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Georgia driving lesson · Safety Guidelines

Before you drive: tires, getting in and steering

A 3-minute lesson from the Georgia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Safety Guidelines
Checkpoint questions
3
Source pages
39, 41

Safe trips start before you move. Check your tires, get into the car safely, adjust everything, and hold the wheel correctly. These habits give you better control and a clearer view of hazards.

Know the rule

Check tire pressure with a tire gauge against the recommended psi listed in the vehicle's door jamb. If it's above that number, let air out; if below, add air until it matches.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

The penny test for tread (monthly, or before a long trip):

  • Hold a penny with Lincoln's body between your thumb and forefinger
  • Place Lincoln's head into a groove where the tread looks lowest
  • If any part of his head is covered by the tread, you have a legal and safe amount
Handbook p. 39 ↗
About 2/32 inch

Below this tread depth, grip in bad conditions is greatly reduced

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Entering the car:

  • Parked on the street? Enter from the curb side, or wait until it's safe
  • Have your keys ready and approach the vehicle facing traffic
  • Adjust your seat and mirrors
  • Make sure passengers are seated properly and don't block your view
  • Fasten your seat belt before starting the engine, and have passengers do the same
  • After starting, check for hazards, bicyclists and pedestrians, signal, and merge cautiously
Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

As a general rule, hold the wheel with your left hand at 9 o'clock and your right hand at 3 o'clock. Some manufacturers recommend 8 and 4 o'clock with air bags; check your owner's manual.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

Keep both hands on the wheel unless you're safely doing another driving task, such as using the turn signal.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

Good posture gives you a better view of hazards and more control of the vehicle.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

Steering locks are anti-theft devices in most cars made since 1969. If the ignition is turned to lock while the car is moving, you won't be able to steer.

Handbook p. 41 ↗

Put it into practice

You're parked on a busy street. Walk to the driver's door facing traffic with keys in hand, get in when there's a safe gap, buckle up, adjust your seat and mirrors, then signal and pull out carefully.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

In the penny test, what does it mean if part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread?
  1. The tire is overinflated
  2. The tire pressure is too low
  3. The tire must be replaced now
  4. You have a legal and safe amount of tread

Answer: You have a legal and safe amount of tread

If any part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you're driving with a legal and safe amount of tread.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
As a general rule, where should your hands be on the steering wheel?
  1. 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock
  2. 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock
  3. 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock
  4. 7 o'clock and 5 o'clock

Answer: 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock

As a general rule, place your left hand at 9 o'clock and your right hand at 3 o'clock; some manufacturers recommend 8 and 4 with air bags.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
Where can you find the recommended tire pressure (psi) for your vehicle?
  1. On the vehicle registration card
  2. In the door jamb of the vehicle
  3. On the windshield inspection sticker
  4. On the gas cap

Answer: In the door jamb of the vehicle

Check tire pressure using the recommended psi located in the door jamb of the vehicle.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
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