Before starting the engine, you should make a series of checks known as the cockpit drill. On your driving test, when you first enter the car, you must carry out the cockpit drill to show the examiner that you are familiar with the routine:
Doors: Make sure the boot, the bonnet, and all doors are closed properly. Many cars will show a dashboard warning light if a door or the boot is open, so check your instrument panel once the engine is on.
Seat: Adjust your seat so you can comfortably reach all the controls. You should be able to fully depress the clutch and accelerator pedals without having to stretch. Adjust your head restraint to be in the correct position.
Steering Wheel: If the steering wheel is adjustable, adjust it so your hands are resting comfortably, a little lower than your shoulders. Make sure the wheel doesn’t block any part of the instrument panel.
Seatbelt: Put your seatbelt on, making sure the belt isn’t twisted. The belt should be strapped firmly against your body. The law states that whilst driving a car, you must wear your seatbelt at all times, except when performing a reversing manoeuvre or if you have a medical exemption certificate. It is also your responsibility to ensure that any passenger under the age of 14 is wearing a seatbelt.
Mirrors: Check your left, centre, and right mirrors are correctly aligned so you can quickly see what’s happening behind you with a glance without having to move your head unnecessarily. Side mirrors / adjust them so you can see a small amount of side of the car is showing and that there is an equal proportion of road and sky visible. Interior centre mirror / adjust this so you can see the top edge of the rear window at the top edge of the mirror. Hold the mirror by the edges to avoid finger marks.
Handbrake: Make sure the handbrake is engaged and that the gear stick is in neutral or park or neutral if driving an automatic. If the car is in gear when you start the engine, the car will lunge forward or backwards if in reverse.