Passed my test today with 2 minors! Binge watched all of your videos right up to an hour before the test. Thanks very much for that!!

My new driving instructor explained me about the DSSSM routine when I started driving after a year last month. I actually didn't know that this routine was basically the usual cockpit drill. I actually find the DSSSM routine crucial before moving off and it really helps doing all the checks and adjustments within 5 minutes.

I have held a full license for more years than I want to remember (well over FIFTY years!) and I'm currently "studying" to try and pass the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) exam and this is one of the initial requirements of that exam too (for very obvious reasons). I would like to thank you Ashley for a very easy to follow (and remember) steps to be carried out BEFORE even starting the car. The "DSSSM" is very easy to remember (even at my advanced age!!) and will be used every time I plan to take any vehicle out for drive!!! Once again, many thanks for a great explanation of the cockpit drill!!

Totally advocate this Ashleigh. I do this with all my pupils and have done for the last 16 years of teaching. There is no point in teaching someone to drive or educate on safe driving if this is overlooked. You need to be in the best position possible to be able to comfortably, efficiently and ultimately attempt to drive the vehicle safely. This is a systematic simple routine which will last a lifetime for the budding learner driver. Good habits never die ! 👍👏👏

We're never too old to learn. Cheers Man. Seat is important... Ill get a lean on! ;)

A helpful reminder Thank you for being my driver conscience This does remind of my last lesson pre driving test in ‘95 when the instructor stopped me to get me in a better position... then realised that that was the best position for a big bloke in a Corsa

Nice video. Revising the cockpit drill before an IAM Masters session and came across this DSSSM routine. Love the way you tell how, show how and explain why. Really helpful!

Great video, calm tone and detailed explanation👍.

I remember my driving instructor asking me what's the first thing you do when you get in your car. I replied "shut the door", that had him giggling. He then explained to me the cockpit drill.

I never know what people make aggressive when they drive behind a learner. And make a decision what can make the learner driver stress. I always make sure. -to keep a nice distance (a bit more than is needed) so he or she feels a tiny bit more relaxed because I'm not up in their "ass" -if they try to enter the motor way, it can imagine it can be a bit scary (i was at first) so i usually help to go one lane over so they can use my spot to get on to the motorway. Or parallel parking on a street. When it takes mote than 2 tries. Give them the "take your time and relax" hand signal, which i can imagine can make the learner more calm. And make the instructor happy :p Everyone starts as a learner. And we share the same road. I cant help you steer or anything. But i can try to make the best out of a scary situation.

One of the things i find incredibly beneficial is to do some head and eye exercises, If you have been tunnel visioned all day looking at a computer monitor for example take some times to move your eyes from left to right to scan your windows and dials and then do the same with your head to scan around and pick out a few things outside to observe i find it gets the mind engaged a little, of course you can incorporate this into your blind spot checks before moving off as well.

It amazes me when i see people that are right up close to the steering wheel.. they can't have proper control of the car sitting like that.. I do everything you showed when i get into another car that isn't mine.. it takes a few minutes but it's worth the time it takes

This is best video I’ve found regarding seat adjustments. I’ll be giving it a try. I think I might be too far forward. Been searching to find out how to tell but they were either American or a bit too old for my liking

Hi Ashley, thanks for a great video. I passed in the UK just over a month ago and immigrated to new zealand. Driving my brother's car. Had a domestic over my seating position. This will come in handy to make sure I'm seated comfortably and safely :)

Been passed now for 8 years and the steering wheel adjustment with the flesh of the hand was useful I had never considered the arm length before.

I didn't know of that steering position technique. I've always had my hands at 9 and 3 and made sure my elbows were at roughly 45 degrees. It's always worked for me and it's always been comfortable for me.

Seems that my current instructor hasn't been telling me everything about setting up the seat. He doesn't get me adjusting seat height at all. So this is more helpful to me than what my current instructor has taught me which is only some of the adjustments for the seat

Very well explained D.S.S.S.M thanks a lot got my first lesson tomorrow, hope my instructor teaches me all that cockpit drill.

I learnt a new phrase from your video *licking the windscreen* lol

You learn new things everyday 👍 I’ve been driving for 10 years (license is due for renewal) I wonder how many people would fail if there was an annual examination? I think there would be loads. Driving standards have really decayed. I think it’s a case of monkey see, monkey do. Anyway, subscribed 👍

Very useful reminder, thanks!

Hello. Iam a driving instructor aswell. Its always intresting to see what methods you use and prefer. Even tho the road system in my erea is way different. Complex infrastructure for bikes (Amsterdam). Anyway nice video. Cheers !

