Lesson 6.

2 – Basics of Driving 2020

LESSON 6.2

BASICS OF DRIVING
Concept

Driving Defined. Driving is the act of controlling and

directing the speed and travelling of a motor vehicle. It could be
also understood as the directing and controlling a motor vehicle
towards the desired way or action. In RA 4136, the person, driver
is defined as a person operating a motor vehicle.

Rationale. Driving or operating a motor vehicle entails a

psycho-motor skill. Psychological skill because it involves
familiarization of the various mechanisms of a vehicle to attain
smooth driving. It is also psychological because a driver must
think like the motor vehicle. In a way, the driver and motor
vehicle acts in unison. It is a motor skill because there must be
coordination among the various body parts involve in operating a
motor vehicle such as the entire lower extremities and the upper
extremities.

In addition to psycho-motor skills, driving also includes

perceptual skills. Perceptual skills involve the ability of the driver
to observe occurrences in and around the motor vehicle as well as
the ability to foresee the traffic situation and traffic hazards.

Like in any other activities involving skills, development of

driving skills is starts from the basics. The basics of driving involve
the proper holding of the steering wheel, proper control of the
accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals, proper and timely shifting of
gears, appropriate using of the various lights and signals of a
motor vehicle, and correct utilization of the other gadgets and
accessories of a motor vehicle.

Since driving is a skill, all the actions in driving should be done

repeatedly until it will be embedded in the body system of a
driver. Hence, in practice, the driving instructor should instruct the

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student driver to repeatedly perform the actions until it will

become spontaneously done.

For this book, the context of driving as discussed is based in

countries which use left-hand driving like the Philippines. In left-
hand driving, the steering wheel is located in the left side and the
shifting lever is on the right side or the left side is the driver side
and the right side is the passenger side.

A. Before Boarding and or Starting a Motor Vehicle. A

driver must always visually inspect the motor vehicle at its
surrounding before embarking. Look for any hazards under the
car, in front, or at the rear. In addition, a driver must consider the
old reliable BLOWBAG principle. This principle is usually useful to
avoid sudden motor vehicle breakdown and accident particularly
when preparing for a long road trip.

1. Battery. The battery is important for gasoline-fed engines

because it supplies the electric power to the spark plugs
which burn the fuel. In diesel-fed engines, the electric
current coming from the battery will not affect the engine
while running as long as the electric alternator and voltage
regulators are properly functioning.
a. Open the hood or in some other cars, the battery is
located somewhere inside the motor vehicle.
b. Check the battery liquid (juice) if using a battery that
needs to be frequently maintained. This is not
applicable to maintenance-free batteries which are
common today.
c. Check also if the battery clamp or holder is tight to
avoid movement of the battery out of its place.
d. Check also the battery terminals (connectors) if they
are tight. Loose battery connections oftentimes cause
discharging of the battery power and worse, it may
cause sparking. See also the terminals if corroded or if
covered with hardened acids.
e. Upon switching the engine, check also the battery
indicator in the panel display which shows a possible
malfunctioning of the voltage regulator and/or the
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electric alternator. Malfunctioning of the voltage

regulator and/or the electric alternator causes
discharging of the battery.
2. Lights. These include the headlight, the signal lights, fog
lights, the tail lights, and the plate number lights. The
headlight is very significant when driving in the dark to
enable the driver see the road and for him to be seen by
others. Like the other lights, the headlights are also used
to communicate with other motorists and road users.
a. Check if there are broken glass or plastic covers
(housing) of the lights. Cracks on covers may cause
sipping of rain waters. Once the housing of the light is
filled with water, it causes busting of light and it may
also cause short-circuiting.
b. Look for possible busted or malfunctioning lights by
switching on all light switches and walk around the
motor vehicle.
c. It is practical also to keep in the car, reserve light
bulbs and electrical fuses (capacitors).
3. Oil. The lubrication ensures the optimizing the engine
power by reducing friction of the moving parts inside the
engine. Regular oil changing is a must to lengthen the life
of the engine. For routine practice –
a. Check always the oil gauge in the engine by pulling out
the oil engine stick. Wipe with cloth or tissue paper
then reinsert the oil gauge stick. Pull out again and
read the oil level if still within the limit. This practice is
necessary when using older cars.
b. If the oil gauge is below the minimum limit, add engine
oil which should be the same quality as with the oil
that is already filled during the last changing of oil.
c. Inside the motor vehicle, switch on the engine, and
check for the oil warning light in the display panel.
d. If necessary, keep reserve engine oil inside the car.

