The cockpit drill is the pre-drive routine every driver completes before the car moves. It takes less than a minute when practised regularly, but it has real consequences when skipped — an incorrectly positioned seat affects pedal control, mirrors set wrong create blind spots, a head restraint left too low offers no whiplash protection. The RSA driving test assesses your cockpit drill at the very start, before the car leaves the car park. Starting well sets the tone for everything that follows.

Source & Credit: Based on RSA driving test requirements — the examiner specifically checks that you "adjust the seat, seat-belt and head restraint, adjust mirrors and ensure doors are closed" before moving off. Official resources at rsa.ie. BP Driving School is an RSA-approved ADI in Swords, North Dublin.
Vehicle Safety & Pre-Drive Checks — Article Series
In This Guide
  1. What Is the Cockpit Drill?
  2. The D·S·S·S·B Sequence
  3. D·S·S·S·B — Visual Diagram
  4. D — Doors
  5. S — Seat Position
  6. S — Steering / Head Restraint
  7. S — Seatbelt
  8. B — Blinkers / Mirrors
  9. Mirror Angles — How to Set Them
  10. The Moving-Off Routine
  11. Cockpit Drill on the RSA Driving Test
  12. Common Mistakes
  13. Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cockpit Drill?

The cockpit drill is the sequence of checks and adjustments every driver makes when they sit in the driver's seat — before the engine starts and before the car moves. It ensures the driver is correctly positioned, all occupants are secured, visibility is maximised, and the car is in the correct state to move safely.

It is called a "drill" because it should be the same every time — a consistent, repeatable sequence that eventually becomes automatic. A driver who has internalised the cockpit drill performs it without thinking, ensuring nothing is overlooked regardless of how rushed or distracted they feel.

The RSA requires the examiner to check that you perform these adjustments at the start of the driving test. It is not just good practice — it is a formal assessment criterion.

The D·S·S·S·B Sequence

The most widely taught memory aid for the cockpit drill in Ireland is D·S·S·S·B:

D
Doors

Check that all doors are fully closed and latched before starting the engine. A door-ajar warning light on the dashboard (if fitted) should not be showing. If you have passengers, confirm their doors are closed too.

S
Seat

Adjust the seat for correct pedal reach and steering reach. Both pedals must be reachable with a slight bend at the knee at full depression. The steering wheel should be reachable with arms comfortably bent — not fully outstretched.

S
Steering / Head Restraint

Adjust the head restraint so its centre is level with your eyes or the top of your ears. A head restraint left in the lowest position provides minimal whiplash protection in a rear collision. Also adjust the steering column angle if your car has this feature.

S
Seatbelt

Fasten your seatbelt. Check it is not twisted. The diagonal strap must cross your chest — not your neck. Check that all passengers are also belted before moving. As the driver, you are legally responsible for passengers under 17 years old being correctly restrained.

B
Blinkers / Mirrors

Adjust the rear-view (interior) mirror and both door mirrors. Each should be positioned to give you clear visibility behind and to the side with minimal head movement. Do not move off until all three are correctly set. See the mirror angles section below for exact guidance.

D·S·S·S·B — Visual Diagram

The Cockpit Drill — D·S·S·S·B Sequence at a Glance
DSSSB cockpit drill — Doors, Seat, Steering head restraint, Seatbelt, Blinkers mirrors D Doors Closed & secure S Seat Pedals & wheel S Steering Head restraint S Seatbelt Self & passengers B Blinkers Adjust all mirrors
D·S·S·S·B — complete this sequence every time before moving off. The RSA examiner checks that all five steps are performed at the start of your driving test.

D — Doors

Before anything else, check every door is properly closed and latched. A door that appears closed but is not fully latched can swing open when the car moves — a serious hazard, particularly at speed. On modern cars a door-ajar warning light on the dashboard will show if any door is open.

  • Check your own door first — push it firmly and confirm it is latched
  • Ask any passengers to confirm their doors are closed before moving off
  • The child lock on rear doors should be engaged if children are travelling
  • Do not move off if the dashboard shows a door-ajar warning

S — Seat Position

Incorrect seat position is one of the most common reasons learner drivers struggle with pedal control. If the seat is too far back, you have to reach for the clutch and brake — reducing both accuracy and the force you can apply in an emergency stop. If it is too far forward, your knees are cramped and the steering wheel is too close.

