1. Virginia Department of Education
Module Two Transparencies
Virginia Driver Responsibilities:
Preparing to Operate a Vehicle
Topic 1 -- Driver Preparation Procedures
Topic 2 -- Identifying Vehicle Control Devices
Topic 3 -- Operating Vehicle Control Devices
Topic 4 -- Vehicle Balance Considerations
Topic 5 -- Standard Vehicle Reference Points
Provided in cooeration with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

2. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Question: What should you do/check each time you approach your vehicle?
Have your keys in hand before approaching your car or entering the parking area-- finger poised above the panic alarm button.
Scan your surroundings! Be alert to other pedestrians and drivers.
Search for signs of movement between, beneath and around objects to both sides of your vehicle.
Make sure other drivers see you. Walk well away from parked vehicles.
If parked at the curb, face traffic as you approach the driver’s door.

3. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Before you hop in and drive…
**This is about a second process**
Look for objects that might interfere with safe movement of the vehicle.
Approach your vehicle from the FRONT when possible
Check for animals and people– especially children!
Inspect: tires, headlights, brake lights, turn signals and taillights, windshield, and side and rear windows.
Check under the vehicle for fluid leaks.

4. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Before you drive…
Develop a routine:
1. Place your key in the ignition.
2. Make sure all doors are closed tightly and locked.
3. Check windows- clean and/or defrost as needed.
4. Check items that could block your view or strike an occupant in the event of a quick stop or crash. Safest place to store items is in your trunk!

5. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Before you drive, continued…
Develop a routine:
5. Adjust the seat, steering-wheel/column, accelerator/brake pedals (if applicable) and head restraints.
6. Adjust the inside and outside mirrors.
7. Fasten and adjust safety belts and make sure all passengers fasten theirs.
8. Adjust air vents, windows and/or temperature control.
9. New drivers should avoid the distractions- especially the radio!

6. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Adjusting the vehicle to your preferences
Question: What adjustments can be made to ensure a better fit between you and your vehicle?
Seat position
Steering wheel
Mirrors
Head restraint, etc

7. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Question: How should the driver’s body be positioned, relative to the vehicle controls?
Body position:
You should be seated in a comfortable, upright position, squarely behind the steering wheel.
The seat should be positioned so that you can easily operate the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals without having to lift your heel from the floor.
Drivers should not sit closer than 10 inches from the steering wheel in vehicles equipped with a driver’s side air bag.

8. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
When properly seated, you should see:
The ground within:
12–15 feet to the front.
One and one-half to two car widths to the right side.
One-half to one car width to the left side.

9. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Steering wheel hand position
Hand position:
Adjust your steering wheel.
You may also be able to adjust the distance between the steering wheel and your chest.

10. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Gripping the steering wheel
Firmly grip the steering wheel with your arms bent at the elbows.
For better control and road feel, use your fingers instead of the palms of your hands.
Keep your thumbs up along the face of the steering wheel.
Place your left hand around 8-9 o’clock, and your right hand at about 3-4 o’clock, as on the face of a clock.

11. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Mirror settings and use
The inside mirror:
Adjust the inside mirror so that it covers the entire rear window.
To use the inside rearview mirror you should have to move only your eyes, not turn your head.

12. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Mirror settings and use
Side-view mirrors:
Adjust your driver’s side mirror.
Adjust your passenger’s side mirror.

13. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Develop appropriate visual positioning and use of mirrors.

14. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Occupant protection
Question: How do these safety restraints help protect you?
Safety belts
Head restraints
Air bags

15. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
Speed and directional inputs
Gear selector lever
Accelerator pedal
Brake pedal
Clutch pedal
Parking brake
Cruise/speed control

16. Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive
The instrument panel
Gauges Lights Owner’s manual

