Master the Cockpit Drill in 6 Steps

One of the very first things you'll learn on your first driving lesson is the cockpit drill, the routine of checks and adjustments you make before you move off. Once you've got the hang of it, it takes barely a minute, but getting to grips with it the first time can eat up a good chunk of that first lesson. Reading this guide beforehand gives you a head start, so you spend less time fiddling with seat positions and mirrors and more time actually driving. Here's the cockpit drill broken down into six simple steps.

The cockpit drill is the standard set of safety checks and adjustments you carry out every time you get into the driver's seat, before you start the engine and move off. It makes sure you're seated correctly, can reach all the controls comfortably, and have a clear view of the road around you.

Most instructors use the memory aid DSSSM, which stands for Doors, Seat, Steering, Seatbelt, Mirrors. Run through those five in order and you've completed the drill. If DSSSM is hard to remember, make up a short phrase using the initials, whatever helps it stick.

First, check that all the doors are closed properly. It sounds obvious, but a door swinging open mid-lesson is both dangerous and embarrassing.

Your own door is easy to check: give it a firm tug, and if it doesn't move, it's shut. If it does, check around you for pedestrians and cyclists, and if it's clear, open it and close it again with a firm pull (no slamming, your instructor won't thank you). For the passenger doors, glance in your side mirrors: a door that isn't flush with the bodywork will be obvious. Most modern cars also show a warning light on the dashboard if a door is open. If a passenger door is ajar, ask whoever's beside you to close it, or safely get out and close it yourself.

Next, adjust your seat so you can reach and control the pedals comfortably. Press the clutch (or the brake, in an automatic) fully down with your left foot, and slide the seat forwards or backwards until your leg has just a slight bend when the pedal is pressed to the floor. You want to be able to press it flat without stretching or feeling cramped.

The seat adjustment is usually a lever or handle under the front of the seat. If you can't find it, just ask your instructor.

With your seat in the right position for the pedals, set up the backrest so you're comfortable at the wheel. Rest one hand at the top of the steering wheel (the twelve o'clock position) and adjust the backrest until your arm has a slight bend while your hand sits comfortably on the wheel. You shouldn't be reaching or hunching. Getting your steering position right helps you keep proper control and stay comfortable on longer drives.

Put your seatbelt on and check there are no twists in it. Wearing a seatbelt is the law, and as the driver you're also responsible for making sure any passenger under 14 is wearing theirs.

There's one exception worth knowing: you're legally allowed to remove your seatbelt while carrying out a reversing manoeuvre, because the belt can restrict the movement you need to observe properly. This applies during lessons and on your test, but always remember to put it back on before you drive off again.

Before the mirrors, take a moment on two quick safety points that go alongside your seating position. Check you can reach all the controls, the indicators, wipers and handbrake, without stretching away from the wheel. And check your head restraint: the rigid part should be roughly level with the top of your head, which protects your neck in a collision. These small adjustments are easy to overlook but they matter.

Finally, set your mirrors for the clearest possible view of the road behind. If your instructor uses their own extra mirrors, leave those alone, you only need to set the interior rear-view mirror and the two side mirrors.

For the rear-view mirror, settle into your normal driving position first, then move the mirror to frame as much of the rear window as possible. Don't lean across to adjust it, or it'll be wrong once you sit back properly.

For the side mirrors, again stay in your driving position and adjust each one (electric or manual, depending on the car) until the horizon sits roughly across the middle of the mirror and you can just see a thin sliver of your own car down the inside edge. That sliver gives you a reference point while keeping as much of the road in view as possible.

Once all six steps are done, you're set up correctly and ready to start the engine and move off.

The cockpit drill is your pre-drive routine, remembered as DSSSM: Doors, Seat, Steering, Seatbelt, Mirrors. Check the doors are shut, set your seat so you can work the pedals with a slight bend in your leg, adjust the backrest and reach for good steering control, belt up with no twists, check your head restraint, and set your mirrors for the clearest view behind. It takes under a minute once it's second nature, and doing it every single time is a habit that keeps you safe and impresses examiners on test day.

The cockpit drill is your very first step, and it's far easier with a patient, professional instructor beside you. Find your local DRIVE instructor and book your lessons today.