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4. Water. The cooling system is also vital to the life of the

engine. The radiator is usually located in front of the
engine especially rear-drive motor vehicles.
a. Open the radiator cap and check whether the water
level is up to the brim.
b. If up to the brim, then the cooling system is
functioning well. Add water if necessary. Newer cars
have a separate coolant container.
c. If there is a separate coolant container, check also the
level of the coolant, add coolant if necessary.
5. Brakes. The braking system is another vital system of a
car. Proper functioning of this system is necessary. The
brake fluid container is located inside the hood near the
engine. Other cars have their brake fluid container inside
the motor vehicle.
a. Check the brake fluid level if it within the minimum
limit. Add brake fluid is necessary.
b. Upon start of the engine, push the brake pedal. Pump
the pedal at least twice.
c. Push the brake pedal up to the limit. If it suddenly
loosens, there is something wrong in the brake system.
6. Air. The air pressure in the tire is not as vital as the other
operational systems of the motor vehicle. However,
insufficient or excessive air pressure of the tires may
endanger the lives of the driver and its passengers.
a. Walk around and check all the tires. See if there are
any flat tires or seemingly lack of air.
b. If the driver has a portable or handy air pressure
gauge, check the gauge by thru the air valve heads of
the tires. Tire pressures vary depending on the types
and motor vehicle weight. Usually the required tire
pressures are provided by the motor vehicle
manufacturers and such required tire pressures are
marked on the interior of driver side door. For the
maximum tire load, it is marked on the tire itself.

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c. Aside from the air pressure, check also for possible

damages on the tires and any other object under the
car which may cut or puncture the tires.
7. Gas. Motor vehicle breakdown due to lack of fuel will not
only cause delay. It may also cause engine damages once
the motor suddenly stops while on high speed movement.
Upon starting the engine, check the fuel gauge display in
the panel display. Other cars have digital travel distance
left corresponding to the present amount of fuel in the
tank.

B. Before Starting the Engine. A driver must always

ensure his safety and convenience in driving before starting the
car’s engine. He should –

1. Fasten his/her seatbelt for safety purposes.

2. Adjust his/her seat to enable him/her reach the clutch,

brake, and accelerator pedals, and to fit in with his/her
driving convenience.

3. Adjust the rear and side mirrors to have complete view of

the rear and sides of the motor vehicle.

4. Adjust or tilt the steering wheel if necessary.

5. Look around for possible hazards like motor vehicles or

persons who suddenly park or stand at the rear.

C. Starting the Engine. Safety is always the concern of a

driver, hence, when starting the engine, a driver must –

1. Step on the brake pedal with the right foot to ensure that
the motor vehicle will not move forward or backward.

2. Ensure that the hand brake or parking brake is pulled up.

3. Fully press the clutch pedal with the left foot and hold on
the shifting lever to check if the gear is in NEUTRAL
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position. In case of automatic transmission (AT) motor

vehicles, place the shift gear to either PARK or NEUTRAL
position.

4. Slightly step on the accelerator pedal in starting the

engine. Twist for a moment the key to start the engine.
Some vehicles are equipped with push button starting
switch. Once the engine started, immediately get off your
hands from the key. In cases of diesel engines, twist the
key to switch on the “heater” before switching on the
engine.

5. Allow the engine, thru the oil pump, to distribute

lubrication inside the engine before slightly revving.

D. Moving the Motor Vehicle. The driver must smoothly

move the vehicle and sudden jumping of the motor vehicle must
be avoided. Hence, the driver should –

1. Not rev up on start of the engine. In case of diesel

engines, allow the engine to heat up before start moving
the car.

2. Fully press the clutch pedal to disengage before shifting

the gear in NUMBER 1 position or first gear.

3. Slowly rev up the accelerator pedal while slowly releasing

the clutch pedal until the driver will feel vibrations in the
engine indicating that the clutch disc and pressure plate
slowly engage. Abrupt releasing of the clutch pedal will
cause jumping movement of the motor vehicle. Steps 1 to
3 should be repeatedly done by a student driver until
he/she masters the smooth starting movement of the
vehicle.

