Checklist for Sessions 1 & 2

Area around the vehicle that the driver cannot see

  • Measure the distance in front of the vehicle that the driver cannot see
  • Measure the distance to the rear of the vehicle that the driver cannot see
  • Measure the distance to the left side of the vehicle that the driver cannot see
  • Measure the distance to the right side of the vehicle that the driver cannot see

Place “S” for satisfactory as the following tasks are completed:

Getting Ready to Drive

  • Approaches the vehicle with awareness; checks tires, fluid leaks, etc.
  • Locks doors and checks all occupants for safety belt use
  • Adjusts head restraints, seat position, safety restraints, steering wheel position
  • Adjusts mirrors to reduce blind spots
  • Identifies vehicle controls (refer to owner’s manual for explanation)

Starting the Vehicle

  • Checks the parking brake
  • Selects proper starting gear
  • Pivots heel and places foot securely on brake pedal
  • Demonstrates proficient use of ignition device
  • Demonstrates ability to select and use appropriate accessories
  • Starts the vehicle and makes appropriate gear selection for movement
  • Puts headlights on day and night to increase safety

Placing Vehicle in Motion

  • Visually identifies open space and target before moving foot from brake to gas
  • Communicates with passengers before moving foot from brake to gas
  • Puts the vehicle in motion smoothly and uses commentary driving

Stopping Vehicle in Motion

  • Searches ahead of the vehicle to determine deceleration or braking needs
  • Uses controlled braking efficiently with heel of foot on floorboard
  • Checks rear zone space prior to braking
  • Applies adequate force at the beginning of the braking process
  • Brings the vehicle to a smooth stop
  • Eases off brake pressure during the last seconds of braking to reduce vehicle pitch
  • Checks the rear zone space before, during, and after braking

Steering

  • Uses a balanced 8 and 4 hand position on the steering wheel
  • Uses the hand-over-hand and hand-to-hand steering methods effectively
  • Turns head and visually checks what’s ahead prior to turning
  • Visually checks the rear/side view mirrors and mirror blind areas

Securing the Vehicle

  • Sets parking brake; shifts into appropriate gear before removing foot from brake
  • Turns off appropriate accessories prior to turning off ignition and removing key
  • Visually checks traffic flow before opening door
  • Locks doors and activates alarm system if the vehicle is equipped with this device