DRIVING PROCEDURES AND MANEUVERS ALABAMA COURSE OF STUDY #10, #11 and #12 Describe proper procedures for pre-starting, starting and stopping a vehicle. Explain basic maneuvers of driving, including steering, braking, passing, lane changing, merging, parking, signaling and turning. Explain defensive driving techniques, including the Smith System and the search, identify, predict, decide, and execute (SIPDE) process.

Driving Procedures and Maneuvers Pre-Start Checks

Pre-Start Procedures Develop a routine for entering and leaving your vehicle. Check condition of tires, lights, car body, etc. Check around the vehicle. Close and lock doors. Adjust seats. Adjust mirrors and head restraints Fasten safety belts

Outside The Vehicle Checks

Check Tires Tires should be checked to make sure they are not under inflated, worn or damaged. It should be noted which way the tires are turned because this will be the direction your car will go as soon as it begins moving.

Lights And Car Body Make sure all lights and windows are clean and undamaged. If it is cold, you may have to scrape snow or ice off your windshield. At least once a week or when stopping for gas, check oil, coolant, battery, brakes, transmission and windshield-washer fluids.

Check Around The Vehicle And The Intended Path Of Travel Look for children playing nearby – each year about 200 kids under the age of six are killed while playing in the driveway. Look for animals that may be hiding or sleeping near the vehicle. Check for objects around the vehicle (toys, etc.). Check under vehicle for stains that could indicate fluid leaks.

Inside The Vehicle Checks And Procedures

Close And Lock All Doors Make sure all doors are securely closed and locked. Put key into the ignition.

Adjust Seats Adjust seat so that you can clearly see the roadway and comfortably reach the floor pedals and other controls.

Adjust Mirrors And Head Restraints Adjust rearview and left side view mirrors so that you can use them with just your eyes and do not need to move your head. Adjust right side view mirror for the best vision with the least amount of head movement. Adjust your head restraint and have passengers adjust theirs.

Fasten Seatbelts Fasten your safety belt and make sure all passengers have fastened theirs. Remember the law!

Safety Belt Law The Alabama Safety Belt Law requires that all front seat occupants, regardless of age, be restrained. This is a primary law and is subject to a fine when not obeyed.

Child Restraint Laws Alabama’s Child Restraint Law states that the driver of a motor vehicle is responsible for seeing that any passenger under the age of 15 is properly belted. This applies to front and back seats in all passenger cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs. Violators will have points assessed against their license, as well as, paying a fine ($25) The law requires the following size appropriate restraint systems: -Infant-only seat or convertible seat used in the rear facing position -Convertible seat in the forward position or forward-facing seat until a child is at least 5 years of age or 40 lbs. -Booster seat until a child is 6 years old. -Seat belt until a child is 15 years of age.

Get Ready To Start Your Engine!

Starting the Vehicle Make sure the car is in park (neutral for a manual). Depress clutch (only for a manual transmission). Check for parking brake to be on (optional). Turn ignition key to “on” position and check gauges, then on to the “start” position. Release the key as soon as the engine starts.