4. Not fully rev up the vehicle after the first gear unless the
engine is already heated (for diesel) and/or the engine is
already running for few minutes ensuring the complete
distribution of engine oil.

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5. Scan the front and rear areas of the motor vehicle if there
are any other road users around who could be affected by
his/her movement.

6. Switch on the turning light when moving in a roadway

and/or blow the horn to signal other motorists of his/her
intention to move in.

E. The Steering Wheel. The steering wheel is considered

as one of the most significant parts of a motor vehicles because it
is the main part used in directing and controlling the path of the
motor vehicle.

Proper hand positioning is necessary. In the olden times, the

10 O’clock (left hand) and 2 O’clock (right hand) positions were
advisable. Today, such hand positioning is still applicable but no
longer mandatory particularly on motor vehicles having smaller
steering wheels and with airbags in the center of the steering
wheels. Correct hand positioning and steering wheel control
should be done by the following tips of the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in United States (Using
Efficient Steering Techniques, n.d.).

1. Both hands should be outside (left and right sides) of the

steering wheel.

2. Gripping should be firm but gentle.

3. Fingers should be gripping the steering wheel, not the

palm.

4. Keeping the thumbs up on the face of the steering wheel.

5. It is not advisable to turn the steering wheel from the

inside of the rim of the steering wheel.

Further, NHTSA recommends three (3) types of steering

methods to enable a driver safely and conveniently turn a motor
vehicle (Using Efficient Steering Techniques, n.d.).

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1. Hand-to-Hand Steering: (commonly called

push/pull steering)
a. Hand position: left hand between 7 and 8 o’clock, and
right hand between 4 and 5 o’clock.
b. Turning right: the left hand pushes the wheel up and
the right hand slides up, grasps the wheel and pulls
down to turn. While the right hand moves down, the
left hand slides back toward its original position to
make adjustments as needed.
c. Turning left: the right hand pushes the wheel up and
the left hand slides up, grasps the wheel and pulls
down to turn. While the left hand moves down, the
right hand slides back toward its original position to
make adjustments as needed.
d. In pushing up and down the steering wheel, proper
hand positions: between 11 and 8 o’clock with the left
hand and between 1 and 8 o’clock with the right hand.
2. Hand-over-Hand Steering: Applicable when the turning
at low speeds with limited visibility at an intersection or
when parking the vehicle or recovering from a skid.
a. Hand positions: left hand between 8 and 9 o’clock and
right hand between 3 and 4 o’clock.
b. Use the right top third of the steering wheel to move
the wheel to the right and use the left top third of the
wheel to move the wheel to the left.
c. Turning right: left hand pushes up, while the right
hand lets go, reaches across the other arm, grasps the
wheel and pulls the wheel up, over and down as
appropriate. As the wheel is being pulled up, the left
hand releases the wheel and returns to its original
position.
d. Turning left: right hand pushes up, while the left hand
lets go, reaches across the other arm, grasps the
wheel and pulls the wheel up, over and down as
appropriate. As the wheel is being pulled up, the right
hand releases the wheel and returns to its original
position.

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3. One Hand Steering: This is used when backing or while

operating or manipulating or adjusting vehicle controls like
wipers, flashers, lights, etc. that require a reach from the
steering wheel. This method of steering is critical to
vehicle balance, steering reversals, and potential injury.
a. Hand position when reaching for an operating control:
between 8 and 9 o’clock or 3 and 4 o’clock, depending
on steering wheel design.
b. Hand position when backing: 12 o’clock is
recommended to the left or right and the driver has to
turn his head in order to see the path of travel to the
rear.
c. When turning right while backing, the steering wheel is
also turned to the right.
d. When turning left while backing, the steering wheel is
also turned to the left.
F. The Pedals. Controlling the pressure of applied on the
pedal controls is dependent on how tight or loose the pedals. In
new vehicles, pressure applied is usually light and foot movement
is slow. On the other hand, some old vehicles have very tight
pedals, hence, foot pressure is greater or stronger.

