The Basics of Driving

Walk around your vehicle before entering to check for children, pedestrians, and anything in your vehicle’s path. Check your tires for proper inflation, as well as around and under your vehicle for fluid leaks and other problems that may affect the safe operation of your vehicle. When you are doing this while parked along a roadway, walk in a direction that allows you to see traffic coming toward you in the lane next to you. After you have completed this check, you will be ready to take your place in the driver’s seat and prepare yourself for safe driving. Before driving do the following basic habits in this order:

1 Lock your doors.

2 Adjust your seat and seat back.

3 Adjust your head restraint.

4 Adjust your inside and outside rear view mirrors.

5 Fasten your seat belt.

Lock your doors

Lock your doors to prevent unwanted persons from opening your door or entering your vehicle. Locking the doors also reduces the possibility of the doors opening if you are involved in a collision.

Adjust your seat

and seat back

Adjust your seat and seat back support properly so that you are at least 25 centimetres (10 inches) away from the steering wheel. This is the distance recommended by Transport Canada. Be sure you can see over the steering wheel. Many vehicles have a steering wheel that can be tilted or moved back and forth. Find a position that is comfortable for you and that does not block your view of the instrument panel. Your elbows should be slightly bent when your hands are properly positioned on the steering wheel. Placing your left hand at about the 9 o’clock position and your right hand at about the 3 o’clock position is recommended. (See “Steering” in this chapter for more information.) As well, your position must allow you to operate the brake pedal and the accelerator. In a standard transmission vehicle, you must also be able to push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor. Be sure you can reach all the controls and can relax your arms when you hold the steering wheel.

Adjust your head restraint

Use your head restraint correctly. Head restraints in the proper position greatly reduce the risk of injuries due to collisions and sudden vehicle movements.

• If your vehicle has an adjustable head restraint, it should be positioned so that the centre of the head restraint is level with the top of your ears.
• If your head restraint tilts, move it forward to decrease the space between your head and the restraint. Less than 10 centimetres (four inches) is ideal.
• Always check that the head restraint for each passenger is adjusted to the correct height. Correct Too low A properly adjusted head restraint protects the head and neck.

Adjust your inside and outside

rear view mirrors

Set your rear view mirrors in the correct position.

• Adjust your inside rear view mirror to show as much behind you as possible by having the rear window framed within the mirror.
• Adjust the outside rear view mirrors to reduce blind spots. You should be able to see your own vehicle in a small portion of the side view mirror closest to the vehicle.

Fasten your seat belt

Fasten your seat belt and shoulder strap correctly. Seat belts save lives and reduce injuries, and provide the greatest protection when worn properly. The law requires you to wear your seat belt.

• Wear the lap belt low and snug over your hips. The shoulder belt must fit over your chest and shoulder.
• Do not tuck the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm.
• You are still required to wear your seat belt when in a vehicle with air bags. Seat belt use is required by law When you are ready to go, do the following:
• Check to be sure your intended path of travel is clear.
• Check your inside and outside rear view mirrors.
• Do a shoulder check to be sure your blind spots are clear. If you are moving away from the right side of the road, use your left turn signal to indicate that you are entering traffic. If you are on the left side of a one-way road, use your right turn signal. In this situation, it can be difficult to see traffic clearly from the driver’s seat.

A vehicle with an automatic transmission allows the driver to select a gear that enables the transmission to change gears on its own as the speed changes. Automatic transmissions have a lock release button or control built into the gear selector to reduce the possibility of shifting incorrectly. The lock release provides the following safety features:

