Cockpit drill

This is probably the first thing that your instructor will discuss with you before you have even driven a centimeter.

The cockpit drill contains everything you need to make sure you are driving safely. This includes things like adjusting your mirrors and making sure you have the right seat position. Is everything cool enough for you to use the controls safely? Driving instructors Canberra will help you to arrive at the test center If you arrive at the test center with your driving instructor’s vehicle, there will not be any need for you to do the entire cockpit drill. Everything will already be set up.

You should have completed the cockpit drill before you arrive at your test car and you have a spare mirror to show the examiner. This is not a requirement, but it will make a good impression.

Safety checks for vehicles

You have complete control over this test as you can review and practice the pre-test. This will help you feel much better about the rest. Your instructor can help you to make a great first impression by allowing you to answer the first question in confidence and in your own words.

Instruments and controls for cars

Safe driving requires that you know how to use all the buttons and switches on your car. It’s impossible to predict when the sudden fog will start or when you’ll need your hazard light.

These controls may be mentioned in your show me and tell me questions. You may need them while driving with your examiner, particularly if it is rainy or foggy.

You can ask your examiner at any time during the test if you are allowed to pull over and adjust your mirrors. It’s fine as long you do it safely and with good observation.

You should also be confident using all controls if you do private practice from your vehicle.

Stopping and moving on

You will be asked to stop and then move on again several times during your test. You must demonstrate to the examiner each time you do the MSM (PSL) routine.

Mirror – Signal – Manoeuvre

Mirror: Use your mirrors to see traffic behind and around you and take action based on what you see

Sign – let others know what you are planning to do.

Manoeuvre: A change in speed or location( Position- Place your car in the best possible position for the move that you intend to make. This will reinforce your intentions

Safe road positioning

You must be able to keep your vehicle in a safe and central location. However, positioning means being able to make good decisions about upcoming hazards and expressing your intentions.

It is important to be aware of the position of other drivers. This can provide you with vital information and keep everyone safe.

Use of car mirrors

Your use of mirrors and your observation are two of the most important things that your examiner will observe.

Knowing your blind spots is a key part of mastering “Mirrors”. Before you can take the test, make sure you are regularly checking your mirrors, checking your blind spots, and taking action on what you see.

Use your mirrors!

Before you sign off

Before changing speed or direction,

As part of the Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre routine

Signaling

By letting others know what you are about to do, you can keep you and them safe. Even if your signal isn’t visible to anyone, it could still be needed by a pedestrian or driver.

It all depends on your driving instructor. However, mine instructed me to signal whenever I stopped or moved away during my driving test.

It is good practice.

Planning and anticipation

Expect the unexpected. How many times have I seen a tractor as big as a brachiosaurus at the intersection of my road?

It is necessary to demonstrate:

It’s possible to spot potential dangers so that you are prepared to handle them quickly if they do.

You can predict what other drivers might do and plan your actions around it.

You are alert to potential hazards at times and places like schools, bus stops, or flooding areas

Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists on the road and be considerate

Speed

Your test can penalize you if you go too fast or too slow. You might be penalized if you go faster than the speed limit, even though it’s wet. If you are going 20 mph and the speed limit is 30 mph, it could be a problem. The examiner may think you don’t know what the limit means.

The official speed limit does not dictate the speed. It’s not a target, but a LIMIT. You can use your judgment about the weather, traffic, and road conditions to determine the right speed.

Always be an able stop in the distance that you can see ahead. It’s much less if you are on a narrow road or at night.