1. Accelerator Pedal. In slow speed movement, the pedal

is usually slightly pressed at approximately 1000 rpm to
1200 rpm. When travelling at higher speed, the revving is
greater but should not be more than 2500 rpm (ideal).
2. The Clutch Pedal. As earlier stated, when the clutch
pedal is fully pushed down, it disengages the clutch disc
and the pressure plate, thus enable smooth changing of
gears.
a. Generally, the pushing down of the clutch pedal should
be quick and completely pushed downward.
b. The speed of releasing of the clutch pedal is slow when
shifting gear from first to second gear. From second
gear to third gear, the release of the clutch is a little bit
faster than when shifting from first gear to second
gear.
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c. The releasing is also slowly when adjusting the speed

from fast to slow such as from fourth to third gear to
avoid sudden engagement of the clutch disc and the
pressure plate. Such abrupt engagement of the clutch
disc and the pressure plate causes struggling of the
engine and transmission because the spinning speed of
the engine does not match the spinning movement of
the transmission. Eventually, when this always
happens, it will contribute to the early wearing out of
the engine, and the gears in the transmission.
d. Shifting from 3rd to 4th or 4th to 5th, the releasing of the
clutch pedal should be very quick when traversing on
flat and downhill roads.
e. Releasing the clutch pedal should also be slow when
shifting from a high gear to a lower gear such as from
5th to 4th, 4th to 3rd, and 3rd to 2nd. In shifting back to
low gear, the driver should slightly press the brake
pedal to slow down the spinning (or revolution per
minute (rpm)) of the engine to avoid struggling of the
engine. The struggling is caused by the discrepancy of
the rpm of the engine and the gears in the
transmission.
f. The clutch pedal is always completely pressed
whenever the motor vehicle comes into complete stop
to avoid sudden shutting off of the engine.
3. The Brake Pedal. Similar with the other control pedals,
the pressure of pushing down the brake pedal is
dependent on the tightness of the pedal.
a. Reducing speed: the movement of pushing the brake
pedal should be slowly and not full-pressing depending
of the desired speed of the motor vehicle.
b. Complete stopping: It should be fully-pushed
downward but the movement of pushing the brake
pedal should be slowly unless there is an immediate
risk of collision.
c. In some older motor vehicles, particularly those still
equipped with manual braking system, pushing the

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brake pedal is sometimes done twice or more until the

brake functions.
d. In reducing the speed by stepping on the brake pedal,
once the engine and transmission struggle (it can be
detected by vibration from the engine), fully pushed
the clutch pedal to avoid sudden shutting off of the
engine.
G. Shifting Gears. Shifting of gears entails coordinated and
simulated actions and movements of the hand controlling the
shifting lever, the left foot in pressing the clutch pedal, and the
right foot in releasing and pushing back the accelerator pedal. In
addition, the remaining hand should firmly grip the steering
wheel.

H. Lights and Signals. While driving, controlling the

switches of lights and signals cannot be avoided. Like in shifting
gears, there are body movements that are simultaneously and
coordinately done. Usually, one hand is left gripping the steering
wheel, while the other hand is controlling or adjusting lights
and/or signal switches (refer to One-hand Steering Method).

I. Other Accessories. In driving, controlling the switches of

other accessories such as the car air-condition, the audio or visual
gadgets and other interior accessories cannot be avoided. This
also involves body movements that are simultaneously and
coordinately done. Usually, one hand is left gripping the steering
wheel, while the other hand is controlling or adjusting switches of
accessories and/or gadgets (refer also to One-hand Steering
Method).

J. Backing or Reverse Movement. Backing the motor is

more difficult than moving forward. Moving backward involves
coordinated and simulated movement of the head, eyes, feet, and
hands. Safe and convenient backing may be done through the
following.

1. Apply the one-hand steering method when the driver

needs to turn his/her head to have better view of the rear.

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2. Apply the two-hand steering method when backing is done

with the aid of the sideview and rearview mirrors.

3. While backing, control of the clutch and accelerator pedals

are similar to when starting to move the motor vehicle
from NEUTRAL GEAR to FIRST GEAR. In this case, the
clutch pedal is usually half-pressed as well as the
accelerator pedal.