Let's see if I can do the dsssm before driving during my driving lesson today with the kiss drive driving school. But it's a great video that I've watch

My first instructor (started learning to drive August 2020) said my seating position was correct on my first lesson, legs not straight (too far away) and not too bent (too close). I was struggling with clutch control in my 35 hours of lessons, then in my final 2 hour lesson the day before my test he said I was too close and he moved my seat back. The test day arrived and I was still struggling with the clutch,he shouted at me a couple of times,then took over and took me to the test centre. My test: eye test, no problems, tell me question again no problems, but then it was time to start my test. I couldn’t start the car. I was too far from the pedals to fully engage the clutch, great start. Instructor never showed me the show me questions as I researched them and told him how I would do each one. Sadly the car I searched was a earlier model and the rear wash wipe was different and low and behold it was that one the examiner asked me. I couldn’t find how to do it,instead of saying I don’t know I struggled to get them to work. My speed dropped to 20 in a 30 and because I started holding up the traffic I was heading back to the test centre. I have my next test in November and watch all your videos, catching up on your early ones from at least six years ago now and I find they give me a wind angle view of what I should be looking out for. Ashley your a star, keep up the great work

Really pleased with this video as last lesson could 'not settle ' just didn't feel right..... so this is very helpful thanks

Very useful video. Thanks!

Very helpful, thank you very much

So many people have the back of the seat too far back. Meaning when their hands are at the top of the wheel, they either have straight fingers and so cant grip properly, or they lean forward in the seat. This then means their back is not in contact with the seat at all. A very dangerous situation, as bump-steer is then probable. They may well be TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL on bends!!!

First time I see a driving instructor wearing a Rolex ;)

Great video, Ashley, you cleared up several small points for me. Esp.about head restraint position & wheel position. My pet hate is with the people who seem to be nearly horizontal while driving! How do they see out?

Hello Ashley I am Gabriel I have done 30 hours of driving lessons, I find your videos very good, into much detail and very helpful I am at the moment reading lots on the Highway code . going back to how to start to control a car, I am looking for a good instructor so I can continue with my lessons, I live in Eastbourne, East Sussex, thank you, Gabriel

Just test drove a spark... no height adjustment, no telescoping wheel (just tilt).

first thing i saw was the holes in the t shirt ahah

Hi Ashley, great video! I’m forever adjusting my seat. For some reason, some days it’s just right but others I can never get comfy! I’ll try it your way. It depends on clothing and footwear as well, if I drive in boots or trainers with a thicker sole it takes a few minutes to get used to. Also, what’s your tattoo?

Had to go out to check if my chair was correctly positioned. Luckely it was!

Is helpful for me that you Ashley

I wish you were my instructor 🙄

I'll give this a go, I'm not entirely satisfied with my driving position.

My instructor doesn’t teach this but still kinda useful to learn this

I have never tested my handbrake before starting. But i will do in future

What about the seatbelt adjustment on the centre pillar? Where is the correct position in relation to your shoulder to make sure it locks correctly in a crash.

I couldn’t stop looking at the holes in your t-shirt. Is that an m3???

I find it difficult to set my seat up in my car. The Seat is naturally really low as it's kind of a sporty car. And adjusting the height and forward/back position is taking me a while to get right. Both for comfort and practicality.

Didn't know the wheel part about where hands rest...

Nice Rolex haha😍

Door check, can we trust the sensors in the car?

Hey Ash have you been in the British Armed Forces?

I don't have a cockpit drill… just an escape hammer and a socket set

You didn't cover the correct adjustment of seatbelts. Many have height adjustment now. Otherwise good stuff

I never really know if your head should be resting against the head rest or not. I find myself sitting forward slightly never touching the headrest.

Hi Ash, I find (particularly in the BMWs) that I have to sit lower (slightly) than eyes in the middle, because otherwise when I look up the road ahead and slightly to the left I find the rear view mirror really intrusive. The downside to sitting lower however is I find my legs tensing up. My arms are nice and relaxed, as you teach, but my left leg in particular becomes really tense. Do you have any advice on this? No worries if not. Keep is the great content 👍

Hi , where do you live? I would be you are my Instractter.

Allow an extra 15 minutes on each journey for your cockpit drill!

We all know the correct BMW seating position is chin at the bottom of the doors window.

My instructor doesn’t teach me this

I cannot stand the sound hands sliding on the wheel makes

Drives a bmw. Wears a t-shirt riddled with holes!