Tug and Wiggle
The first thing we must do on entering the car is check that the parking brake is holding the car stationary (TUG) and the gear lever is in neutral (Wiggle). The hand brake is on when the lever is up and off when the lever is down. To check that it is on take hold of the handbrake and put your thumb over the button, pull the lever up and if there is firm resistance, the handbrake is on.
DOORS - Check they are securely closed. Make sure that any passengers have closed theirs. You are responsible for the safety of your passengers. A door not properly shut may fly open as you drive along.
SEAT - Should be adjusted for comfort, control and safety. Adjust the base so that the clutch pedal can be adjusted fully with a reasonable bend in the knee. The back of the seat (rake) should allow the steering wheel to be held at the "ten to two" or the "quarter to three" position with a slight bend at the elbows. Check that the hands can freely move around the steering wheel. Don't forget to check that the centre of the head restraint is in line with the top of your ears.
STEERING - Some vehicles also have an adjustable steering column. if you adjust the steering column, make sure you lock it's position afterwards.
SEATBELTS - Ensure all seatbelts are on correctly. The law requires that all passengers wear seatbelts where fitted, unless they have an exemption certificate. It is the driver's responsibility that children under 14 have the seat belt fastened. The belt should lay flat across your chest with no twists. Most vehicles have a height adjuster at the shoulder point, adjust this to allow the seat belt lays on the shoulder, not the neck.
MIRRORS - Adjust your mirrors from your normal driving position. The interior mirror should frame the rear window. in the exterior mirrors should be adjusted so that the side of the vehicle is just visible with the horizon across the centre.
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