1. Mod 2
Driver Preparation Procedures
Vehicle & Operating Control Devices
Vehicle Balance
BGE Settings/Footprint
Reference Points/Lane Positions

2. Pre-DrivePre-Drive TasksTasks
Check around the outsideCheck around the outside of the vehicle for broken glass (windows,
lights,etc.), body damage, condition of tires, fluid leaks, direction of front tires,
or debris on the ground that could interfere with movement.
Check forCheck for small children or pets near vehicle.

3. Pre-DrivePre-Drive TasksTasks
• Sliding books or book bags on seats when
slowing or stopping will distract the driver.
• Food or beverages also distract the driver
from the driving task.
• Valuables visible in the car may attract a thief.
When parked at theWhen parked at the curbcurb
• Approach vehicle from the front to monitor
oncoming traffic.
• Approach driver’s door with key in hand.
When parked inWhen parked in parking lotparking lot
• Approach vehicle from the rear to observe people or
objects near the car.
• Approach driver’s door with key in hand.
Store personal items in trunk of vehicleStore personal items in trunk of vehicle

4. Seating in driver’s seat
• Driver should sit 10-12 inches
from the wheel
• Hand position should be at 8 &
4 for hand to hand steering
• Two hands for good control
• Head restraint – middle of the
back of the head

5. Rear-View Mirror
T – 4.21
Traditional and Contemporary (BGE) Mirror Setting
Rear-View Mirror SettingRear-View Mirror Setting

6. Rear Mirror View
Right Side Mirror View
Left Side Mirror View
BGE settings --15
degrees out (S.V.)
200 ft behind

7. Starting Tasks (1-12)
2 Adjust mirrors 1 Adjust seat
4 Chk parking brake 6 Key in ignition
7 Gear in “P” or “N” 3 Adjust seat belt
5 Foot on brake 9 Check alert lights
8 Turn key “ON” 10 Start engine
12 Chk warning lights 11 Set accessories

8. Securing TasksSecuring Tasks
Stop in a legal, safe parking spaceStop in a legal, safe parking space
 Park an appropriate distance from a fire hydrant, intersection,
RR crossing, loading zone, etc.
 Keep foot on service brake.
Set Parking BrakeSet Parking Brake
Recommended in most new vehicle owner’s manuals to protect
transaxle and constant velocity joints.
Place gear selector in (P)ark.Place gear selector in (P)ark.
Or place in recommended gear (Reverse or First gear) for
manual shift transmission.
Turn off any vehicle accessoriesTurn off any vehicle accessories
Check that all systems are functioning and ready to use next
time.

9. Under the Hood ChecksUnder the Hood Checks
3
8
11
10
9
1
2
6
7
4
5
1. Engine Coolant
Reservoir
2. Windshield Washer Fluid
Reservoir
3. Engine Oil Filler Cap
4. Transmission Fluid
Dipstick (Automatic
Transmission)
5. Engine Oil Dipstick
6. Brake Fluid Reservoir
7. Clutch Fluid Reservoir
(Manual Transmission)
8. Battery
9. Power Steering Fluid
Reservoir
10. Drive Belts
11. Air Filter Assembly
T – 2.4

10. Tires
• Tire pressure
– Check recommendation
in owner’s manual
• Tread wear, damage, or
bars showing
• Cuffing (uneven wear on
inside or outside tread
areas)
• Bald spots
• Cuts, stones, metal
fragments, or other
damage
Vehicle Safety,Vehicle Safety,
Communication DevicesCommunication Devices
& Accessories& Accessories
• Headlights, tail lights, and turn
signals
• Emergency lights and markers
• Emergency kit
• Windshield wiper blades,
operation, and washer fluid
• HVAC
• Safety warning lamps (brake,
ABS, air bag, safety belts)
Weekly Self-Checks
Topic 1 Lesson 2

