Driving position

You must adopt a suitable driving position before you can use the controls on the car safely.

You must be able to

• reach and use each control easily and comfortably; for example, you should be able to operate the clutch pedal without stretching your left leg
• control the vehicle by keeping a suitable grip on the steering wheel; your arms should be relaxed and not restricted at the elbows
• see the road ahead clearly.

Driving seat adjustment

You should make sure that the seat is adjusted to suit you. Most driving seats can be adjusted for

• ‘rake’ – the angle of the seat back
• position – the seat will move forwards or backwards.

Sometimes, the driving seat will also adjust for height.

The driver and front passenger should avoid sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard.

If someone else has been driving the vehicle, make any necessary adjustments before you start to drive.

Never adjust your seat while the vehicle is moving.

Remember, after adjusting your seat, make sure it’s firmly locked in position. Listen for, or feel for, the locking mechanism engaging. An insecure driving seat is dangerous.

As soon as you’re seated, check that the parking brake is applied.

Steering column adjustment

On some vehicles, you can adjust the steering column to suit you. You can move it towards or away from you, and adjust the angle of tilt.

When making an adjustment, take care not to allow the steering wheel to interfere with your view of the instrument panel. Also, make sure you secure the locking mechanism after any adjustment.

Never attempt to adjust your steering column while the vehicle is moving.

Head restraint adjustment

Head restraints are provided to protect against neck and spine injuries, commonly called whiplash.

For maximum protection, the head restraint should be correctly adjusted – but it’s easy to overlook.

The head restraints should be adjusted so that the rigid part of the head restraint is

• at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears
• as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

An incorrectly adjusted head restraint offers little or no protection against whiplash injuries.

Don’t remove the head restraints; they’re fitted for your safety and can save you from more serious injuries in the event of an incident.

Remember, it’s a head restraint, not a head rest.

Seat belt adjustment

Adjust the seat belt properly. Place the lap belt as low as possible over the hips. Ensure the shoulder belt lies on the chest and over the shoulder.

Many cars are now fitted with height adjusters for the diagonal strap. The diagonal strap should be adjusted to lie centrally over the shoulder and away from the neck. Adjust the strap so that it lies in contact with your shoulder and slopes up and back to the anchorage point.