• It must be used to move the gear selector from Park to Reverse or any forward gear while the brake pedal is pressed.
• It must be used to shift the vehicle from Drive to a lower gear (first or second).
• It must be used to shift into Park from any gear. Refer to your owner’s manual for more information about the transmission lock release. Park To be used when starting the engine and when leaving the vehicle parked. The Park position locks the transmission, which prevents the wheels from turning. The vehicle’s engine will start when the transmission is in Park. Reverse To be used when backing or reversing the vehicle. When the vehicle is in reverse gear the white or clear lights at the rear of the vehicle will be lit. The vehicle’s engine will not start in Reverse. Neutral To be used when the transmission is in a position that no gear is selected. The wheels are not locked, and there is no power to the wheels. This position is used for towing the vehicle. The vehicle’s engine will start in Neutral. Drive To be used for normal forward driving. The transmission will change up and down through the driving gears automatically. The vehicle’s engine will not start in this gear. Third, Second, and First Gears To be used when you require more power but less speed and to prevent the transmission from shifting to a higher gear. These gears may be used when going up or down hills and on road conditions such as slush, loose gravel, snow, sand, or ice, where you need more power but less speed. The vehicle’s engine will not start in this gear. Overdrive (if equipped) To be used for driving at higher speeds. This gear helps to save fuel. Not all vehicles have this option. The vehicle’s engine will not start in this gear. For more information about gear selection and use, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Shifting gears in a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission is a skill requiring considerable practice. You must operate a clutch pedal with your left foot while using a gear shift lever with the right hand to manually select the desired gear. When the clutch pedal is pressed down, the connection between the transmission and the wheels is disengaged. This prevents the transfer of engine power to the wheels. The driver changes gears when the clutch pedal is pressed down. The clutch pedal is used to connect and disconnect the vehicle’s engine and transmission. When the clutch pedal is not pressed down, there is a connection between the engine and transmission, and the power of the engine is transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle. When starting the engine of a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission, the gear shift lever should be in the neutral position and the clutch pedal should be pressed down completely. As you begin to release the clutch pedal by slowly lifting your left foot, the connection between the engine and the transmission will begin to be felt before the pedal is fully released. The point where this occurs is called the friction point. It is at the friction point that you must slowly release the clutch pedal to prevent the engine from stalling. At the friction point, carefully using the gas pedal with the slow release of the clutch pedal will help achieve a smooth start. To learn to use the clutch smoothly, new drivers should practice using the friction point without the use of the gas pedal. When driving a manual transmission vehicle, it is important to select the proper gear so that the engine does not lug (move in rough, bumpy fashion) or race (rev the engine but not move the car effectively). The vehicle’s owner’s manual will provide the approximate speeds at which you should change gears. Shifting patterns vary between vehicles as do the number of gears. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will describe the shifting pattern for your vehicle. A pattern is usually found at the top of the gear shift lever. You can practice moving the gear shift lever, when the vehicle is not running and the clutch pedal is pressed all the way down, into the various gears until you are sure of the gear locations. You need to be able to find each gear without looking at the gear shift when you are driving. When you are driving, be sure to remove your foot from the clutch pedal each time you finish changing to another gear. Leaving your foot on the clutch pedal unnecessarily is called “riding the clutch” and can cause extra wear on the clutch. When you wish to brake or come to a stop, do not coast to a stop while pressing the clutch pedal. Pressing on the clutch pedal like this prevents you from being able to use the accelerator. When turning corners, be sure your vehicle is in the proper gear for the speed of the turn, and that your foot is off the clutch pedal. Only use the clutch pedal to start the vehicle, change from one gear to the next, and just before you stop to prevent stalling.

Think of the steering wheel as a clock. To have the best vehicle control, place your left hand at about the 9 o’clock position. Your right hand should be at about the 3 o’clock position. If this is not possible due to the design of the steering wheel, place your left hand at about the

10 o’clock position and your right hand at about the 2 o’clock position. When turning a corner, steer using the hand-over-hand method. When returning the wheel from a turning position, use the hand-over-hand method. You can also let the steering wheel slide through your hands back into position by loosening your grip slightly, but keeping contact with the steering wheel. Hand placements during a right turn: A. Hand position to begin a left or right turn. B. For right turns, the left hand applies turning power. Right hand releases the steering wheel, and moves to the top of the steering wheel. C. Right hand takes new position and applies turning power. D. Left hand releases the steering wheel, and returns to 9 o’clock position. E. Reverse the steps to complete the turn and return the steering wheel to the normal position. Turn completed, return hands to driving position.