11. Under the Hood ChecksUnder the Hood Checks
Self-CheckSelf-Check
Check every 1-2 MonthsCheck every 1-2 Months
• All interior and exterior lights
• Engine oil level, brake fluid level, and
engine coolant level
• Lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for
wear and smooth function
Check Twice Per YearCheck Twice Per Year
• Air pressure in spare tire
• Power steering fluid level
• Parking brake for proper operation
• Hinges, latches, door weather strips, and
outside locks (check and lubricate)
• Body and door drain holes (check and
clean)
• Cooling system coolant strength
• Battery connections (clean if necessary)
• Transmission fluid level
Professional ServiceProfessional Service
Every 3,000 - 5,000 Miles
• Oil change/filter replacement
• Tire rotation/balance
Every 15,000 Miles
• Automatic transmission fluid level
• Brake pads/shoes/rotors/drums, brake lines,
hoses, and parking brake system
• Engine cooling system
• Steering linkage, suspension and, if
equipped, drive shaft and ball joints
• Cabin air filter replacement, if equipped
Every 30,000 Miles
• Exhaust system and heat shield
• Engine air filter and fuel filter replacement
• Accessory drive belts
• Automatic transmission/transaxle service, if
equipped
T – 2.4b

12. Alert/Warning Symbols and ControlsAlert/Warning Symbols and Controls
THEFT
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
N.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
L.
K.
M.
O.
P.
Q.
R.
S.
T – 2.11
Air Bag On/Off Switch
Air Bag Functioning
Antilock Brake System
Functioning
Theft-Deterrent System
Activation
12 Volt Extension Outlet
Battery/Alternator
Warning Light
Brake Warning Light
Safety Alert Symbol
Vent and Air Flow
Control
Door Locks
Low Oil Pressure
Warning Light
Temperature Indicator
Seat Belt Reminder
Fog Lamps
Drive Wheel Selector
Emergency Flashers
Fuse / Fuse Box
Fuel Indicator
Turn Signal Wipers
Stalk

13. Alert/Warning Symbols and ControlsAlert/Warning Symbols and Controls
T.
U.
V.
W.
X.
GG.
Y.
Z.
AA.
BB.
CC.
EE.
DD.
FF.
HH.
II.
JJ.
KK.
LL.
MM.
O/D
OFF
ETSETS
OFFOFF
T – 2.12
Horn
Hood Release
Headlights/High Beam
Indicator
Lighter Indicator
Interior Light
Adjustment
Fan Speed Indicator
Adjust Left/Right Side
Mirror
Parking Lamp Indicator
Overdrive On/Off
Indicator
Exterior Lights
Steering Wheel Height
Adjustment
Cruise Control Device
Rear Defroster
Indicator
Power Window Controls Left/Right Signal
Indicator
Electronic Traction
Control System
Trunk Release
Windshield Washer
Windshield Wipers
Front Windshield
Defroster

14. Location and description for all instruments and
features can be found in Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual
• SpeedometerSpeedometer
(mph-km/h)(mph-km/h)
• OdometerOdometer
• Trip OdometerTrip Odometer
• Gear IndicatorGear Indicator
T – 2.14
Control, Information, Comfort, and Safety DevicesControl, Information, Comfort, and Safety Devices
Center Instrument ClusterCenter Instrument Cluster

15. How do you know the anti-lock
brakes, air bags & traction control
are working properly?
• The lights come on &
go off. The system
has been checked &
is working properly.

16. How do you know if lights are high
beam or low beam?
• The blue indicator light will be
illuminated when the high beams
are on.

17. What’s the function?
• Alternator – electrical system
• Oil – engine lubricating system
• Temperature – engine
operating system
• Brakes – braking system

18. Operating Vehicle Control Devices
Brake Pedal
Used to stabilize, decrease,
and increase speed.
The driver can:
- cover the brake;
- trail brake;
- control squeeze
brake;
- threshold brake;
- lock the brakes;
- apply ABS;
- jab (stab) brake; or
- lift off the brake.
Accelerator Pedal
Used to stabilize, increase,
and decrease speed.
The driver can:
– cover the
accelerator;
– use progressive
acceleration;
– use thrust
acceleration; or
– lift off the
accelerator.
T-2.19

19. Operating Vehicle Control DevicesOperating Vehicle Control Devices
T – 2.20
Gear Selector LeverGear Selector Lever
• Transmission Type and Location
• Overdrive and Drive gear use
Parking BrakeParking Brake
• Owner’s Manual suggests
engaging parking brake before
placing in Park.
Cruise / Speed Control –Cruise / Speed Control – Why andWhy and
HowHow• To maintain a constant speed.
• Never use in stop-and-go traffic or on slick surfaces.
Ignition Switch -Ignition Switch - Location and FunctionsLocation and Functions

