Blue Ridge Driving School

i Lesson 2

I
I

Preparing to Drive

I t*.

, \-.

l

Lesson 2

Preparing to Drive

Objectives:

l. To perform the correct procedure for starting the engine, putting the vehicle in

motion, stopping and securing the vehicle.

2. To learn to perfonn the proper braking procedure.

Starting the Engine
1. Make sure the pa*ing brake is set.
Pull up the lever for a parking brake
on the console. Push down on the
pedal for a foot parking brake.
Make sure the selector lever is in

r.- PARK. If you are starting the

vehicle after the engine has stalled,
place the selector lever in
NEUTRAL.

J. If your vehicle has fuel injection and

the engine is cold, keep your foot off

the accelerator.
4. Tum ttre ignition switch to o'On."

Continue tuming the key to start the
engine. Release the key as soon as
the engine starts.
5. Check the gauges, waming lights,
and fuel supply.

Tip: Caution, never try to start the engine when it is already running. Expensive
damage to the starter can result. Press lightly on the accelerator so you will lcnow
whether or not the engine is running. When in doubt, turn the key to "Off' and

repeat the starting procedure.

t0

Putting Vehicle in Motion

tr 1. Press firmly on the foot brake.
Move the selector lever to DRIVE.
82. Release the parking brake while still
!3.

pressing the foot-brake pedal.

4. Check for traffic ahead and in

rearview mirors. Look over your

left shoulder to see if a vehicle is

approaching from the rear.

5. If you are going to move away from

the right curb, use the left turn signal

to alert other drivers. Check mirrors

again.

6. When you know the roadway is

clear, release the foot-brake pedal

and press gently on the accelerator

to increase speed smoothly.

7. Quickly check again over your left

nn98.. shoulder for traffrc.
Cancel the signal if necessary.
As you reach your desired speed, let

up a little on the accelerator. Adjust

your speed to traffic.

Tip: Never move the selector lever without the foot brake being held securely.

Never move the vehicle until you have made sure the movement can be completed
safely.
This means continually checking with glances in the directionfrom which the most
danger moy come until the movement is complete.

Stopping the Vehicle

! l. Check traffic in both mirrors before

D2. slowing down.
!3. Let up on the accelerator.
n4. Tap the foot brake lightly.
Gradually press down on the foot

brake pedal. Ease up on the brake

just before stopping. Leave the

selector lever in DRTVE if you plan

to start moving again immediately.

Otherwise, shift to PARK.

Tip: Give ]toursel.f time to do what you need to do. Try not to moke any sudden
movements with the vehicle.

11

Securing the Vehicle

l!/,:tpE, / /\ l. Once you have stopped, continue

,4 pressing the foot brake.

effir 2. Shift tO PARK.

3. Set the parking brake. Turn offall

accessories. Close all windows.
4. Turn offthe ignition switch.

Remove the key. Release the foot-

brake pedal.

5. Unfasten your safety belt.
6. Lock all doors.

Tip: Always remove key"from ignition switch and lock doors when leaving.

GOOD habits can beformed as easily as BAD habits. This lesson is habit
forming.
Follow all steps in order.

Leaving the Vehicle

I l. Check inside and outside mirrors.

D 2. Make sure you have your keys.
3.L_l Glance over your left shbulder

before opening the door.

4.I When it is safe, open the door and

get out quickly.

5. Make sure all doors are locked.

Walk around the rear of the vehicle
to reduce your risk of being hit.

t2

Breaking Procedures

When stopping behind a vehicle in traffic, the driver should be able to see the vehicle's rear tires
at the point where they touch the ground. When driving a flat nose van, more room
is required. Stop behind the vehicle about one-half the length of the vehicle you are driving.

Where there is a stop sign, stop with the bumper at stop sign. If the sidewalk is before stop sign,
stop before the sidewalk. If there is a white line (stop line), stop with bumper on white line.

Braking
There are two different braking procedures:

1) Vehicles with an anti-lock braking (ABS) system.
2) Vehicles without an ABS system.

IfBecoming familiar with the vehicle is very important. Consult your vehicle owner's manual.

the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, the indicator will show on the vehicle instrument panel.

Without ABS
In the absence of an ABS, controlled braking should be used to reduce speed as quickly as
possible while maintaining control of the vehicle. Contolled braking is a technique of applying
brakes to stop or slow down quickly without locking the brakes. When the brakes lock, the
vehicle is more prone to go into a skid. Follow these steps to use contolled braking:

r The right foot should be secured by keeping the heel anchored on the floor becoming a

pivot point. The ball of the right foot should press the brake pedal. It must be pressed
hard enough to slow the vehicle rapidly without locking the wheels.

. If the wheels do lock and the vehicle starts into a skid, ease up on the brake pedal just

enough to let the wheels start rolling.

o Continue using the press-relax-a-liffle-press process until the vehicle stops.

with ABs

An ABS-equipped vehicle uses a computer to prevent its wheels from locking - even in an

emergency stop. If your vehicle has an ABS, just press the brake pedal as hard as you can in an
emergency. You may feel liule pulses through the brake pedal or hear the ABS at work. Don't
let out on the brake pedal; maintain firm pressure until you stop. Also remember, vehicles with
an ABS will allow you to steer and brake at the same time. They will not enable you to stop in a

shorter distance.

Notes and comments for Lesson 2

13