A 3-minute lesson from the Maine course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Smooth control starts with good habits: a set routine for starting the car, gentle pressure on the pedals, and hands placed where they give you the most control and the least air bag risk.
Starting the engine:
Check your owner's manual for how to start the vehicle
Be sure the vehicle is in "P" (park) and apply the brake
Turn the ignition to on and check lights and gauges (fuel level, ABS, air bags)
Turn the switch to start, turn on the low beam headlights and lock the doors
Moving forward: shift to "D" (drive), check ahead, to the sides and behind, signal, then accelerate gradually. Keep the top of your foot on the gas pedal and your heel on the floor.
Stopping: check your mirrors for traffic behind, then press the brake steadily and smoothly until you stop. In a manual transmission, also press the clutch as you stop.
You're about to turn into a driveway right after a curve, where the driver behind won't expect you to slow. Check your mirror, then tap the brake pedal three or four times quickly before braking so your brake lights flash a warning.
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.
Where should you place your hands on the steering wheel for the best control and safety?
One hand only, at 12
9 and 3, or 8 and 4
12 and 6 o'clock
10 and 2 o'clock
Answer: 9 and 3, or 8 and 4
Hands should be at 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 to avoid injury from air bag deployment and for best control.