20. Back to right?
• Turn the wheel to the…
• RIGHT
• Turn the wheel the way you want back up!

21. Gear shift selector
P
R
N
D
L1
L2
PARK – vehicle will not move
REVERSE – vehicle will move backwards
NEUTRAL - No pulling power but tires will roll
DRIVE – Forward in most situations
LOW 1 – More power for hills or uneven terrain
LOW 2 – Max power for steep hills or heavy loads

22. Vehicle Balance (Roll, Pitch, and Yaw)Vehicle Balance (Roll, Pitch, and Yaw)
– Roll: vehicle’s weight shifts from side to side
– Pitch: vehicle’s weight shifts forward or backward
– Yaw: vehicle’s rear tire weight shifts to one side
– Note: These weight transfers occur when the amount of
weight or force pulling on each tire changes
– Optimum balance is achieved at rest with no movement
– Suspension and tire pressure also affect vehicle balance
Vehicle Movement on Crowned or Banked RoadwayVehicle Movement on Crowned or Banked Roadway
– Can create dramatic changes to vehicle balance due to
suspension and weight shifts
Controlling Vehicle BalanceControlling Vehicle Balance

23. Changing Vehicle Load from Side to Side (Roll)Changing Vehicle Load from Side to Side (Roll)
• Steering Wheel Movements
• Brake Application and Steering Combinations
• Slope of pavement
Controlling Vehicle BalanceControlling Vehicle Balance
SeatingSeating
• Driver position/balance and safety belt/pedal use
T – 2.26

24. Vehicle Direction / Speed RequirementsVehicle Direction / Speed Requirements
Vehicle ControlVehicle Control
• Releasing the accelerator
• Controlled braking (Squeeze on)
• Threshold braking
• Trail braking (Squeeze off)
T – 2.27
Topic 4 Lesson 2
Changing Vehicle Load from Front to Rear (Pitch)Changing Vehicle Load from Front to Rear (Pitch)
• Light accelerator pressure
• Releasing the brake
• Progressive accelerator pressure
• Thrust accelerator pressure
Changing Vehicle Load from Rear to Front (Pitch)Changing Vehicle Load from Rear to Front (Pitch)

25. Vehicle ControlVehicle Control
Weight Shifts Change
Vehicle Balanced
DROPS
Front
LIFTS
Rear
T – 2.28
Accelerating, braking, or steering shifts the vehicle’s weight
from tire to tire and affects vehicle balance and control.

26. Vehicle Direction / Speed RequirementsVehicle Direction / Speed Requirements
Vehicle ControlVehicle Control
• Sudden braking and steering
• Sudden or excessive acceleration and steering
• Sudden or excessive steering
• Road tilted to right
• Traction loss to right rear may cause
yaw motion
T – 2.29
• Sudden braking and steering
• Sudden or excessive acceleration
and steering
• Sudden or excessive steering
• Road tilted to left
• Traction loss to left rear may cause yaw motion
Changing Vehicle Load fromChanging Vehicle Load from
Right to Left (Roll)Right to Left (Roll)
Changing Vehicle Balance from Left to Right (Roll)Changing Vehicle Balance from Left to Right (Roll)

27. Balanced seating position
• Steering wheel – 10-12 in from driver chest
• Backrest of driver seat – 90 degrees
• Left foot – on the “dead pedal”
• Right foot – on the floor
• Hands – 8 & 4

28. Max lock to lock steering?
• 2 1/2 – 3 turns
• In most modern
vehicles
• Due to power steering

29. Why use hand to hand steering?
• Better control
• Smaller weight
transfers
• Hard to oversteer
• It’s how you will be
tested!

30. Braking
• Cover the brake – foot over brake but
no pressure on the brake
• Controlled brake – slow vehicle &
maintain balance
• Threshold brake – just short of
locking up
• Trail brake – used to maintain speed
& balance. Often used at end of
controlled or threshold braking.

