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A.1 Start-up procedures (The cabdrill)

Everything we do in life frequently, becomes a habit. Routines may make life dull at times, but they are necessary in learning and driving safely. Forgetting one small item, such as putting on the seatbelt or adjusting the mirrors, may become a distraction. Distractions are a common cause of crashes. 

The cabdrill is a logical order to get yourself, the vehicle and traffic ready for take-off. This is especially important after another family member had used the vehicle. A driver, having failed to prepare before take-off, will be tempted to adjust the seat and mirrors, or change the radio station.

It’s too late to search for the windscreen wipers after it had started raining, or hitting the steering wheel in vain, trying to warn the child or animal in harms way on the road ahead. The horn and hazard lights are among the first items to locate in an unfamiliar vehicle.

There are 12 items in the cabdrill. Lets break these into four categories (A - D) of three items each:

 

A. After entering the vehicle:   1. Shut and lock doors, locate controls. 2. Ensure handbrake is on.  3. Ensure gearlever is in neutral.
B. Prepare yourself:    1. Adjust seating   2. Adjust mirrors  3. Fasten seatbelt	Check warning lights and gauges and familiarize, with  positions of the key (ignition/accessories etc.)   In an automatic vehicle, foot must be firmly on brake when selecting gear!   To unlock ratchet, pull handbrake lever up a little, press button and hold!
C. Prepare the vehicle:    1. *Start engine. 2. **Select gear  3. Unlock ratchet (on handbrake)
D.  Preparation for traffic:   1. Check mirrors 2. Give sufficient indication (blinker) 3. Check over shoulder (blindspot)	(Learning this procedure (A-D) before your first driving lesson will impress any driving-instructor!)
Final step  >>>   Release handbrake and move off! *At this point check warning lights and gauges and familiarize, with  positions of the key (ignition/accessories etc.) **In an automatic vehicle, foot must be firmly on brake! To unlock ratchet, pull handbrake lever up a little, press button and hold!  (Operation of accelerator / clutch is covered in the next Chapter)

Concern is often expressed about the danger of being trapped by a locked door. Whilst this is valid, drivers have to consider, if the danger from an intruder is greater, especially when travelling alone at night.

Another common mishap - leaving the door open while reversing. Even for a short distance, when reversing shut all doors. It can easily become jammed on a petrol pump, gate or fence post. This could not happen, if the very first point of the cabdrill is observed.

The procedure for parking the car at the kerb is as follows:

Note the word *accessories. By thinking for a moment, which ones are operating a driver is less likely to forget to turn off the lights, a common mishap in older type vehicles on rainy days.

 

PROCEED - BUT NOT WITHOUT PROCEDURE! 

Disclaimer: The information on this website could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.  Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au 2001 / Revised August/2010

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