Setting up in the driving seat

Why a correct seating position is essential

A good driving position ensures control of the pedals and steering wheel, reduces fatigue and ensures your safety in a collision. The Highway Code requires the driver to be 'in a state and position to carry out all manoeuvres conveniently and without delay'. A poor position is a 2nd class offence (35 euros).

Adjusting the seat: the order to follow

Adjust in order: depth (distance to the pedals), height (eyes level with the centre of the windscreen), backrest angle (back firmly supported, arms slightly bent on the steering wheel), then headrest height.

The correct depth is reached when your left leg remains semi-bent whilst the left foot presses the clutch fully down. You must be able to operate all the pedals comfortably without stretching your legs.

The headrest: a safety feature

The headrest is not just a comfort cushion. It protects against whiplash (cervical injury) in the event of a rear collision. The top of your head should be level with the top of the headrest, and the headrest should be as close as possible to the back of your skull.

Adjusting the steering wheel

On vehicles that allow it, adjust the height and depth of the steering wheel. Your hands should rest naturally at 9:15 or 10:10, elbows along your body without tension. Never grip the steering wheel too tightly and never grab the wheel from the inside of the rim.

The three mirrors

Mirrors are your eyes to the rear. Good adjustment is essential because danger comes mainly from behind. The interior mirror should allow you to see the top of the rear window and part of the rear headrests, with just an eye movement (without moving your head).

The right exterior mirror should show the right door handle at the bottom of the mirror. The left mirror should show the left door handle at the bottom. Mirrors should never be adjusted to watch children in the rear: they must cover the areas from which danger can come.

Fastening the seatbelt

After adjusting the seat and mirrors, buckle your seatbelt. The strap must lie flat (not twisted), pass over the collarbone (not the neck) and over the hips (not under the armpit). Thick clothing (coat, puffer jacket) reduces its effectiveness: remove them before buckling up.

Pedals and feet

The left foot is exclusively for the clutch pedal. The right foot operates the other two pedals: brake and accelerator. At rest (before starting), the left foot rests with the heel on the floor facing the clutch, the right foot with the heel on the floor facing the brake.