Cockpit Drill and Controls: Introduction

The exam

While you can give a controls lesson for Part-Three or a Standards Check it would not normally be a good choice because it does not offer an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills fully.

If you were to choose a cockpit drill/controls session it would ideally be as a recap before a moving off and stopping lesson. While we cannot choose your exam topic for you - this is up to you - we advise that you do not choose this subject. If you do choose this subject you will need to drive the car to a suitable location making good use of the journey time to discuss the lesson topic.

The lesson

The information contained in this section will help get you on track for an effective controls lesson whatever your starting point.

It's very easy to go into too much detail when teaching the controls lesson and when briefing for other lessons. Perhaps the worst thing you can do is to try and learn a script...

As a skilled driver already know all of the content information you need to teach this lesson. The information in this section will help you to deliver this lesson after you have qualified.

For background information about possible content to include in this lesson see DriverActive links below and the appropriate DriverActive handouts from the Gold Member's Area at adimasterclass.co.uk.

DriverActive links: Cockpit Drill | Controls

Goals

Your goal:

To ensure that your pupil can enter the vehicle safely, complete the pre-start cockpit drill and that he/she understands the function of the controls and how they are operated.

As a general rule your controls lesson will include engine start and moving off - in which case the correct pre-start safety procedure and moving off routines would also be covered.

Learner's goals:

To enter the car safely and adjust the seat and mirrors prior to driving. To understand the basics of seatbelt use and passenger safety. To understand the function and use of the main controls.

To perform the correct pre-start safety procedure and moving off safely, under full control (covered in moving off and stopping).

Note that these are generic goals - some learners will have specific personal goals. You also need to take in to account any previous experience, for example, if you were to teach someone who was from a 'no car' family your approach might be different to someone who regularly rides in a car (there are still more than 20% of families with no car).

Next: Step 2 - DSSSM Routine