1. Module 2 Day 4
Driver Preparation

2. Lesson 1: Controls, Devices, and Instruments
The instrument panel and vehicle controls are slightly different in each kind of automobile.
You need to know how to read the gauges and understand the meaning of the warning lights.
You also need to know how to use devices for safety, communication, and comfort.

3. Lesson 2: Getting Ready to Drive
You can help to prevent collisions even before you start the automobile.
These precautions include completing a safety check of both the outside and inside of the car and entering the vehicle properly.
You also need to adjust the seat and mirrors before driving.

4. Lesson 3: Starting, Stopping, Steering, and Targeting
Controlled steering involves effective use of vision and a comfortable, balanced hand position on the steering wheel.
Using targets helps you steer with pinpoint accuracy.
You should squeeze the accelerator and brake pedals with constant pressure, not push down on them, to accelerate and brake smoothly.

5. Symbols and Devices
Basic Vehicle Operation(Chapter 3)

6. 3.1 Vehicle Controls Draw the following chart in your spiral
Purpose 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

7. 3.1 Vehicle Controls Steering Wheel
The steering wheel turns the front wheels. To steer the vehicle you need to have speed control. With too much speed, the car will go straight even though the tires are turned.

8. 3.1 Vehicle Controls
2. Adjustable Steering Position Some vehicles have options available to help a driver fit behind the steering wheel. Refer to your owner’s manual for more information.

9. 3.1 Vehicle Controls
3. Shift Lever The shift lever is used to select a gear. The shift lever is most commonly located on the steering column or on the console. The console is the compartment mounted between the front seats.

10. 3.1 Vehicle Controls
4. Cruise control The cruise control device lets you maintain your desired speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator.

11. 3.1 Vehicle Controls
5. Accelerator Pedal The accelerator pedal, located to the right of the brake pedal, is pushed down to increase speed.

12. 3.1 Vehicle Controls
6. Brake pedal Pushing down on the brake pedal slows or stops the vehicle. Depressing this pedal also turns on the brake lights.

13. 3.1 Vehicle Controls
7. Parking Brake The parking brake keeps the vehicle in place when it is parked. In many cars, the parking brake is a foot-operated pedal located on the far left. Push the pedal down with your foot to set the brake.

14. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
Devices for Safety, Communication, and Comfort.
Locate and understand the operation of the following devices on any vehicle you drive before you put the car in motion.

15. Shift Indicator Position
The shift indicator shows the gear positions of an automatic transmission.
This indicator may be located on the steering column, on the instrument panel, or on the console to the right of the driver.
Common positions on the indicator are P, R, N, D, 2, and 1.

16. Shift Indicator Position
Draw the following chart in your spiral:
Shift Indicator Position
Function
P (PARK)
R (REVERSE)
N (NEUTRAL)
D (DRIVE)
LOWER GEARS

17. Shift Indicator Position
P (PARK)
This gear position locks the transmission.
Your vehicle should be in park before you start driving.
You should also shift to park every time you stop driving since the vehicle cannot roll in this gear.
Never shift to park when the vehicle is moving.
You can remove the key from the ignition only when the lever is in PARK.

18. Shift Indicator Position
R (REVERSE)
This gear is used for backing up.
Always come to a complete stop before shifting into REVERSE.
When you shift into REVERSE, the backup lights come on.
These white lights at the rear of your vehicle illuminate your path at night and tell others that you are backing up.

19. Shift Indicator Position
N (NEUTRAL)
This position allows the wheels to roll without engine power.
If the engine stalls while you are driving, you must shift into NEUTRAL to restart the engine while the vehicle is moving.

20. Shift Indicator Position
D (DRIVE)
This position is for moving forward.
To keep your vehicle from jumping forward, keep firm pressure on the brake pedal every time you shift to DRIVE.
Some vehicles are equipped with overdrive.
In most cars, overdrive is shown as a D with a circle or square around it.
Driving in this gear saves fuel and can be used for all normal forward driving.

21. Shift Indicator Position
LOWER GEARS
The numbers 2 and 1 located to the right of D represent lower gear ratios (some indicators have L2, L1, or D2, D1).
These positions allow the engine to send more power to the wheels at lower speeds.
You should use the lower gears when you are towing heavy objects or going up and down steep hills.

22. Draw the following chart in your spiral.
Device
Location
Purpose 1.
27.

23. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
1. Safety Belts
Always wear your safety belt when the vehicle is in motion; it is your best protection against injury in a collision (located on all passenger seats). All passengers must wear a safety belt.

24. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
2. Head Restraints
Most vehicles have head restraints (located at the top of the seats) that help reduce whiplash injuries in a collision especially if the vehicle is hit from the back.

25. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
3. Inside and Outside Rearview Mirrors
The inside mirror shows the view through the rear window of the vehicle. The left and right outside mirrors (located on the outside of the vehicle) shows views to the side and back of your vehicle.

26. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
3. Inside and Outside Rearview Mirrors (continued)
Keep in mind that even when your mirrors are adjusted properly, there are still mirror’s blind spots which are areas around the vehicle that the driver cannot see.

27. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
4. Horn
The horn is typically located on the steering wheel and is used to alert other drivers.

28. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
5. Hazard-Flasher Control
This switch is usually located on the steering column or instrument panel. When the hazard flasher is on, both front and rear turn-signal lights flash at the same time. Hazard-Flashers let other drivers know you are having vehicle issues.

29. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
6. Turn-Signal Lever
The lever is located on the left side of the steering column and is pushed up to signal a right turn and down to signal a left turn. Turn signals let other drivers know that you are planning to turn the vehicle.

30. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
7. Windshield Wipers and Washers
This control is often mounted on the turn-signal lever.
Windshield wipers and washers are used to clear the windshield of debris (dirt, rain, etc….)

31. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
8. Light Switch
The light switch is usually a knob or switch located on the left of the instrument panel or on the turn-signal lever.
This device controls headlights and taillights as well as the instrument panel, license plate, and dome lights.

32. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
9. Hood Release Lever
This lever is usually located on the left side under the instrument panel. The hood release lever opens the hood.

33. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
10. Heater, Air Conditioner, and Defroster
The heating and air conditioning systems heat and cool the car, and the defroster keeps the windshield and windows free of moisture.
It is usually located in the control panel or in the front, center dashboard area of the vehicle.

34. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
11. Sun Visor
Sun visors are located above the windshield on the driver and passenger sides and are used to cut the glare from the sun.

35. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
12. Seat Adjustment Lever
This lever is usually located at the lower front or the left side of the driver’s seat. The lever adjusts the position of the seat.

36. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
13. The Instrument Panel
The instrument panel c0ntains gauges, warning lights, and sometimes a message center. It is the panel directly in front of the driver’s seat. No matter where the gauges and lights are located, their purposes are the same.
The following gauges measure the operational condition of the vehicle. It is extremely important that you detect any abnormal reading as soon as possible.

37. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
14. Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows how much gasoline is in the tank.
It is typically located in the control panel.

38. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
15. Temperature Light or Gauge
This light or gauge warns you when the coolant in the engine is too hot.
It is typically located in the control panel.

39. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
16. Oil Pressure Warning Light or Gauge
This warning light or gauge signals you when the oil is not circulating through the engine at the proper pressure. However, it does not tell you the amount of oil in the engine.
It is typically located in the control panel.

40. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
17. Alternator Warning Light or Voltage Meter
If this light comes on or the gauge shows “Discharge” while the engine is running, the alternator is not generating enough electricity to run the vehicle. The alternator warning light indicates that the electricity is being used from the battery.
It is typically located in the control panel.

41. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
18. Brake System Warning Light
This light serves two purposes. First, it reminds you to release the parking brake before moving the vehicle. Second, if the light comes on while you are pressing the foot brake or while you are driving, part or all of the braking system is not working properly. If this occurs, brake gradually to a stop, have the vehicle towed, and have the vehicle corrected.
It is typically located in
the control panel.

42. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
19. Speedometer
The speedometer tells you the speed at which you are traveling.
It is typically located in the control panel.

43. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
20. Odometer
The odometer indicates the total number of miles the vehicle has been driven.
It is typically located in the control panel.

44. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
21. Antilock Braking System (ABS) Light
This light tells you if the ABS is functioning properly. If the ABS light comes on while driving, it indicates a problem with the system.
It is typically located in the control panel.

45. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
22. Safety Belt Light
The light reminds you to fasten your safety belt before moving your vehicle.
It is typically located in the control panel.

46. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
23. Air Bag Warning Light
If the airbags are not in proper operating condition, this warning light will stay on.
It is typically located in the control panel.

47. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
24. Turn Signal Indicators
These indicators tell you the direction you have signaled to turn.
It is typically located in the control panel.

48. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
25. High-Beam Indicator
This light glows when the high-beam headlights are on. The indicator usually appears as a small blue light in some area on the instrument panel.
It is typically located in the control panel.

49. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
26. Check Engine Light
This light will either blink or remain constant depending on the problem. A blinking light indicates a problem that needs immediate attention. When the check engine light comes on, you should have the vehicle checked by a service technician.
It is typically located in the control panel.

50. 3.1 Controls, Devices and Instruments
27. Message Center
Many vehicles have a message center that provides drivers with important information.
Typical reminders include check engine oil, low-washer fluid, and door ajar.
Refer to your owner’s manual for the meanings of the messages whenever they appear in the instrument panel.

51. Review Questions (Classroom Progress Assessment)
Number 1 to 7 in your spiral and match the vehicle part on the left with a description of one of the part’s functions on the right.
__1. air conditioner
__2. ignition switch
__3.accelerator pedal
__4.parking brake
__5.power brakes
__6. steering wheel
__7. brake pedal
Turns on the vehicle’s electrical system
Makes your vehicle stop without a lot of foot power
Lower’s the vehicles humidity
Controls the direction in which the vehicle is going
Keeps a stopped vehicle from rolling
Controls speed
Enables you to slow or stop your vehicle

52. Review Questions (Classroom Progress Assessment)
Match the vehicle part on the left with a description of one of the part’s functions on the right.
C 1. air conditioner
A 2. ignition switch
F 3.accelerator pedal
E 4.parking brake
B 5.power brakes
D 6. steering wheel
G 7. brake pedal
Turns on the vehicle’s electrical system
Makes your vehicle stop without a lot of foot power
Lower’s the vehicles humidity
Controls the direction in which the vehicle is going
Keeps a stopped vehicle from rolling
Controls speed
Enables you to slow or stop your vehicle

53. BUCKLING UP
In 2006, 55% of passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were not wearing seat belts.
Seat belt use, reinforced by effective safety belt laws, is a proven life saver.

54. BUCKLING UP
All states except one have seat belt use laws, but only 26 states and the District of Columbia have primary enforcement of their belt laws.
In states with primary enforcement, law officers may ticket a non-belt user when they see a violation of the seat belt law.
With secondary enforcement laws, officers may issue a citation only after stopping the vehicle for another traffic infraction.

55. BUCKLING UP
Seat belt use is significantly higher in states with primary enforcement laws compared to those with secondary enforcement laws.
Primary enforcement is important not only for raising adult safety belt use, but also for increasing the number of children who are protected by occupant restraints.
Research also shows that when adults buckle up, 87% of children get buckled up too.

56. BUCKLING UP
Lap-shoulder belts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat occupants by 45% and the risk of moderate-to-critical injuries by 50%, depending on the type of vehicle and seating position involved.
For light truck occupants, safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 60% and moderate-to-critical injury by 65%.

57. BUCKLING UP
Seat belts are credited with preventing an estimated 15,434 fatalities in 2004.
If all passenger vehicle occupants over age 4 wore safety belts, 21,273 lives could have been saved in 2004.
If all passengers were to wear their seat belts, an additional 5,839 fatalities could have been prevented in 2004.

58. BUCKLING UP
Six out of ten children who died in passenger vehicle crashes were unbelted.
The needless deaths and injuries that result from non-use of seat belts cost society an estimated $26 billion annually in medical care, lost productivity and other injury related costs.

59. BUCKLING UP
Average inpatient costs for traffic crash victims who did not use seat belts were 50% higher than for victims who were belted.
In 2004, 68% of the pickup truck drivers killed in traffic crashes were not wearing restraints.

60. BUCKLING UP
Fines for not wearing a seat belt in the United States currently range from $5 in Idaho to $75 in Oregon.
The most common fine (27 states) is $20-25.
A 1995 NHTSA study of the effect of various provisions of seat belt use laws found that for each $1 in fine level, states tend to gain about 0.08% higher belt use.

61. Review
Identify three operational controls and explain how to use them.
Why is it important to check your indicator lights every time you start the car?
Explain how safety devices inside your car help keep you safe.
Why do you think it would be a good habit to place the shift selector in PARK when passengers exit the vehicle with the engine running?

62. Chapter Vocabulary When _____________ occurs, the tires stop rotating.
A(n) ___________ serves as an “aiming point” for where you want the vehicle to go.
The _____ is used to select a gear.
A(n) ________ lets you open or close your vehicle’s doors from a distance.
In an automatic transmission, the _____ shows the positions of the gears.
When drivers brake and feel the brakes slowing down the vehicle, they are feeling the _________ of the vehicle.
The _________ indicates engine revolutions per minute.
The ________ keeps the wheels from locking if the driver brakes hard