🚗 The Cockpit Drill & Using the Car’s Controls

A step-by-step guide for learner drivers

🪑 The Cockpit Drill

Before you drive, set yourself up properly:

1. Doors – check they’re closed and locked.

2. Seat – adjust so you can reach pedals with knees slightly bent.

3. Steering – position so you can see the dash clearly.

4. Seatbelt – secure, flat, not twisted.

5. Mirrors – set them before moving off.

💡 Think: DSSSM (Doors, Seat, Steering, Seatbelt, Mirrors).

🪞 Mirrors

• Interior mirror: full view out the back window.

• Side mirrors: horizon across the middle, edge of your car just visible.

• MSM routine: Mirror – Signal – Manoeuvre every time you change speed or direction.

✅ Good habit: always glance in mirrors before signalling or braking.

⚙️ Clutch Control & The Biting Point (Manual)

The clutch connects the engine to the wheels. Pressing it down separates them; lifting it back up reconnects them. Good clutch control is the key to smooth driving and avoiding stalls.

1. Pressing the Clutch

• Always press the clutch fully down before starting the engine or changing gear.

• Keep your heel on the floor and use the ball of your foot to press — this gives control and balance.

2. Finding the Biting Point

• Select 1st gear and keep your foot on the brake.

• Slowly lift the clutch until you feel:

  • The car dip slightly / engine note changes.

  • A light pull forward as the engine and wheels connect.

• This is the biting point. Hold your foot steady there.

💡 Practise finding the bite repeatedly until you can hold it without rolling.

3. Balancing Gas and Clutch

• Add a little gas (about 1500 RPM) while holding the clutch at the bite.

• Too much gas = noisy and jerky take-off.

• Too little gas = risk of stalling.

• The smoother the balance, the smoother the pull-away.

4. Hill Starts

• Hold the car on the bite while gently applying gas.

• Release the handbrake only when you feel the car pulling forward.

• Control the clutch carefully so you don’t roll back.

5. Moving in Traffic

• In slow-moving traffic, you’ll often “creep” forward using just the clutch at the bite (sometimes called clutch control driving).

• Keep movements small and smooth; avoid riding the clutch for long periods as it causes wear.

6. Avoiding Stalls

• If you stall, don’t panic.

• Handbrake on, gear to neutral, restart the engine, and set up again.

• Most stalls happen because the clutch came up too quickly or gas was too low — focus on a smooth release.

⚠️ Common mistake: lifting the clutch too fast. Think “butterfly feet” — light and gentle, not heavy and rushed.

🔄 Changing Gears

Changing gear smoothly is all about timing, coordination, and planning ahead.

1. When to Change Up

• Move into a higher gear as the car gains speed and the engine sounds higher-pitched.

• General guide:

  • 1st → 2nd: around 10 mph

  • 2nd → 3rd: around 20 mph

  • 3rd → 4th: around 30 mph

  • 4th → 5th/6th: above 40 mph (depending on road and car)

• Don’t stare at the speedometer; listen to the engine note and feel how the car is pulling.

2. When to Change Down

• Change to a lower gear when:

  • Slowing down for junctions, corners, or hazards.

  • Climbing hills and the car starts to struggle.

  • Overtaking or needing more acceleration.

• Aim to select a gear that matches both your speed and the power you need.

3. The Gear Change Process

1. Mirrors – quick glance to check it’s safe (especially before slowing).

2. Clutch down fully – left foot all the way to the floor.

3. Release the accelerator – ease off while pressing the clutch.

4. Move the gear lever – use a relaxed hand, don’t force it.

   • Know the gear layout; push/pull gently into position.

5. Clutch up smoothly – ease the clutch up while gently pressing the accelerator.

6. Check the road ahead – focus back on traffic, not the gear stick.

💡 Tip: Keep your hand light — guide the gear stick, don’t grip it tightly.

4. Rev Matching (Advanced but useful)

When changing down, lightly press the accelerator as you release the clutch. This matches engine speed to wheel speed, giving a smoother change.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Riding the clutch: resting your foot on the pedal — causes wear.

• Changing gear too late: leads to over-revving and wasted fuel.

• Changing too early: engine struggles, risk of stalling.

• Looking at the gear lever: always keep eyes mainly on the road.

• Skipping unsafe gears: it’s okay to skip (e.g. 4th → 2nd) but only if speed and road allow.

6. Skipping Gears

• Known as “block changing”. For example:

  • Going up: 3rd → 5th on a motorway slip road.

  • Going down: 5th → 3rd when slowing for a roundabout.

• Saves fuel and reduces unnecessary gear changes.

• Only skip if you’re confident with clutch control and have judged your speed correctly.

⚠️ Golden rule: the right gear at the right time = safe, smooth driving.

🛞 Steering

• Hands at 9 & 3 on the wheel.

• Use the push–pull technique (don’t cross arms).

• Steer smoothly, avoid sharp jerks.

• Don’t “dry steer” (turning the wheel while stationary).

✅ Smooth steering = smooth passengers (and a happy examiner).

➡️ Keeping the Car Straight

When you first start driving, it’s normal to drift left or right. Staying straight comes with practice — but there are techniques that make it easier:

1. Look Where You Want to Go

• Keep your eyes far ahead (10–15 seconds up the road) instead of staring at the bonnet.

• Your hands naturally follow your eyes — if you look too close to the car, you’ll over-steer.

2. Relaxed Grip on the Wheel

• Hold the wheel firmly but avoid a “death grip.”

