The ‘cockpit drill’ is a routine that you will go through every time you sit in the driving seat, and will often be one of the first things your driving instructor teaches you.
Before driving any vehicle you need to carry out a cockpit drill routine to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other road users. The cockpit drill will make sure that you are seated correctly, your mirrors are adjusted properly, seatbelts are in use and that you’re ready to embark on your journey.
Are you sitting comfortably?
When sat in the driving seat it is important that you are correctly positioned to operate the vehicle and have good visibility. Your seated position should ensure that you can reach the foot pedals and hand controls easily.
Once you’ve adjusted the seating position you will also need to ensure that the head restraint is at a suitable level to protect your head and neck.
Interior & exterior mirrors
When driving, you will quickly realise just how important your mirrors are. It is therefore very important that your interior and exterior mirrors are correctly positioned to ensure that you have full visibility out of all three.
Before driving your vehicle you will first need to adjust your interior mirror so that you have the best possible view through the back window without having to move your head. You will also need to adjust the exterior wing mirrors so that you have the best possible rear view, again without having to turn your too far.
Clunk click, every trip
Once you’re comfortably seated and your mirrors are positioned correctly, you should now put on your seat belt. Your seat belt is a vital vehicle safety measure and should be used whenever you drive – regardless of how short the journey may be!
Using your left hand, reach over and grab the seat belt buckle and ensure that the belt lies flat across your chest and stomach and isn’t twisted. Your driving instructor will demonstrate the process of putting on and taking off your seat belt if needed.
According to UK law all drivers and passengers (unless they have an exemption certificate) are required to wear a seat belt. It is your job as the driver to encourage other passengers to wear the belts. If you are carrying passengers under the age of 14, it is your responsibility to ensure that they wear their seat belts correctly.
Seat belts not only save lives, but they also reduce the risk of other injury sustained during a collision, it is therefore vitally important that you ensure that both yourself and any passengers wear their seat belts at all times during the journey.