K. Driving on Uphill Roads. Driving uphill is similar to

driving in flat roadways. The difficulty arises when the driver stops
while going up on ascending portions of highways. Stopping is
more frequent in traffic congested areas. Failure of the driver to
control the clutch and accelerator and the brake pedal may cause
accidental backing of the motor vehicle which may cause collision
to any motor vehicle, pedestrian, or object at the rear. Following
are some of the tips for safer and more convenient uphill driving.

1. Similar to when starting to move a motor vehicle. The

difference is that when driving uphill, greater revving is
necessary to enable the engine gain power.

2. Quickly release the clutch pedal up to the point that the

clutch disc engages with the pressure plate while on 1st
gear and while stepping on the brake (for some, the hand
brake is used to avoid backward movement of the motor
vehicle). Continue pressing the clutch pedal while slowly
revving the accelerator. Once the motor starts to move
forward, slowly release the clutch and slowly increase the
pressure on the accelerator.

3. In shifting to higher gear such as from 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd,

3rd to 4th, and/or 4th to 5th, Increase the revving and shift
gear once the engine has already gained enough power for
the next higher gear.

4. If the engine struggles after shifting to a higher gear, rev

up. But if the engine still struggles which is the driver feels
vibration of the engine, shift back to the lower gear. Rev

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up again and shift to a higher gear once the engine gains

power.

5. While on high speed and the engine starts to lost power,

shift to lower gear.

6. The releasing of the clutch pedal in shifting to higher gear

should be a little quicker than when shifting from 1st to 2nd
gear. Immediate releasing of the clutch pedal is done
when shifting to higher gears such as from 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to
4th, and/or 4th to 5th.

L. Driving on Downhill Roads. In driving downhills, the

gear is usually in higher speed which is 3rd gear and above. The
choice of the gear is however dependent on the degree of
descending and the load of the motor vehicle.

1. Check the brakes before an approach to descending areas

and slow down in preparation to shifting to low gear.

2. For a safer driving particularly when the descending is very

steep, use engine break. That is – use low gear, either 1st
or 2nd gear and do not push the accelerator pedal. Engine
break is also done when the vehicle is fully loaded even if
the descending is not too steep.

3. If the road is safe and no other hazards in the highway,

shift to higher gear.

4. From time to time, apply pressure on the brake pedal to

control the speed of the motor vehicle.

5. There are instances that revving up is not necessary. The

engine automatically revs up depending on the speed of
forward movement of the motor vehicle.

M. Driving on Bumpy and Dilapidated Roads. Use low

gears when there are so many road bumps and holes on the
roadway. As deeper holes or higher bumps are encountered, if
necessary, come to a full stop and start again from 1st gear. In
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releasing the pedal and revving up, apply the same method as in
when starting to move a motor vehicle.

1. Speed bumps are usually installed in school zones,

churches, private roads, and heavily populated areas.
Speed bumps are designed to slow down motor vehicles
the lowest possible speed for the safety of pedestrians and
other road users. On approach, the driver should slow
down and come to a full stop before the front wheels
touch the bumps. Control the speed of the motor vehicle
similar to when starting to move a car from 1st gear. Full
stop again once the driver feels that the rear wheels touch
the bumps. Start again from 1st gear and apply the same
methods in starting a car from 1st gear.

2. Speed humps are lower than bumps and are less steep.
Speed humps are designed to slow down motor vehicles.
On approach, press the brake to reduce speed then
change to lower gear like from 3rd to 2nd. It is not
necessary to come to full stop. It is enough to reduce the
speed in such a way that it will not cause jumping of the
wheels. Speed humps are most common in public
roadways.

N. Stopping the Motor Vehicle and Switching Off the

Engine. Improper stopping and switching off the engine may also
cause wearing of the car engine and other moving parts inside the
transmission. The following are the correct stopping and shutting
off the engine.

1. In stopping the motor vehicle to park or come to rest,

push the brake pedal.

2. Before it will totally stop, completely push also the clutch

pedal to avoid erroneous shutting off the engine.

3. Finally switch off the engine by twisting back the key.

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4. In flat terrains or roads, while still pressing the clutch and

brake pedals, position the shifting lever to any gear.
Release the clutch pedal before releasing the brake pedal
and pulling up the hand brake.

5. In downhill roads, while still pressing the clutch and brake

pedals, position the shifting lever to reverse gear. Turn the
front wheels toward the curb. Release the clutch pedal
before releasing the brake pedal and pulling up the hand
brake.