31. CorneringCornering
InertiaInertia
Actual PathActual Path
Intended PathIntended Path
Vehicle ControlVehicle Control
When cornering, tires
tend to flex.
If the tires are underinflated,
the contact with the rim may
be lost. AIR LOSS WILL
OCCUR.
RIM
Tires turning left
Excessive tire flexion
increases tire heat and may
result in a blowout.
Apex

32. Driver’s Useful Vision AreasDriver’s Useful Vision Areas
Gathering Useful VisualGathering Useful Visual
InformationInformation
Focus Vision Area (Focal)
Includes 3 to 5 degrees of usefulIncludes 3 to 5 degrees of useful
information that is used when:information that is used when:
TargetingTargeting
Establishing a Visual LeadEstablishing a Visual Lead
Reading Signs and Interpreting SignalsReading Signs and Interpreting Signals

33. Driver’s Useful Vision AreasDriver’s Useful Vision Areas
 Referencing Vehicle Position to
Roadway
 Viewing Path of Travel
 Viewing Line of Sight to Target Area
T – 3.11
Topic 2 Lesson 2
Gathering Useful VisualGathering Useful Visual
InformationInformation
Central Vision Area (Inner Fringe)
30 to 36 degrees of useful information
that includes:

34. Driver’s Useful Vision AreasDriver’s Useful Vision Areas
Gathering Useful Visual InformationGathering Useful Visual Information
T – 3.12
Peripheral
Vision
Peripheral Vision
Peripheral Vision (Outer Fringe Area)
• 175-180 degrees of useful information that detects:
•Motion Changes
•Color Changes

35. Traditional Mirror Views and Blind SpotsTraditional Mirror Views and Blind Spots
Notice the large blind zone areas and theNotice the large blind zone areas and the
overlap between the side and rear mirrorsoverlap between the side and rear mirrors
when using traditional mirror settings.when using traditional mirror settings.
Rear view mirror
( )
Left side view mirror
Right side view mirror
Left mirror
blind zone
Right mirror blind
zone

36. Mirror Blind Spot and Glare Elimination (BGE)Mirror Blind Spot and Glare Elimination (BGE)
BGE LEFT SIDE MIRROR VIEW
BGE RIGHT SIDE MIRROR VIEW
REAR MIRROR
VIEW
Reference: Blindzone & Glare Elimination (BGE) Mirror Settings (G. Platzer, 1996)Reference: Blindzone & Glare Elimination (BGE) Mirror Settings (G. Platzer, 1996)
Adjusting the side mirror setting 15 degree outward (BGE) allows youAdjusting the side mirror setting 15 degree outward (BGE) allows you
to see the lanes to the sides and does not overlap as much with theto see the lanes to the sides and does not overlap as much with the
area you can already see in your rear view mirrorarea you can already see in your rear view mirror
•Peripheral
Vision Area
Peripheral
Vision Area

37. Determining Vehicle Operating SpaceDetermining Vehicle Operating Space
Markers represent edge ofMarkers represent edge of
sightlinessightlines
Outline of pavement area aroundOutline of pavement area around
the car the driver cannot see fromthe car the driver cannot see from
the driver’s seatthe driver’s seat
Rectangles are the tire patches andRectangles are the tire patches and
asterisks represent the vehicle’sasterisks represent the vehicle’s
forward and rear turning axisforward and rear turning axis
* *
Forward
Rear

38. ReferencingReferencing
Points:Points:
Provide visual cues to
establish vehicle
position.
Relate part of the vehicle
to some part of the
roadway.
Allow the driver to
determine proper
placement within a lane.
Allow for reduced-risk
lane positions Side
view
mirrors windows
Hood
**Parking,
turning, lane
position,
stopping

39. Front LimitationFront Limitation
Where are your visual reference points toWhere are your visual reference points to
determinedetermine FRONT LIMITATIONFRONT LIMITATION ??

40. Front Limitation Reference PointsFront Limitation Reference Points
• To stop 3-6 inches from the line in front of your bumper, stopTo stop 3-6 inches from the line in front of your bumper, stop
whenwhen your line of sightyour line of sight runs under the side view mirrorruns under the side view mirror
reference point to the line in front of your vehicle.reference point to the line in front of your vehicle.
• Maintain a normal driving position when targeting yourMaintain a normal driving position when targeting your
reference point and do not lean forward or sidewaysreference point and do not lean forward or sideways..
Reference Point
Line of sight
Reference point

41. Rear LimitationRear Limitation
• BACKINGBACKING
• PARKINGPARKING
You need to know where the rear of yourYou need to know where the rear of your
vehicle is when you arevehicle is when you are::

