When starting a vehicle, a driver should have the car properly prepared, full control of their surroundings, and their own body and mind ready to drive safely.

Quick Scoop: Core Idea

Before you even turn the key or press the start button, think of a simple rule:
“Car ready, driver ready, surroundings safe.”

That means:

  • Vehicle in the correct gear and secured.
  • Seat, mirrors, and seat belt set.
  • Mind focused, hands and feet in the right position, and no immediate hazards around you.

What a Driver Should Have When Starting a Vehicle

Here’s a practical checklist of what a driver should have when starting a vehicle.

  1. Proper seating position
    • Seat adjusted so you can press pedals fully without stretching and see clearly over the dash.
 * Back upright, slight bend in elbows on the steering wheel.
  1. Correct mirror and steering readiness
    • Interior and exterior mirrors adjusted to minimize blind spots.
 * Hands on the steering wheel in a safe position (commonly “9 and 3”).
  1. Seat belt fastened
    • Driver’s seat belt properly fastened before starting, and all passengers belted before moving.
  1. Secure vehicle setup
    • Gear in “Park” (automatic) or “Neutral” (manual) before starting.
 * Parking brake engaged, especially on slopes.

 * Foot on the brake pedal (and clutch fully depressed in a manual) before starting the engine.
  1. Clear surroundings and safe environment
    • Area around the vehicle checked for people, pets, obstacles, or other cars.
 * If in a garage, some ventilation so exhaust fumes do not build up.
  1. Basic vehicle readiness
    • Doors closed properly and a quick look at tyres for obvious issues.
 * Dashboard warning lights noticed; any serious warning not ignored once the ignition is on.
  1. Driver condition
    • Sober, reasonably alert, and not heavily distracted (phone put away, no intense multitasking).
 * Clear intention of where you’re going and how you’ll move off safely (forward or reverse).

Common Short Test/Quiz Style Answer

In many driver’s ed or permit-test style questions, “when starting a vehicle, a driver should have…” is often looking for something like:

  • The vehicle in Park or Neutral, parking brake set, foot on the brake, seat and mirrors adjusted, and seat belt fastened before starting the engine.

If you’re answering a multiple-choice question, pick the option that includes:

  • Proper gear position,
  • Use of parking brake,
  • Use of seat belt,
  • Foot on brake,
  • Awareness/adjustment of seat and mirrors.

Mini Example Scenario

Imagine you’re about to leave home in the morning:

  • You sit in the driver’s seat, close the door, and adjust your seat and mirrors.
  • You buckle your seat belt and check that your passengers are buckled.
  • You glance around the car for kids, pets, or obstacles, confirm the car is in Park, the handbrake is on, and then place your foot on the brake.
  • Only then do you switch the ignition on and start the engine, ready to move off carefully.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.