This document provides an overview of chapters 3.1 through 3.3 of a driver's education textbook. Chapter 3.1 discusses vehicle instruments, controls, and safety devices. It identifies common gauges, lights, pedals and their functions. Chapter 3.2 reviews procedures for getting ready to drive, including exterior and interior vehicle checks. Chapter 3.3 describes automatic transmission selector positions and provides instructions for starting, driving, and leaving a vehicle with an automatic transmission.

1. 11/22/2022 1
Chapter 3
Basic Vehicle Control

2. 11/22/2022 2
Chapter 3 Overview
Chapter 3 explains the purpose and
operation of the instruments, devices, and
controls in a vehicle. Students will learn
the procedures to follow when getting
ready to drive.

3. 11/22/2022 3
3.1: Instruments, Controls,
and Devices
This section will discuss what you, the driver,
should know before beginning to drive.
 Section 1 Objectives: Following this section,
I will be able to:
 1. Identify each gauge and warning light on an
instrument panel and explain its function.
 2. Explain the purpose of each control used to
operate a vehicle.
 3. Describe the use of the safety,
communication, and comfort devices.

4. 11/22/2022 4
3.1 Vocabulary
 Following this section, I will be able to define:
 1. alternator warning light
 2. antilock braking system (ABS)
 3. blind-spot area
 4. clutch pedal
 5. console
 6. cruise control
 7. hazard flasher
 8. head restraints
 9. ignition switch
 10.odometer

5. 11/22/2022 5
 Speedometer
 Odometer
 Fuel Gauge
 Temperature Light or Gauge
 Oil pressure Warning Light or Gauge
 Alternator Warning Light or Gauge
 Brake System Warning Light
 Antilock Braking System Light

6. 11/22/2022 6
 Knowing the location of gauges, warning
lights, controls, and devices enables you
to look at or operate them with out
interfering with driving the vehicle. Trying
to learn where they are while driving the
vehicle is dangerous.

7. 11/22/2022 7
3.2: Getting Ready to Drive
This section emphasizes the things you need to
do before you drive. It focuses on outside checks,
getting into the vehicle, and inside checks.
 Section 2 Objectives: Following this section, I
will be able to:
 1. List in order the checks you make when
preparing to drive.
 2. Describe how to enter a vehicle from the street
side.
 3. Describe the correct positioning of the seat and
outside rearview mirrors.

8. 11/22/2022 8
3.2 Vocabulary
 No words

9. 11/22/2022 9
Outside Checks
 1. Walk around your vehicle with keys in hand and
look for objects in the path you intend to take. Look for
water or oil marks under the vehicle.
 2. Glance at the tires
 3. Notice direction of the wheels
 4. Windshield, windows, headlights, and taillights must
be clear. No “peepholes”.
 5. Check back window for loose objects.
 6. Look inside for unwanted passenger.

10. 11/22/2022 10
Getting into the Vehicle
 1. If entering from street side, have
keys in hand or unlock in advance if
you have a remote-control device.
 2. Walk around in front of vehicle
toward back to see oncoming traffic.
 3. Get in quickly, close and lock the
door, and put key in ignition.

11. 11/22/2022 11
Inside Checks
 1. Lock all doors to help reduce risk of
door flying open in collision.
 2. Adjust seat for comfort and good foot
pedal control, sit high enough to see
over steering wheel, and adjust seat to
be at least 10 inches from hub of wheel.
 3. Hands balanced on wheel, elbows
slightly bent, knees slightly bent for
comfort in reaching brake and gas pedal.

12. 11/22/2022 12
 4. Adjust head restraint.
 5. Adjust inside rearview mirror.
 6. Adjust left and right outside
rearview mirrors.
 7. Fasten safety belt and make
sure all passengers have safety
belts on.

13. 11/22/2022 13
3.3: Driving a Vehicle with
Automatic Transmission
 This section introduces basic concepts related to a vehicle with an
automatic transmission. The selector-lever positions are described
and illustrated. Information about starting the engine, hand
positions, and steering is included. Instructions for putting the
vehicle in motion, along with stopping, securing, and leaving the
vehicle, are provided.
 Section 3 Objectives: Following this section, I will be able to:
 1. Explain the use of each gear.
 2. Describe the procedure for starting an automatic transmission
vehicle.
 3. List the steps for putting an automatic transmission vehicle in
motion.
 4. Tell the correct procedure to follow when leaving an automatic
transmission vehicle from the street side.

14. 11/22/2022 14
3.1 Vocabulary
 Following this section, I will be able
to define:
 11. backup lights
 12. shift indicator
 13. target

15. 11/22/2022 15
Selector-Lever Positions
 P
 R
 N
 D
 3
 L2
 L1

16. 11/22/2022 16
Hand Positions
 Hands between 9 o’clock and 3
o’clock or 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock to
avoid injury from airbag==10 and 2
for beginning drivers!
 Knuckles should also be outside
the rim of the steering wheel.

17. 11/22/2022 17
Steering the Vehicle
 1. Pick a target far out in front of you.
 2. Avoid looking directly in front of your
vehicle.
 3. Do not use the road lines as guides
when steering.
 4. Keeping your vehicle in a straight line
requires slight but critical steering
corrections.

18. 11/22/2022 18
Leaving the Vehicle
 1. Check inside and outside mirrors.
 2. Have your keys in hand.
 3. Glance over left shoulder before
opening your door.
 4. Open door and get out quickly when it
is safe to do so.
 5. All doors should be locked. Walk
toward rear of the vehicle to reduce risk of
being hit.