DRIVING FUNDAMENTALS

BEFORE DRIVING 

Adjust your seat, apply the seat belt and adjust all mirrors. Make sure you know the location of all controls and can reach them easily.

BEFORE STARTING YOUR ENGINE

Make sure the parking brake is set and the transmission is in park.

VANS AND SUBURBANS

 Warm the vehicle up no faster than 1000 rpm’s. Check all the gauges for operation (oil, voltage, temperature, etc.)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS

Know the gear pattern. Depress the brake, move the gear selector to the proper gear, release the parking brake. As the vehicle speed increases, the vehicle will automatically shift to a higher gear.

Allowing a vehicle to coast in neutral is against state law and it can also cause damage to the transmission!

STEERING AND TURNING

Make all maneuvers smooth and correctly. Always hold the steering wheel with a firm grip using both hands. Hand positions that are recommended are 10-2 and 9- 3.

Get the “Big Picture” keep your eyes moving always looking ahead, left, right and to the rear. Check the mirrors every 8 to 10 seconds or more often in unique situation.

LANE USE AND POSITION ON THE ROADWAY

Center your vehicle in the proper lane. The shoulder of the road and parking lanes are only for stopping and parking if traveling in two or more lanes in the same direction. Stay in the far-right lane unless passing. Drive a safe distance behind other traffic – follow the Basic Speed Law!! If in doubt, always yield the right-of-way – NEVER take it!

42-4-1101. Speed limits

No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing.

CHANGING LANES

Check the traffic approaching from the rear of your vehicle. Give advanced notice of your intention to change lanes by engaging the left turn signal. When clear, move to the passing lane. When passing is complete engage your turn signal to move back into the right lane. Cancel your turn signal. The lane changes should be smooth.

LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS

Check the traffic on all sides of your vehicle. Signal 100 feet prior to turning at lower speeds in a city or town areas. Signal 200 feet prior to turning at higher speeds of 40 mph or more.

BEFORE TURNS

Downshift and/or brake before entering the turn. Position your vehicle in the proper lane giving proper notice to surrounding traffic. Wait behind stop lines, signs, crosswalks and sidewalks. When it is clear make the turn in one complete maneuver.

TURNING AROUND AND BACKING MANEUVERS

CURVES

When approaching a curve, check the traffic in all directions. Before entering the curve reduce your speed and brake if necessary. Keep your vehicle in your lane of travel and continue to check traffic in all directions.

EXPRESSWAYS

Before entering an expressway, check all traffic, use proper turn signals and merge smoothly into the proper lane. Remember the traffic already on the expressway has the right-of-way, you must yield to them. Once you are on the expressway maintain the proper lane, spacing and speed. Check your mirrors constantly and monitor traffic in front of, beside and behind you. When exiting the expressway, check all traffic, use proper turn signals. Do not decelerate until you have entered the exit lane.

INTERSECTIONS

Observe traffic at least three times before approaching an intersection, especially monitor any fast-approaching traffic. Turn signals still engaged by other driver, traffic not stopping for stop signs or traffic signals should be watched carefully.

STOPPING AT INTERSECTIONS

 ALWAYS yield the right-of-way! Stop behind stop lines, signs, crosswalks and when it is clear then pull forward and stop a second time. Re-check the intersection then proceed when it is clear. Check your mirrors and cover the brake so if needed you can stop.

 42-4-802

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians when a pedestrian is entering the roadway within a crosswalk without dedicated traffic signals. Drivers can enter the crosswalk to continue driving if the pedestrian is on the other side of the crosswalk, but not if they are so close that they would feel endangered by the vehicle’s passing.

 PASSING

Check traffic signs and road marking to determine if passing is permitted. Check oncoming traffic, beside and behind your vehicle that may also be preparing to pass. Engage your turn signal, and when clear move into the passing lane. When there is ample room between your vehicle and the vehicle you just passed, engage your turn signal and move back to the right lane 1 to 1 ½ vehicle lengths ahead of the vehicle you just passed. Cancel your turn signal.

STOPPING

PARKING

Always leave yourself plenty of room to move out of a parking area. Turn the wheels toward the curb, shift into park and set the parking brake.

REAR OVERHAND AND TAIL SWING

Unlike a passenger car, buses have additional room behind the rear wheels to the outside of the bumper. This additional length requires closer observation when making turns as the tail swing can extend three to five feet over the curb. It is especially important when backing into a parking space. You must stop so the overhang is not going to hit anything. Do not wait until the rear tires hit the curb because at the point it may be too late and you have hit a tree or pole next to the curb.

DISTANCE

 Always drive a safe distance behind other traffic. Remember you are responsible to follow at a distance that will permit you to stop without striking the vehicle in front of you. Add ten seconds to your following distance in adverse weather conditions.

STARTING OUT ON AN UPGRADE

 Check the traffic in all directions, accelerate slightly so you do not roll backward and allow extra room between you and the vehicle located in front of you.

STARTING OUT ON A DOWGRADE

Check the traffic in all directions, release the accelerator and select a safe speed. Downshift to reduce speed. Braking is used if additional slowing is needed prior to descending.