Control and positioning (skills 5 to 7)

5. Controls and instruments

You need to concentrate on what’s happening around you when you’re driving, so operating the vehicle’s controls should become second nature. This includes:

foot controls – the accelerator, clutch and brake pedals
hand controls – the parking brake, steering wheel, indicators, headlights and gearstick
other controls – the horn (you need to know when and for what reason you can legally use it), windscreen wipers, demister and heated windows.

You should be aware of any controls specific to the car you’re driving.

You must also know the meaning and function of each element of the instrument panel.

6. Moving away and stopping

You have to move away and stop every time you drive, and that’s why it’s so important to make sure that you know how to move away and stop safely.

You should:

be able to move away and stop safely on level ground, on a hill, at an angle and straight ahead
use the mirrors – signal – manoeuvre (MSM) and position – speed – look (PSL) routines
observe what’s happening around you and be aware of any blind spots
co-ordinate your use of the accelerator, clutch and footbrake so that you move off and slow down safely and smoothly
use the parking brake and steering competently
know where and when to look, what to look for and how to act safely on what you see
be able to identify suitable stopping places
know where and when to signal

7. Safe positioning

Make sure that you drive in the correct position for the road on which you’re travelling. It’s important not only for your safety but also for the safety of other road users.

You should be able to:

use the MSM and PSL routines
show good lane discipline by planning ahead and moving into the correct lane in good time
adapt their road position to suit the road width and traffic conditions
keep a safe position during normal driving, especially around bends
take up the correct position on a one-way street

You must also understand:

how other vehicles, such as lorries and cyclists, need to position themselves
what clearance you need to leave when passing stationary vehicles, cyclists or obstructions