Signal lights and brake lights tell other drivers what you are going to do. You must use your signal light when you are:

• moving away from the curb or parking lane
• turning left or right
• changing lanes. When you apply your brakes, your brake lights are activated to alert other drivers that you are slowing or stopping. The guide shows each signal twice: as an electrical signal and as the equivalent hand signal — left signal, right signal, and slowing or stopping. Do not confuse other drivers by signaling too early or too late. Remember to turn off your turn signal light if it does not turn off automatically.

When you are driving your vehicle, your ability to control your speed depends on looking where you want to go and using the accelerator correctly. Gradually press on the accelerator to move the vehicle, and then hold it at the proper position for the selected speed. This will take some practice. Keep the following in mind:

• Accelerate smoothly.
• Adjust to the weather, road, and traffic conditions.
• Do not accelerate or reduce speed unnecessarily.
• Never exceed the posted speed limit.
• Do not accelerate so quickly that the vehicle’s tires spin.
• Drive with the flow of traffic to reduce the risk of being in a collision. Driving too slowly can be a hazard.
• Glance occasionally at your speedometer to check your speed.

Knowing how much time and distance it takes to apply your brakes to completely stop your vehicle can help avoid errors in judgement and help avoid a collision. Three factors determine the time and distance it takes to stop. Perception time: Perception time is how long it takes to recognize a situation and understand that you need to stop. This can take about three-quarters of a second. Drivers with less experience often take longer to realize a danger exists. Perception distance is how far a vehicle travels during this time. Reaction time: Reaction time is how long it takes to respond to a situation by moving your foot from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal. The average reaction time is three-quarters of a second. Reaction distance is how far a vehicle travels during this time. Braking time: Braking time is how long it takes a vehicle to stop after the brakes are applied. Braking distance is how far the vehicle travels during this time. Perception distance + Reaction distance + Braking distance = Total stopping distance The chart below illustrates the minimum stopping distance for various speeds. The stopping distances are averages for stopping on smooth, dry pavement.

110 km/h

100 km/h

80 km/h

50 km/h

30 km/h Distance travelled while perceiving the need to stop (based on an average perception time of ¾ second) Distance travelled while reacting (based on an average reaction time of ¾ second) Distance travelled after brakes applied (under normal road conditions and brake efficiency) Many factors affect your stopping time and distance. These include road and weather conditions. Some factors you can control are:

• your visual search skills as you scan the roadway ahead
• your decision-making ability
• your alertness and level of fatigue
• your use of alcohol or drugs
• your vehicle’s speed
• the condition of your vehicle’s brakes and tires.

Braking

• When stopping, begin braking early. If you brake too late, your braking distance may not be sufficient.
• Release pressure on the accelerator before applying the brake to reduce your speed.
• To finish braking smoothly, release pressure on the brake pedal slightly and then reapply pressure on the pedal just before you come to a stop.
• If you must stop quickly, use threshold braking. This is applying the brakes without locking the wheels. This is where braking efficiency is at its maximum while still allowing you to steer your vehicle. If the wheels lock, release your pressure on the brake pedal slightly. Applying the brakes hard enough to lock the wheels will cause a loss of steering control. For vehicles with anti-lock brakes (ABS), see information in Chapter 6 under emergency braking.

All reversing must be done at a crawl or slow walking speed. Before reversing, look behind the vehicle and only drive in reverse when your path is clear of traffic, pedestrians, and obstacles. Before reversing out of a driveway, walk around the vehicle and check for possible dangers behind the vehicle. To reverse in a straight line, do the following:

• Place your left hand at the top of the steering wheel and shift slightly onto your right hip. For support, place your right hand on the back of the passenger seat.
• Look over your right shoulder through the rear window. Reverse slowly while covering the brake pedal.
• Glance to the front to be sure that the front of the vehicle does not contact anything.
• To correct your steering, turn the steering wheel no more than a quarter turn in the same direction that you want the rear of your vehicle to go. When reversing to the left or right, do the following:
• Use both hands on the steering wheel at about 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock if you need to turn more than one-half turn.
• To reverse to the left, look over your left shoulder with frequent glances to the front.
• To reverse to the right, look over your right shoulder with frequent glances to the front.
• Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the rear of the vehicle to go. Note: The front of the vehicle will move in the opposite direction from the direction the rear of the vehicle is moving. Other tips for reversing:
• When reversing out of a driveway, steer your vehicle into the nearest traffic lane and then go forward. Do not reverse into a second traffic lane.
• It is illegal to move your vehicle in reverse into an intersection or a crosswalk. If you see white reverse lights on a vehicle, be aware that it may move backwards. These lights show that the vehicle is in reverse gear.

