1. Chapter 3 Basic Vehicle Control
Driver’s Education
Chapter 3
Basic Vehicle Control

2. Instrument Panel
Speedometer – This tells you that speed that you are traveling in both miles per hour and kilometers per hour
Tachometer – This indicates the engine revolutions per minute. Engine damage can occur if needle enters the red
Odometer – indicates the total number of miles that a vehicle has been driven.
Trip Odometer – will indicate the number of miles for a certain period of time and can be set back to zero

3. Instrument Panel
Fuel Gauge – Shows the amount of fuel in the tank, if tank gets below ¼ full you run the risk of running out
Temperature Gauge/Light – warns you when the coolant in the engine is too hot
Oil Pressure Gauge/Light – warns you when the oil is not circulating at the proper pressure
Alternator Warning Light/Gauge – warns that the battery is not being charged and is using stored electricity

4. Instrument Panel
Brake System Warning Light – reminds you to release the parking brake and warns is the braking system is not working properly
Antilock Braking System Light – tells you the ABS is working properly
Safety Belt Light – This reminds you to fasten your safety belt before moving
Air Bag Warning Light – tells you if the airbags are working properly

5. Instrument Panel
Turn-Signal Indicators – These tell you the direction that you have signaled to turn
High-Beam Indicator – this is a light that glows when the high-beam headlights are on

7. Vehicle Controls
Steering Wheel – this controls the direction of the front wheels.
The steering wheel adjustment lever can mover the steering wheel for better driving comfort
Selector Lever – in a automatic transmission vehicle, this is moved to choose forward or reverse gears
This is located on the steering column or on the center console

8. Vehicle Controls
Ignition and Starter Switch – the engine is started by putting the key in the ignition and turning the key to the start position
Cruise Control – is a device that lets you maintain your desired speed without keeping your foot on the accelerator

10. Vehicle Controls
Parking Brake – This keeps the vehicle in place when it is parked. It is located either on the far left of the pedals or on the center console
Clutch Pedal – in a stickshift, pushing this down allows to shift gears. Located to the left of the brake pedal
Foot-Brake-Pedal – pushing this slows or stops the vehicle
Accelerator Pedal – this is located to the right of the brake pedal. Pushing this will increase the speed of the vehicle.

11. Devices for Safety
Safety Belts – always wear belt when the vehicle is in motion
Head Restraints – padded device on the back of from seats to prevent whiplash injuries
Horn – normally located on the steering wheel.

12. Devices for Safety Mirrors
Inside mirror – shows directly behind the vehicle
Outside mirrors – show to the right and left behind the vehicle
Even with properly adjusted mirrors there will still be blind spots

13. Getting Ready to Drive
Outside Checks – walk around vehicle and look for
Oil marks
Tires are inflated
Wheels are pointed straight
Windshield, headlights, and taillights are clear

14. Getting Ready to Drive Inside Checks
Adjust seat for best comfort and foot control
10 inches away from steering wheel
Hand and legs slightly bend when on steering wheels and pedals
Adjust head restraints and mirrors
Fasten safety belt

15. Automatic Transmission
Shift Indicator – shows gear position on steering column or on the instrument panel
Park (P) – This position locks the transmission. You should shift into park every time you stop the vehicle
Reverse (R) – This position is for doing backwards. Always come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse. Reverse lights should come on when in reverse.
Neutral (N) – This Position allows the wheels to roll without engine power. If you stall when driving, use neutral to restart car.

16. Automatic Transmission
Drive (D) – This position is for moving forward. Keep foot on brake when shifting into drive.
Low (L1, L2) – These positions allow the engine to send more power to the wheels at lower speeds

17. Steering the Vehicle Have a comfortable and balances driving position
Hands at 9 and 3
Pick aiming point and drive to it
Make constant corrections
Look for hazards ahead

18. Putting the Vehicle in Motion
Press firmly on the brake
Shift the vehicle into drive
Turn on left turn signal
Check for traffic in the rearview mirrors
Look over left shoulder for traffic
When the roadway is clear, release the brake and gently press on the accelerator moving away from the side of the road
Cancel your signal
Reach your desired speed and let up on the accelerator

19. Stopping the Vehicle Check traffic in mirrors Let off the accelerator
Gently press on the brake pedal
Gradually press on brake until vehicle is stopped. Ease up just before stopping
Keep foot on brake if vehicle is still in drive

20. Driving a Manual Transmission
Always make sure you set the parking brake with a manual transmission vehicle.
You must learn how to to coordinate using the clutch with the accelerator and gear shift lever
Friction Point – this is where you feel the engine take hold and start to move the vehicle
Most manual transmission vehicles have 4 or 5 gears. The lower gears are for slower driving. The higher gears are for expressway driving and are fuel saver gears.
Downshifting – is shifting from a higher gear to a lower gear.

21. Driving a Manual Transmission
Neutral (N) – used when standing still and starting
First gear – used for starting the vehicle in motion
Second – Fourth – shift through as speed increases
Fifth/Sixth gear – are overdrive expressway gears
Reverse – used for backing. Never shift to reverse when vehicle is moving

22. Using a Clutch
Always press pedal to the floor before starting the engine, before shifting, and before coming to a stop.
Riding the Clutch - this means resting for foot on the clutch while driving.
This cause clutch wear and can lead to expensive repairs.