Cockpit Drill - DSSSM
Learn the Cockpit Drill with Weelz Driving Schools
The Cockpit Drill is an important series of safety checks which must be carried out every time you get into the driving seat and always before driving
You can easily remember the cockpit drill by remembering the letters D.S.S.S.M - it's easy if you say "d treble s m"!
So, what does it stand for . . .
Doors:
You must check that all doors of the vehicle are properly shut. As the driver, this is your responsibility
Seat:
Your seat should be adjusted for comfort, control and safety. The base of the seat should be adjusted so that the clutch pedal can be depressed fully, with the left foot, and still have a reasonable bend at the knee
The back of the seat (the rake) should be adjusted so that the steering wheel can be held at the 'ten-to-two' or 'quarter-to-three' position with a reasonable bend at the elbow
Also check that the hands can slide freely around the whole of the steering wheel without discomfort or obstruction
The head-restraint should be adjusted so that the centre is in line with the top of the ears and is positioned as close to the back of the head as is comfortable
Steering:
In addition to adjusting the set, some vehicles have an adjustable steering column. If moving the column always ensure you lock its position afterwards
Seat belt:
Ensure your seat belt is adjusted properly for comfort and safety. The belt should lay flat across your chest and hips with no twists. Most vehicles have height adjusters at the shoulder point. This should be adjusted so that the belt lays centrally on the shoulder, not on the neck
Mirrors:
The driving mirrors should be adjusted from your normal driving position, for the best view to the rear. The interior mirror should act like a frame of the rear window with a slight tilt to the offside
The side of the vehicle should be just visible in the exterior mirrors with the horizon across the centre of the mirror. Most exterior mirrors have convex glass which is slightly curved which makes things look further away than they are
Before starting your engine ensure that the handbrake is on and the gear lever is in the neutral position
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Is this the right order?
hi,
My instructor didnt do it this way. We did the mirrors then the seat belt, not like u've done it here. Whats right please?
The way you do it is fine!
The tutorial above simply follows the DSA's recommended method, although the way your instructor has shown you is perfectly acceptable
In fact, a lot of instructors suggest doing the cockpit drill the way you do it, because sometimes having the seat belt on can restrict your movements to adjust the mirrors
However, in modern cars with electric mirror controls, this isn't really an issue
Good luck with your driving
Weelz admin team
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