Parking requires good control of the vehicle, accurate judgement, and steering skill. The next three sections will explain different types of parking.

Parallel parking

This type of parking may seem difficult at first and will require practice. To park in a space between two vehicles at the right- side curb, follow the steps illustrated. Note the position of the front tires (in red). When approaching your intended parallel parking space, check behind you for traffic. Gradually apply your brakes well in advance of the parking space to begin slowing. Your brake lights alert other drivers of your intent to stop. Determine if the parking space is large enough for your vehicle. Stop when the rear bumper of your vehicle (vehicle A) is in line with the rear bumper of vehicle B. Your vehicle should be parallel with vehicle B, with about one metre (three feet) of space between the two vehicles. Place your vehicle in reverse gear. Look over your right shoulder and behind you to make sure nothing is there and the space is still available. Reverse straight very slowly (crawl speed) about one-half metre (one and a half feet). While still moving slowly, steer sharply to the right until your vehicle is at about a 45-degree angle to the curb. Continue to look in the direction you are moving while glancing to the front. Your steering wheel should now be in line with the rear bumper of vehicle B. While reversing very slowly, straighten your front wheels and continue reversing until the right corner of your front bumper is in line with the rear bumper of vehicle B. Be careful not to make contact with this vehicle. Turn the wheel sharply to the left. Continue to look in the direction you are moving while glancing to the front. Reverse until your vehicle is parallel with the curb. Be careful not to make contact with the bumper of the vehicle behind you. The law requires that the wheels of the parked vehicle not be more than 50 centimetres from the curb. When you are leaving a parallel park position with a vehicle parked in front of you, do the following:

• Check all mirrors to see if it is safe to leave the parking location.
• Reverse while looking over your right shoulder through your rear window, until you are close to the vehicle parked behind you, without making contact.
• Turn on the left turn signal.
• Before moving forward, look over your left shoulder for traffic and cyclists not visible in the mirrors.
• Move forward slowly about one metre (three feet) while steering sharply all the way to the left. When it is safe, drive into the nearest travel lane taking care not to make contact with the vehicle parked in front.
• Be alert for traffic approaching from the rear. Entering and exiting a vehicle parked parallel to the curb on a two-way street: When leaving a vehicle parked parallel to the curb, check all mirrors carefully for any traffic or cyclists approaching from behind. Do a shoulder check to your blind spots to the left. When it is safe, open the door no wider than necessary to get out and leave the vehicle quickly. Walk to the rear of the vehicle facing traffic to get to the curb. When entering a vehicle parked parallel to the curb, always approach from the front of the vehicle. Look for traffic passing in the nearest lane before you open the door. Open the door no wider than necessary to get in and close the door quickly behind you.

Angle parking

Angle parking is most often used in parking lots. The spaces may be on an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the traffic lane. The following steps should be used to enter an angle parking space on the right:

• Turn on your right turn signal and reduce your speed.
• Drive parallel to the curb and remain about one and a half metres (five feet) away from the rear of the parked vehicle.
• When you can see along the left side of the vehicle parked to the right of the vacant parking space, steer sharply to the right. Look through the centre of the stall while moving your vehicle slowly ahead. Your vehicle should be centred in the space.
• At about the mid-point of the parking space, straighten your wheels and continue to move forward slowly. Check the left front bumper and the right rear bumper of your vehicle, making sure they are not too close to the parked vehicles on either side.
• Keep moving slowly forward until the front wheel makes light contact with the curb or is within 50 centimetres (20 inches) of the curb. Entering angle parking space from the right When leaving an angle parking space: Reverse carefully and slowly. Be sure there is nothing behind your vehicle. Reversing can be hazardous because it is difficult to see traffic as you move out of the space. Yield the right-of-way as you back out and look carefully behind your vehicle. Move slowly and be prepared to stop if necessary. If the vehicle on your right is longer than your vehicle, stop when the rear of your vehicle is even with the rear of the longer vehicle. Check for traffic and pedestrians. Continue reversing straight until you can see past the parked vehicle. When your front bumper clears the rear of the vehicle to your left, turn the steering wheel sharply to the right. Continue reversing into the first lane behind the parked vehicle. Stop when your vehicle is parallel with the curb. Drive ahead in your present lane. Watch for other vehicles moving out of angle parking stalls in front of you.

