The cockpit drill is the first thing you do when getting into a car. It ensures that you are seated correctly, in full control, and aware of your surroundings before driving. This routine helps prevent accidents, improves comfort, and ensures safety for both the driver and passengers.

1. Doors – Ensure They Are Properly Closed

Why? To prevent doors from opening unexpectedly while driving, which can be dangerous.

✔ Check each door (driver’s door, passenger doors, boot, and bonnet) to ensure they are fully shut .

✔ If the car has central locking , ensure all doors are locked.

✔ Look at the dashboard warning lights —if a door is open, a warning light will indicate which one.

✔ If passengers are present, ask them to double-check their doors .

💡 Tip : When closing the door, pull firmly but don’t slam —it should click into place securely.

2. Seat – Adjust for Comfort & Full Control

Why? To ensure the driver can comfortably reach the pedals, steering wheel, and controls without straining.

✔ Leg Position : Adjust the seat so that you can fully press the clutch pedal (manual car) or the brake (automatic car) without stretching.

✔ Knee Bend : Your knees should be slightly bent—not fully straight—when pressing the pedals.

✔ Backrest Angle : The seat should be upright enough to provide support while allowing easy steering.

✔ Headrest Position : Align the top of the headrest with the top of your head to protect against whiplash in a crash.

✔ Seat Height (if adjustable) : Ensure you have a clear view of the road and dashboard.

💡 Tip : If you feel like you have to stretch to press the pedals or you’re too close to the steering wheel, readjust your seat!

3. Steering – Adjust for Comfort & Grip

Why? To ensure you can steer smoothly and comfortably without overreaching.

✔ Adjust the steering wheel (if adjustable) to a comfortable height.

✔ Your arms should have a slight bend (not fully straight) when holding the wheel.

✔ Hold the steering wheel at the 9 & 3 o’clock or 10 & 2 o’clock positions for better control.

💡 Tip : Make sure your hands are in a natural position, allowing you to steer easily without tension.

4. Seatbelt – Fasten It Securely

Why? A seatbelt is the most important safety feature in the car—it keeps you protected in a crash.

✔ Fasten the seatbelt securely.

✔ Make sure the belt is flat and not twisted .

✔ The lap part should sit snugly across your hips , and the chest strap should go diagonally across your shoulder .

✔ Check that passengers have also fastened their seatbelts —it’s your responsibility if they are under 14 years.

💡 Tip : In some newer cars, a warning sound will beep if a seatbelt is not fastened. Always check before driving!

5. Mirrors – Adjust for Maximum Visibility

Why? Proper mirror positioning helps you see hazards around you and reduces blind spots.

✔ Interior (rearview) mirror :

• ● Adjust so you can see as much of the rear window as possible .
• ● The horizon should be in the middle of the mirror .

✔ Left and right side mirrors :

• ● Adjust so that you can see a small part of your car in the mirror for reference.
• ● The majority of the mirror should show the road behind and to the side .

💡 Tip : If the mirrors are not adjusted properly , you may miss important hazards like cyclists, pedestrians, or overtaking vehicles .

6. Parking Brake & Gear – Ensure the Car is Ready to Move

Why? Prevents the car from rolling unexpectedly when you start the engine.

✔ Parking Brake (Handbrake):

• ● Ensure the handbrake is applied before starting the engine.
• ● The handbrake should be firmly pulled up so the car does not move.

✔ Gear Position:

• ● In a manual car , check the gear is in neutral before starting the engine.

💡 Tip : If the car is in gear and you try to start it, it may jump forward unexpectedly—always check the gear first!

Why Is the Cockpit Drill Important?

✔ Ensures you are in a safe driving position with full control.

✔ Reduces blind spots with proper mirror adjustments.

✔ Prevents accidents by making sure doors are secure and seatbelts are fastened.

✔ Helps avoid rolling or jerky starts by ensuring the parking brake and gears are correctly set.

💡 Tip : The cockpit drill should become a habit every time you get into the car—practice makes it second nature! 🚗💨

POM Routine: Prepare, Observe, Move

Here’s the corrected POM routine :

POM Routine – Prepare, Observe, Move

Prepare

1. Brake : Press the footbrake to prevent rolling (if necessary).
2. Clutch : Press the clutch pedal down fully.
3. Gear : Select the first gear.
4. Release Handbrake: Handbrake down.

Observe (Perform a six-point check from the least dangerous to the most dangerous side)

1. Left blind spot (over your left shoulder).
2. Left side mirror .
3. Rearview mirror .
4. Right side mirror .
5. Right blind spot (over your right shoulder – the most dangerous side).
6. Ahead (check the road in front of you for any hazards). If safe, proceed to the next step.

Move

1. Release Handbrake: Take off the handbrake.
2. Signal: Apply the indicator if necessary.
3. Check Side Mirror: Ensure it’s still safe to move.
4. Bite Point: Slowly raise the clutch until you feel the car pulling slightly. Hold the clutch steady .
5. Release Footbrake: Take your foot off the footbrake and move it to the accelerator .
6. Gas & Clutch: Gently press the accelerator while smoothly releasing the clutch to move off.

This ensures you perform thorough checks before moving, reducing the risk of missing any hazards.🚗💨

The POM (Prepare, Observe, Move) routine is important for several reasons:

1. Ensures Safety
   The POM routine helps ensure the driver is fully aware of their surroundings before moving the vehicle.
   By checking all mirrors and blind spots, you can spot potential hazards, such as other vehicles,
   pedestrians, or cyclists, ensuring that you're ready to respond safely.
2. Promotes Smooth Control
   Properly preparing the vehicle (clutch, brake, and gear), observing your surroundings, and then moving
   off in a controlled manner helps avoid jerky movements or stalling. This leads to a smoother and more
   comfortable driving experience for both the driver and any passengers.
3. Prevents Rolling
   Releasing the handbrake before the footbrake (as part of the routine) ensures the vehicle doesn’t roll
   backwards, especially on inclines. It ensures the car stays in place until you're ready to move forward.
4. Helps Build Good Habits
   By practicing the POM routine regularly, drivers develop safe driving habits. This systematic approach
   becomes second nature, making it easier to safely move off in any situation without hesitation.
5. Reduces Stress
   Having a clear, structured routine helps reduce stress when starting from a standstill, especially in busy
   or difficult traffic situations. Knowing exactly what to do ensures that the driver feels more confident and
   in control of the vehicle.
6. Critical in Test Situations
   The POM routine is often tested in driving exams, and following it correctly demonstrates that the driver
   is capable of handling basic driving tasks like moving off safely. This routine shows that the driver is both
   competent and responsible.

In summary, the POM routine is vital for safe, smooth, and controlled driving, helping drivers stay aware
of their surroundings while developing good driving habits and boosting confidence.

Pulling up on the left

Pulling up on the left is a common driving maneuver that’s often required during driving tests or for practical reasons on the road. Here’s how to do it safely and confidently:

Steps to Pull Up on the Left

1. Check Mirrors and Signal
   • Check your rearview mirror and left side mirror to ensure it’s safe to move left.
   • Look over your left shoulder (a quick glance) to check for blind spots.
   • Signal left to alert other road users of your intention.
2. Choose a Safe Spot
   • Select a suitable location that’s safe and legal, avoiding driveways, bus stops, or areas with parking restrictions.
   • Make sure there’s enough space for other vehicles to pass.
3. Slow Down Gradually and Press the Clutch
   • Reduce your speed gently using the brake.
   • As you slow down, gently press the clutch to maintain better control of the car and prevent stalling (for manual cars)
   • Use the brake to reduce speed smoothly without sudden stops.
4. Steer Towards the Left
   • As you approach the curb, steer gently to the left.
   • Aim to position your car parallel to the curb, leaving about 6-12 inches of space.
5. Straighten the Wheels
   • Once your car is close to the curb, straighten the wheels to avoid blocking or veering into the road.
6. Secure the Car
   • Apply the handbrake and shift into neutral (or park, if driving an automatic).
   • Turn off your indicator if it hasn’t canceled automatically.
7. Observe and Adjust
   • Before exiting the vehicle or proceeding, double-check your position.
   • If you’re too far or close to the curb, make small adjustments by moving forward or backward.

Tips for Success

• Always remain aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles.
• Avoid oversteering, which could cause you to bump the curb.

Pull Up on the Right

Steps to Pull Up on the Right

Check Mirrors and Signal

 Check your rearview mirror and right side mirror to ensure it’s safe to move right.

 Look over your right shoulder (a quick glance) to check for blind spots.

 Signal right to alert other road users of your intention.

Choose a Safe Spot

 Select a suitable location that’s safe and legal, avoiding driveways, intersections, or other

restricted areas.

 Ensure the spot provides enough space for other vehicles to pass if needed.

Slow Down Gradually and Press the Clutch

 Begin slowing down smoothly.

 Press the clutch as you reduce speed to maintain better control and avoid stalling

 Use the brake gently to adjust your speed as you approach the desired stopping point.

Steer Towards the Right

 Steer gently towards the curb, ensuring you maintain a safe and even distance from it

 Be cautious not to oversteer, which could result in bumping the curb or veering too far into

the road.

Straighten the Wheels

 Once your car is close to the curb, straighten the wheels to align the vehicle parallel with

the curb.

Secure the Car

 Apply the handbrake and shift into neutral (or park, if driving an automatic).

 Turn off your indicator if it hasn’t canceled automatically.

Observe and Adjust

 Before exiting the vehicle or continuing, check your position.

 If needed, make minor adjustments by moving forward or backward to ensure proper

alignment with the curb.

Tips for Success

Clutch Control: Practicing clutch control is essential for smooth stops and small adjustments in

manual cars.

Awareness: Be vigilant for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists, especially since you’re

crossing into oncoming traffic to park.

Practice: Familiarize yourself with this maneuver in low-traffic areas before attempting it on

busier roads.

By pressing the clutch as you slow down, you gain smoother control over the car, making the maneuver

safer and more precise.

rol over the car, making the maneuver

safer and more precise.

Yes! We are familiar with all Swindon test centre routes, which helps you build confidence
and prepare for the real exam.

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lessons. Contact us for package deals.

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