6. In uphill roads, while still pressing the clutch and brake

pedals, position the shifting lever to any forward gear.
Turn the front wheels away from the curb. Without curb,
turn the wheels towards the edge of the road. Release the
clutch pedal before releasing the brake pedal and pulling
up the hand brake.

7. For automatic transmissions, shift the gear to “PARK”

position.

O. Common Errors in Driving in Relation to the

Operation of the Motor Vehicle. There are individuals who
unknowingly commit errors in while operating a motor vehicle. It
could be a product of wrong training in driving or it could be a
result of trial and error while driving. The following are some of
the common errors in driving.

1. Keeping the foot on the clutch pedal – This will cause

immediate wearing out of the clutch disc.

2. Skipping the first gear – Instead of starting from 1st gear,

some drivers start from 2nd or 3rd gear. This could be done
when driving downhill and the motor vehicle is slightly
moving but not when in flat terrain, on uphill, or when the
motor vehicle is in complete stopped position. This error
causes struggling of the engine which may eventually
affect the lifespan of the engine.

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3. Skipping gears – The normal and proper shifting of gear is

gradually done such as 1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th, and
4th to 5th. However, there are some who change gear by
skipping gears such as 1st to 3rd or 2nd to 4th or 3rd to 5th.
This error also causes struggling of the engine.

4. Overusing of the engine break – This error causes wearing

out of the engine. It is better to use a higher gear and
from time to time pressing the brake pedal to control the
speed of the motor vehicle and wearing the brake pads
and brakes shoes rather than wearing the engine.

5. Riding on the Brake Pedal – This may be safer going

downhill but it may easily burn the brake pads and brake
shoes. Excessive heating may cause sudden burning of the
rubber tires.

6. Untimely Shifting to Reverse Gear – Drivers who need to

make a U-turn in narrow areas rush in maneuvering their
cars. Hence, many times, they are forced to shift to
reverse gear while the motor vehicle is still moving
forward. This error may cause wearing out of gears, and
even the differential.

7. Resting on the Shifting Lever or Stick – This will cause

pressure on the shift collar which may cause early wearing
of the shifting gears.

8. Under-inflation of Tires – Lack of air in the tire causes the

entire exterior surface of the tire engages the road surface
creating higher friction. Increase friction increases the
wearing out of the tires. Lack of air also causes flexing of
the outer side of the tires while the center surface flattens
against the road. The flexing of the outer side will
eventually result to tire failure (cracking of the rubber) and
such tire failure may cause tire blowout.

9. Overusing of Low Gears on Uphill – There are drivers who

fear that their vehicles may not be able to climb so the

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they tend to keep moving in low gear. Prolonged low gear

driving does not only consume more fuel but it also places
excessed torque in the engine while in low speed. Thus,
causing overheating of the engine. Frequent overheating
may eventually damage the engine.

10. Misusing the Car Airconditioning System. Unlike large

motor vehicles, smaller vehicles have no separate motor or
engine for their air conditioning system. The air
conditioning motor relies on the engine with a pump belt.
Hence, when the air conditioning is switched on, it gives
more burden on the engine so greater revving is
necessary. Except for the greater fuel consumption, there
is not much a problem in flat terrain and downhill driving.
The problems occur when driving uphill in low gear while
the air conditioning system is switched on. It gives more
torque on the engine resulting to engine overheating.

11. Excessive Use of the Clutch and Accelerator in Controlling

the Speed on Uphill – One safe way to drive uphill during
bumper to bumper traffic condition is to control the
movement of the vehicle through balancing the pressure
on the clutch and accelerator pedal.
a. To stop the motor vehicle, slightly push the clutch
pedal until the clutch disc and pressure plate engage.
b. While the left foot is on half-clutch position, the
accelerator pedal should be pressed until the motor
vehicle does not move. Keeping these feet positions
will keep the motor vehicle from moving.
c. To start slow movement, slightly release the clutch
pedal while slowly adding pressure on the accelerator.
d. Repeat the same actions once the motor vehicle in
front stops and again slowly moves.
e. However, prolonged controlling the stopping and slow
movement of the motor vehicle through this clutch-
accelerator technique burns the clutch disc. If the
burning is severe, the clutch disc will eventually slide.

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