17. Alert/Warning Symbols and ControlsF. K. P.
Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
Fuel Indicator
Battery/Alternator Warning Light
Air Bag On/Off Switch B. G. L. Q.
Fuse / Fuse Box
Air Bag Functioning
Brake Warning Light
Temperature Indicator C. H. M. R.
Antilock Brake System Functioning
Safety Alert Symbol
Seat Belt Reminder
Emergency Flashers D.
THEFT I. N. S.
Theft-Deterrent System Activation
Vent and Air Flow Control
Fog Lamps
Turn Signal Wipers Stalk E. J. O.
12 Volt Extension Outlet
Door Locks
Drive Wheel Selector
T – 2.11

18. Alert/Warning Symbols and Controls
DD.
II.
Headlights/High Beam Indicator
Lighter Indicator
Power Window Controls
Left/Right Signal Indicator U. Z.
EE.
JJ.
Rear Defroster Indicator
Front Windshield Defroster
Hood Release
Exterior Lights V.
AA.
O/D
OFF
FF.
KK.
Horn
Overdrive On/Off Indicator
Cruise Control Device
Windshield Washer W.
BB.
GG.
LL.
Fan Speed Indicator
Parking Lamp Indicator
Steering Wheel Height Adjustment
Windshield Wipers X.
CC.
HH.
MM.
ETS
OFF
Electronic Traction Control System
Interior Light Adjustment
Adjust Left/Right Side Mirror
Trunk Release
T – 2.12

19. Center Instrument Cluster
Control, Information, Comfort, and Safety Devices
Center Instrument Cluster
Speedometer (mph-km/h)
Odometer
Trip Odometer
Gear Indicator
Location and description for all instruments and features can be found in Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual
T – 2.14

20. Control, Information, Comfort, and Safety Devices
Instrument Panel
Safety Belt Reminder
Antilock Brakes (ABS)
Brake Warning Light
Air Bag Warning Light
Battery/Alternator Warning light
Fuel indicator
Left/Right Turn Indicator Light
Engine Temperature
High Beam Indicator
Speed Control Settings
T – 2.15

21. Control, Information, Comfort, and Safety Devices
Instrument Panel Con’t
Oil Pressure Gauge
Door Ajar Warning Light
Anti-Theft Light
Speed Control Light
O/D On/Off
Driver Air Bag (SRS)
Lighter
Horn
Location and description for all instruments and features can be found in Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual
T – 2.16

22. Safety, Communication, Comfort, & Convenience Devices
Mirrors
Adjust Inside and Out
Safety Belts
Adjust for Maximum Effectiveness
Head Restraints
Protect Against Whiplash
Horn
Know Location and Use
Turn Signals
Know Location and Use
Door Locks
Manual / Power
Child Proof Rear Door Locks
Hazard Flashers
Know Location and Use
T – 2.21

23. Location and Use Location and Use
Safety, Communication, Comfort, & Convenience Devices
Windshield Wipers and Washers
Location and Use
Headlights / Running Lights
Location and Use
Hood Release
Location
Trunk Release
Location
Heat / Defroster / Air Conditioner Controls
Location and Use
Seat Adjustment
Power / Manual Controls
T – 2.22

24. Starting, Steering and Stopping the Vehicle
Starting the engine
Follow these steps:
1. Place your foot on the brake pedal before starting the
engine.
2. Check that the parking brake is set.
3. Check that the gear selector lever is in Park.
4. Start the engine.
5. As soon as the engine starts, release the key.
6. Idle for at least 15 to 20 seconds before you start driving.
7. Make sure all gauges indicate normal functioning of vehicle systems.
8. Turn on the low-beam headlights.
9. Drive at moderate speed to allow the engine and fluids to warm up.

25. Starting, Steering and Stopping the Vehicle
Steering techniques
Three steering techniques are available to drivers:
Hand-to-hand steering
Hand-over-hand steering
One-hand steering

26. Starting, Steering and Stopping the Vehicle
Hand-to-hand steering
Hand-over-hand steering

27. Starting, Steering and Stopping the Vehicle
Steering errors
Research shows that a substantial percentage of crashes involving 16-year old drivers result from failure to make a quick turn or from improper evasive steering.
Questions:
• What steering errors could drivers commit?
• What could be the results of such errors?

28. Starting, Steering and Stopping the Vehicle
Push Pull Slide Steering: