A 3-minute lesson from the Iowa course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Set your seat and mirrors before you drive, every time. A correct seat keeps you a safe distance from the air bag and lets you move quickly between pedals; correctly set mirrors give the best view of the lanes beside you.
Seat position:
Sit with your back firmly against the seat
At least 10 inches between the steering wheel and your chest, air bag pointing at your chest
Top of the steering wheel no higher than your shoulders
Heel touching the floor, able to pivot quickly between brake and accelerator
Left-side mirror: lean your head toward the left window and set the mirror so you can barely see the side of the car. Sitting upright, the car should no longer be visible.
You share the car with a taller parent. Before pulling out, slide the seat until your heel rests on the floor and pivots between pedals, confirm 10 inches to the wheel, and reset all three mirrors.
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.
How much space should there be between the steering wheel and your chest when seated correctly?
At least 10 inches
At least 2 inches
At least 20 inches
Exactly 5 inches
Answer: At least 10 inches
There should be at least 10 inches between the steering wheel and your chest, with the airbag aimed at your chest.
How should you set your left-side mirror for the best view of the adjacent lane?
Center your car in the middle of the mirror
Lean left and set it to barely show your car
Sit upright and show half of your car
Match the angle of the rearview mirror
Answer: Lean left and set it to barely show your car
Lean your head toward the left window and set the mirror so you can barely see the side of the car; sitting upright, the car should no longer be visible.