Perpendicular parking

Perpendicular parking spaces are at a 90 degree angle to the curb. As you approach a parking space, keep about two metres (six feet) between your vehicle and the rear of the vehicle parked to your right. Travel very slowly. When your front bumper is even with the left side of the vehicle parked to the right of your intended space, look through the vacant space. While driving very slowly, turn your wheels quickly all the way to the right. Check the left front corner and the right side of your vehicle as you enter the parking space to be sure you do not contact any parked vehicles. Look through the vacant space, and drive in slowly. Be sure your vehicle is centred and completely in the stall. It is easier to enter a 90-degree angle parking stall on the left than one on the right because you have more room to achieve the proper angle. Be sure to check for oncoming traffic before you cross the oncoming traffic lane. Look through the center of your stall as you turn and enter it. This is similar to turning left onto another roadway. Only enter a perpendicular or angle parking stall to your left when you are in a parking lot. Entering a perpendicular parking space from the left. Entering a perpendicular parking space from the right.

Hill parking

The following information applies to parking on the right side of the road. When parking facing uphill on a street with a curb, turn the front wheels to the left (toward the centre of the road). With the wheels turned, allow your vehicle to roll back slowly until the right front tire is touching the curb. This helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling into traffic if it starts to move. When parking facing uphill on a street without a curb, turn your front wheels to the right (toward the edge of the road). By doing this, if the vehicle starts to move it will go off the road and not into traffic. When parking facing downhill, always turn your front wheels to the right. If there is a curb, allow your vehicle to roll to the point where your right front tire is making contact with it. With the tires turned to the right, if the vehicle starts moving it will go off the road and not into traffic. Downhill Uphill without curb Uphill with curb To prevent a parked vehicle from rolling down a hill, always set your park brake and place your transmission in park (for an automatic transmission) or low gear (for a manual transmission). When parking on the left side of the road, turn the front wheels in the opposite direction.

Do not park here

Do not park your vehicle:

• on a sidewalk or boulevard
• on a crosswalk or on any part of a crosswalk
• within an intersection
• within one and a half metres (five feet) of access to a garage, private roadway, or driveway
• alongside or opposite any street construction or obstruction when stopping or parking would obstruct traffic
• on a bridge or underpass or the approaches to a bridge or underpass
• where a traffic control device prohibits stopping or parking No parking within five metres (16 feet) of a stop or yield sign. No parking within five metres (16 feet) of a marked crosswalk.
• within five metres (16 feet) of a stop sign or yield sign
• within five metres of the nearest side of a marked crosswalk
• within five metres of a fire hydrant. When the hydrant is not located at the curb, do not park within five metres of the point on the curb nearest the hydrant. No parking within five metres (16 feet) of a fire hydrant.
• beside other vehicles where you may be double-parked
• closer than five metres of the edge of the intersecting roadway, except where there is an indication that parking is permitted, such as with a parking meter
• at or near the site of a fire, explosion, motor vehicle crash, or other incident, where parking would obstruct traffic or emergency response personnel and equipment. On a roadway outside an urban area, do not park:
• on the roadway, parking lane, or shoulder of a primary highway except where: · your vehicle is incapable of moving under its own power, · an emergency arises, or · it is permitted by law.
• unless there is a clear passage for other motor vehicles, and
• your vehicle can be seen for 60 metres (200 feet) along the roadway in both directions.