The engine is started by turning the ignition key which is put into the ignition switch. Before starting the engine however we must carry out 2 safety checks, you must make sure that the handbrake is on and the gear lever is in neutral. This ensures that there will be no movement when the engine is switched on.

Now we can start the engine, take hold of the key and turn it away from you until it clicks, that is the first stage of the ignition, some of the car accessories are now operational - turn the key until it clicks again - you will now see 3 warning lights.
One of the warning lights is the brake light showing the handbrake is on, the others are the oil pressure warning light and the ignition light. The oil pressure and ignition lights should go out within a few seconds after starting the engine and the brake light as soon as the handbrake is released.

If any of these lights come on whilst driving you should seek professional help as soon as possible.

When you next turn the key the engine will start - at this point the key is spring loaded so when the engine starts let go of the key.

That concludes your introduction to the controls. We'll be getting plenty of practise in using them during our lessons.

[Introduction][Cockpit Drill][Foot Controls][Hand Controls][Other Controls]

There are a wide variety of additional controls on the car - I will introduce you to only 2 during the first lesson. We will learn about the others during your training as the need arises.

The indicators are used to warn other road users that you intend to change direction and can be operated with your fingers without taking your hand from the steering wheel.

If you push it up then orange lights flash to the front and rear on the right of the car showing other road users that you intend to turn or move to the right.
Pushing the lever down causes the indicators to flash on the left side of thcar and informs others of yor intention to turn or move to the left.

Signals are designed to be self cancelling, however this only works when the steering wheel has been turned sufficiently - so whenever you have given a signal you should remember to check that it has been cancelled when you no longer need to it to be showing.

Now let's go on and look at how the ignition is used to start the car.

[Introduction][Cockpit Drill][Foot Controls][Hand Controls][Other Controls]