the front wheels.

The steering wheel adjustment lever can mover the steering wheel for better driving comfort

Selector Lever – in a automatic transmission vehicle, this is moved to choose forward or reverse gears

This is located on the steering column or on the center console

Vehicle ControlsVehicle Controls

Ignition and Starter Switch – the engine is started by putting the key in the ignition and turning the key to the start position

Cruise Control – is a device that lets you maintain your desired speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator

Vehicle ControlsVehicle Controls

Parking Brake – This keeps the vehicle in place when it is parked. It is located either on the far left of the pedals or on the center console

Clutch Pedal – in a stickshift, pushing this down allows to shift gears. Located to the left of the brake pedal

Foot-Brake-Pedal – pushing this slows or stops the vehicle

Accelerator Pedal – this is located to the right of the brake pedal. Pushing this will increase the speed of the vehicle.

Devices for SafetyDevices for Safety

Safety Belts – always wear belt when the vehicle is in motion

Head Restraints – padded device on the back of from seats to prevent whiplash injuries

Horn – normally located on the steering wheel.

Devices for SafetyDevices for Safety

Mirrors – Inside mirror – shows

directly behind the vehicle

– Outside mirrors – show to the right and left behind the vehicle

– Even with properly adjusted mirrors there will still be blind spots

Getting Ready to DriveGetting Ready to Drive

Outside Checks – walk around vehicle and look for

Oil marks Tires are inflated Wheels are pointed

straight Windshield, headlights,

and taillights are clear

Getting Ready to DriveGetting Ready to Drive

Inside Checks Adjust seat for best

comfort and foot control 10 inches away from

steering wheel Hand and legs slightly

bend when on steering wheels and pedals

Adjust head restraints and mirrors

Fasten safety belt

Automatic TransmissionAutomatic Transmission

Shift Indicator – shows gear position on steering column or on the instrument panel

Park (P) – This position locks the transmission. You should shift into park every time you stop the vehicle

Reverse (R) – This position is for doing backwards. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse. Reverse lights should come on when in reverse.

Neutral (N) – This Position allows the wheels to roll without engine power. If you stall when driving, use neutral to restart car.

Automatic TransmissionAutomatic Transmission

Drive (D) – This position is for moving forward. Keep foot on brake when shifting into drive.

Low (L1, L2) – These positions allow the engine to send more power to the wheels at lower speeds

Steering the VehicleSteering the Vehicle

Have a comfortable and balances driving position

Hands at 9 and 3 Pick aiming point and

drive to it Make constant corrections Look for hazards ahead

Putting the Vehicle in MotionPutting the Vehicle in Motion

Press firmly on the brake Shift the vehicle into drive Turn on left turn signal Check for traffic in the rearview mirrors Look over left shoulder for traffic When the roadway is clear, release the brake and gently

press on the accelerator moving away from the side of the road

Cancel your signal Reach your desired speed and let up on the accelerator

Stopping the VehicleStopping the Vehicle

Check traffic in mirrors Let off the accelerator Gently press on the brake

pedal Gradually press on brake

until vehicle is stopped. Ease up just before stopping

Keep foot on brake if vehicle is still in drive

Driving a Manual Driving a Manual TransmissionTransmission

Always make sure you set the parking brake with a manual transmission vehicle.

You must learn how to to coordinate using the clutch with the accelerator and gear shift lever

Friction Point – this is where you feel the engine take hold and start to move the vehicle

Most manual transmission vehicles have 4 or 5 gears. The lower gears are for slower driving. The higher gears are for expressway driving and are fuel saver gears.

Downshifting – is shifting from a higher gear to a lower gear.

Driving a Manual Driving a Manual TransmissionTransmission

Neutral (N) – used when standing still and starting

First gear – used for starting the vehicle in motion

Second – Fourth – shift through as speed increases

Fifth/Sixth gear – are overdrive expressway gears

Reverse – used for backing. Never shift to reverse when vehicle is moving

Using a ClutchUsing a Clutch

Always press pedal to the floor before starting the engine, before shifting, and before coming to a stop.

Riding the Clutch - this means resting for foot on the clutch while driving.

This cause clutch wear and can lead to expensive repairs.