1. Drive Right Chapter 3 Unit 2
Theory Notes from
Driver Education Class

2. 3.1 Instruments, Controls and Devices
Instrument Panel:
Speedometer – speed you are traveling.
Tachometer – engines revolutions per minute.
Odometer – total number of miles vehicle driven.
Fuel Gauge – amount of fuel in tank.
Temperature Light or Gauge – coolant is too hot.
Oil Pressure Light or Gauge – problem with circulation.
Alternator Warning Light or Gauge – electrical system
Brake System Warning Light –
Release Parking Brake.
Braking system not working properly.

3. 3.1 Instruments, Controls and Devices
Instrument Panel
Antilock Braking System Light – if system is working properly.
Safety Belt Light – reminds you to fasten seat belt.
Air Bag Warning Light – if system is in proper working condition. Stays on a few seconds.
Turn-Signal Indicator – direction you have signaled to turn.
High Beam Indicator – glows when high-beam headlights are on.
Steering Wheel – controls direction of front wheels.
Steering Wheel Adjustment Lever – tilting wheel.
Selector Lever – shifting gears for automatics.
Gear-Shift Lever – manual transmission cars.
Ignition and Starter Switch – starts engine.

4. 3.1 Instruments, Controls and Devices
Instrument Panel
Cruise Control – maintain desired speed.
Parking Brake – keeps vehicle in place.
Clutch Pedal – allows you to shift gears.
Foot-Brake Pedal – slows or stops vehicle.
Accelerator Pedal – increase speed if pushed.
Safety Belts – protection against injury in collision.
Head Restraints – reduces whiplash in collision.
Inside Mirrors – view through the rear window.
Outside Rearview Mirror – view to side and rear.
Horn – on steering wheel.
Hazard Flasher Control – warns others about a hazard or that you are in trouble.
Turn Signal Lever – indicates direction of turn.
Windshield Wipers and Washers – cleans windows.

5. 3.1 Instruments, Controls and Devices
Instrument Panel
Light Switch – controls headlights, taillights, etc.
Hood Release Lever – pull to release hood.
Heater, Air Conditioning, and Defroster – warm, cool or defrosts the interior or windows.
Sun Visor – pull down or to the side to reduce glare.
Seat Adjustment Lever – adjusts seat position.

6. 3.2 Getting Ready to Drive Outside Checks:
Walk around and look for hazards. Look for leaking fluids under your vehicle.
Glance at tires and see they are properly inflated.
Check direction of front tires. You may have to turn.
Check windows and lights. Make sure they’re clear.
Check back window ledge for objects.
Look inside of the vehicle for unwanted passengers.

7. 3.2 Getting Ready to Drive Getting into the Vehicle: Inside Checks:
Unlock vehicle (keys and/or remote).
Walk around the front to enter vehicle.
Get in vehicle and lock doors
Inside Checks:
Lock doors. Less likely to open in a collision.
Adjust seat for comfort and best control of pedals.
Your hands should be balanced and comfortable.
Adjust head restraint to the middle of head.
Adjust the inside rearview mirror.
Adjust the left and right outside mirror
Fasten seat belt.

8. 3.3 Driving an Automatic Transmission
Selector-Lever Positions:
P: Park – Locks transmission
R: Reverse – Used for Backing
N: Neutral – Allows wheels to roll
D: Drive – Used for Moving Forward
1: Lower Gear – Slow hard pulling
2: Higher Gear – Passing Gear

9. Make sure Transmission in Park (or Neutral if stalls)
3.3 Driving an Automatic Transmission
Starting the Engine:
Parking Brake is Set
Make sure Transmission in Park (or Neutral if stalls)
Keep foot off Accelerator
Turn ignition to On – Then Start and release key
Check Gauges, Lights and Fuel

10. 3.3 Driving an Automatic Transmission
Hand Positioning and Controlled Steering:
Comfortable and balanced hand position on steering wheel.
Grip wheel firmly on both sides.
10 and 2 or 9 and 3 or 8 and 4
Always keep your knuckles outside the rim of the steering wheel.
Keeping the thumbs outside of the wheel could help reduce injury in a collision.

11. 3.3 Driving an Automatic Transmission
Steering the Vehicle:
Determine an aiming point while driving your vehicle.
The target should be in the center of your path of travel.
Look far ahead to identify clues and hazards.
Avoid looking directly in front of your vehicle.
Do not use the road lines as guides – this prevents you from looking far into the distance you want to travel.
Once you master these you will automatically do them. You will then concentrate on the total driving task.

12. 3.3 Driving an Automatic Transmission
Putting the Vehicle into Motion:
Press firmly on the brake pedal.
Move the selector lever to Drive.
Release the Parking Brake.
Check for traffic ahead and in rearview mirror.
If you are going to move away from the curb, use the left turn signal. Check mirrors again.
When you know the roadway is clear, release the foot-brake an press gently on the accelerator.
Quickly check again over your left shoulder for traffic.
Cancel your turn signal, if necessary.
As you reach your desired speed, let up a little on the accelerator. Adjust speed for traffic flow.

13. 3.3 Driving an Automatic Transmission
Stopping the Vehicle:
Check Traffic in both mirrors before slowing down.
Let up on the accelerator.
Tap the foot brake lightly.
Gradually press down on the foot-brake pedal. Ease up on the brake just before stopping. Leave the selector lever in Drive if you plan to start moving again immediately. Otherwise, shift to Park.

14. 3.3 Driving an Automatic Transmission
Securing the Vehicle:
Once you have stopped, continue to press the foot brake.
Shift to Park in an automatic or to Reverse in a stickshift vehicle.
Set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories. Close all windows.
Turn off the ignition switch. Remove the key. Release the foot brake.
Unfasten your safety belt.
Lock all doors.

15. 3.4 Driving a Manual Transmission Car
Selector-Lever Positions

16. 3.4 Driving a Manual Transmission Car
Selector-Lever Positions:
Neutral (N)- positioned in center of crossbar.
First (1) – Start the vehicle moving and up to MPH.
Second (2) – Accelerate to a speed of MPH.
Third (3) – Accelerate to a speed of MPH.
Fourth (4) – Accelerate to speeds above 35 MPH (Highway Driving).
Fifth (5) – in a five-speed transmission use this gear for 45 or 50 MPH.
Sixth (6) – Highway driving of 55 MPH or faster.
Reverse (R) – Gear is used for Backing Up. Never shift to R if the car is moving forward.

17. 3.4 Driving a Manual Transmission Car
Using the Clutch:
Always press the clutch pedal to the floor before starting the vehicle, shifting or stopping.
Shift smoothly from one gear to position to the next.
The speeds given here for shifting are only guidelines. Read your owner’s manual to know the recommended shifting speeds for your vehicle.
Do not develop the habit of riding the clutch.
This means resting your foot on the clutch pedal while driving. This causes the clutch to wear out and can lead to expensive repairs.

18. 3.4 Driving a Manual Transmission Car
Starting the Engine
Putting the Vehicle in Motion
Shifting from First to Second
Stopping from First or Reverse
Shifting from Third, Fourth and Fifth
Stopping from Higher Gears
Downshifting