• Tense arms cause jerky corrections; relaxed arms allow smoother, tiny adjustments.

3. Use Reference Points

• On wide roads: aim for a lamp post, tree, or road sign ahead.

• In your lane: keep the white line or centre line just outside the driver’s side mirror.

• On narrow roads: judge your distance by keeping the kerb visible in the left mirror without drifting towards it.

4. Check Road Camber & Surfaces

• Many roads slope slightly left to help drainage. You may need a tiny steering correction to stay straight.

• Watch for potholes or uneven tarmac — the car may “pull,” so anticipate and adjust gently.

5. Mirror Checks

• Quick glances in your mirrors confirm you’re centred in the lane.

• If the kerb or centre line looks like it’s moving closer in your mirror, adjust gently.

6. Common Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Chasing the kerb – constantly looking down at it makes you drift. 👉 Fix: look ahead and trust your position.

• Over-correcting – steering too much when you feel a drift. 👉 Fix: use tiny inputs, like turning a doorknob.

• Not sitting straight – slouched seating can make you feel off-centre. 👉 Fix: adjust your seat and steering so you feel balanced.

• Speed too high for skill level – drifting is worse when rushing. 👉 Fix: practise at a steady, comfortable speed until confidence builds.

💡 Practice tip: On a quiet, straight road, line up your car and practise driving 200–300 metres looking far ahead. Relax your hands, keep tiny steering corrections, and glance in your mirrors to confirm you’re centred.

🏁 Moving Off

Moving off safely is about preparing the car correctly, checking all around you, and pulling away smoothly without stalling or rolling.

1. Prepare the Car

• Clutch down fully → select 1st gear.

• Add a little gas (about 1500 RPM) and hold it steady.

• Slowly bring the clutch up until you reach the biting point (car dips slightly / feels ready to move).

• Keep your handbrake on until you’re ready to go.

💡 This is called the POM routine: Prepare – Observe – Move.

2. Observe All Around

• Mirrors: check interior, then right door mirror.

• Blind spot: look over your right shoulder for cyclists, cars, or pedestrians.

• Signal: if anyone will benefit, indicate right.

⚠️ Never rely just on mirrors – blind spot checks are essential.

3. Move the Car

• Release the handbrake while holding the clutch steady at the bite.

• Gently raise the clutch a little more while adding gas.

• Steer smoothly into your lane/road position.

• Cancel the signal (if used).

4. Build Up Speed

• Once moving, release the clutch fully.

• Add more gas and shift into 2nd gear as soon as you’ve picked up speed (usually around 10 mph).

• Keep checking mirrors as you settle into normal driving.

5. Common Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Stalling – usually from lifting the clutch too fast or not enough gas. 👉 Fix: slow clutch, steady gas.

• Rolling back on a slope. 👉 Fix: use the handbrake and bite before releasing it.

• Forgetting blind spots. 👉 Fix: always “look, then move” — not the other way around.

• Over-steering when pulling out. 👉 Fix: small, smooth steering movements.

💡 Practice tip: Start on quiet, flat roads until the routine feels natural, then practise hill starts and busier junctions.

🛑 Stopping

Stopping properly is about planning early, controlling your speed smoothly, and securing the car safely. Done well, it feels calm and comfortable for you and your passengers.

1. Plan Ahead

• Spot where you want to stop early (a safe, legal, and convenient place).

• Avoid stopping opposite driveways, on bends, near junctions, or blocking crossings.

• Check mirrors to see who’s behind you before slowing.

2. Mirrors & Signal

• Check interior mirror first, then left door mirror if pulling in.

• Signal left if anyone around will benefit (other cars, cyclists, pedestrians).

• Always mirror–signal before braking.

3. Braking Technique

• Ease off the gas and press the brake gently and progressively.

• Increase pressure smoothly as the car slows, then ease off just before you stop (this avoids a final “jerk”).

• Keep your eyes on the road ahead while braking — don’t stare at your feet.

4. Clutch Timing (Manual Cars)

• If stopping completely: press the clutch down fully just before the car stalls (usually around 5–10 mph).

• If slowing but not stopping: choose a lower gear to match your speed instead of pressing the clutch too early.

• Don’t “coast” (clutch down too early) as it reduces control.

5. Steering into Position

• If pulling over, steer gently towards the kerb.

• Aim to stop 10–20 cm from the kerb in a straight line.

• Straighten your wheels before stopping fully — it looks neater and is safer for moving off again.

6. Securing the Car

• Apply the handbrake firmly.

• Select neutral (manual) or Park (automatic).

• Cancel your signal if it’s still on.

7. Common Mistakes (and Fixes)

• Braking too harshly – passengers lurch forward. 👉 Fix: apply brakes earlier and ease off before stopping.

• Clutch down too soon – “coasting” reduces control. 👉 Fix: only press clutch when nearly stopped or changing gear.

• Too far from / too close to kerb. 👉 Fix: glance in left mirror and judge distance; practise aiming for a consistent gap.

• Stopping in unsafe places (junctions, bends). 👉 Fix: scan ahead and choose safe, convenient places early.

• Forgetting handbrake. 👉 Fix: always “handbrake, neutral” before hands leave the wheel.

💡 Practice tip: On a quiet road, set yourself stopping “targets” (like lampposts or drain covers) to build accuracy and smoothness.

✨ Pro Tip: Repeating this routine in every lesson builds muscle memory. Once these basics are second nature, you’ll feel calmer and more confident behind the wheel.