42. Rear LimitationRear Limitation
To align the rear bumper three to six inches from aTo align the rear bumper three to six inches from a
line or curb,line or curb, you need to stop when the line or curbyou need to stop when the line or curb
appears near theappears near the middle of the rear right windowmiddle of the rear right window
when looking over the right shoulder.when looking over the right shoulder.
Reference point
Reference point

43. Right Side LimitationRight Side Limitation
TheThe right side limitationright side limitation reference pointreference point toto
position your vehicle 3-6 inches from the curbposition your vehicle 3-6 inches from the curb
or line is the middle of your vehicle’s hood.or line is the middle of your vehicle’s hood.
3-6 inches
Line of SightReference point
The reference point for 3 feet from the curb or
line is the right 1/4 section of the hood.
3 feet
Reference point
Line of Sight

44. Left Side LimitationLeft Side Limitation
YourYour left side limitationleft side limitation reference pointreference point is aboutis about
one foot from the left front corner of your car (itone foot from the left front corner of your car (it
may be the seam between your left fender and themay be the seam between your left fender and the
hood of your vehicle) to the curb.hood of your vehicle) to the curb.
3-6 INCHES
Reference Point
Line of Sight
Reference
Point

45. Lane Position # 1Lane Position # 1
• VEHICLE IS CENTERED IN THE LANEVEHICLE IS CENTERED IN THE LANE
• CAR IS 3 FEET AWAY FROM THE LINESCAR IS 3 FEET AWAY FROM THE LINES
ON YOUR RIGHT AND LEFT SIDESON YOUR RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES
3 FEET
3 FEET
LaneLane
PositionPosition
ONEONE
( LP( LP 11 ))

46. Lane Position # 1Lane Position # 1
LaneLane
PositionPosition
ONEONE
(LP(LP 11))
3 FEET
3 FEET
• Your left sideYour left side reference pointreference point runs through the driver’sruns through the driver’s
side left fender to the line on the left side of the vehicle.side left fender to the line on the left side of the vehicle.
• Your right sideYour right side reference pointreference point runs through the center ofruns through the center of
passenger’s side right half of the hood to the line on thepassenger’s side right half of the hood to the line on the
right side of the vehicle.right side of the vehicle.
Note: Lane position #1 is the lane position used most often.

47. Lane Position # 2Lane Position # 2
• VEHICLE IS 3-6 INCHES AWAY FROMVEHICLE IS 3-6 INCHES AWAY FROM
LINE TO THE LEFTLINE TO THE LEFT
3-6 INCHES
LaneLane
PositionPosition
TWOTWO
( LP( LP 22 ))

48. Lane Position # 2Lane Position # 2
YourYour lane position #2lane position #2 reference pointreference point is about 1is about 1
foot from left side (it may be the crease betweenfoot from left side (it may be the crease between
the left fender and hood of the vehicle) to the curb.the left fender and hood of the vehicle) to the curb.
LaneLane
PositionPosition
TWOTWO
(LP(LP 22))
3-6 INCHES
6 FEET

49. Lane Position # 3Lane Position # 3
CAR IS POSITIONED 3-6 INCHESCAR IS POSITIONED 3-6 INCHES
AWAY FROM EDGE OR LINE TOAWAY FROM EDGE OR LINE TO
THE RIGHTTHE RIGHT
3-6 INCHES
LaneLane
PositionPosition
THREETHREE
( LP( LP 33 ))

50. Lane Position # 3Lane Position # 3
YourYour lanelane position #3 reference pointposition #3 reference point
is through the center of your hood tois through the center of your hood to
the right edge of the roadway.the right edge of the roadway.
T – 2.53
LaneLane
PositionPosition
THREETHREE
(LP(LP 33))
3-6 INCHES
6 FEET
Reference point
Line of Sight

51. Possible Lane PositionsPossible Lane Positions
The width of the lane allows drivers to make laneThe width of the lane allows drivers to make lane
position adjustments to minimize risk and create moreposition adjustments to minimize risk and create more
space between their car and problem situations.space between their car and problem situations.
Lane Positions –Lane Positions – 1, 2, 3, 4, and 51, 2, 3, 4, and 5
LP 3
LP 2
LP 5
LP 1
OBSTACLEOBSTACLE
LP 4