Correct seat position checklist:
  • Pedal reach: press the clutch (or brake in an automatic) fully to the floor — your knee should still be slightly bent at full depression, not locked straight
  • Steering reach: hold the wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock position — your elbows should be comfortably bent, not reaching
  • Back support: your back should be against the seat back — do not lean forward or sit hunched toward the wheel
  • Height: adjust the seat height (if available) so you can see over the dashboard and steering wheel comfortably without straining
  • Steering column: if adjustable, position the wheel so it does not obscure the instrument panel

S — Steering / Head Restraint

The second S covers the head restraint — the padded support built into the top of every car seat. Many drivers think of it as a headrest for comfort. Its actual purpose is safety: it limits how far the head snaps backward in a rear-end collision, significantly reducing whiplash injury.

Correct head restraint height: the centre of the restraint should be level with your eyes or the top of your ears. If it sits at the back of your neck — which happens when it is left in the lowest position — it provides minimal protection. Adjust it upward as part of every cockpit drill.

The adjustable steering column (if fitted) should also be set here. Position the steering wheel at a comfortable angle and height, then lock it in place before moving off. Never adjust the steering column while driving.

S — Seatbelt

Wearing a seatbelt is a legal requirement in Ireland. The RSA Rules of the Road states clearly: "Where safety belts are fitted, you must wear them." The driver is also responsible for ensuring all passengers under 17 years old are correctly restrained.

  • Fasten the seatbelt and confirm the buckle is clicked firmly
  • Check the belt is not twisted — a twisted belt concentrates force on a narrow area in a collision rather than distributing it across the chest and pelvis
  • The diagonal strap must cross your chest, not your neck
  • The lap portion should sit across the pelvis, not the abdomen
  • Never place the shoulder strap behind your back or under your arm
Airbags do not replace seatbelts. Airbags are supplementary restraints — designed to work alongside a fastened belt. Without a seatbelt, an airbag deploying can itself cause serious injury to an unrestrained occupant.

B — Blinkers / Mirrors

The B in D·S·S·S·B stands for Blinkers — a memory aid for the mirrors check. All three mirrors must be clean, intact and correctly positioned before moving off. The RSA requires you to adjust all mirrors before the driving test begins. Incorrectly set mirrors create blind spots that directly increase collision risk.

The three mirrors to set:

  • Rear-view (interior) mirror — primary view of what is directly behind the car
  • Left door mirror — view of the lane to the left and what is behind on the left side
  • Right door mirror — view of the lane to the right and what is behind on the right side

Mirror Angles — How to Set Them

Rear-View Mirror

Frame the full rear window in the mirror. The mirror should be centred on the rear window with minimal head movement required. You should see equally to both sides of the rear window. Do not tilt it downward or to one side.

Left Door Mirror

Angle downward and outward to show the road behind and to the left. A sliver of your car's left bodywork should be visible on the right edge of the mirror — this gives you a reference point for distance. The road surface should be visible in the lower portion.

Right Door Mirror

Same principle as the left — angle to show road behind and to the right, with a sliver of your car visible on the left edge of the mirror. Both door mirrors should be set symmetrically relative to your car.

Mirror Coverage — What Each Mirror Should Show
Mirror coverage diagram — rear view mirror and door mirrors showing correct angles and coverage zones Driver Rear-View Mirror Full rear window, centred Left Door Mirror Road left + sliver of car Right Door Mirror Road right + sliver of car Blind spot Blind spot Rear-view coverage Left mirror coverage Right mirror coverage Blind spot (shoulder check needed)
Even with all three mirrors correctly set, blind spots remain to the left-rear and right-rear of the vehicle (amber zones). A safety glance over the appropriate shoulder is required before any lane change, move-off or manoeuvre — mirrors alone are never sufficient.
Mirrors do not eliminate blind spots. Even with perfect mirror angles, a zone exists beside and just behind each door mirror that cannot be seen. A shoulder check (safety glance) over the relevant shoulder is required before moving off, changing lanes or turning — every time, without exception.

The Moving-Off Routine

After completing D·S·S·S·B, the moving-off routine follows before the car actually pulls away. This is a separate sequence that should be consistent every time.

1Engine start check — handbrake on, neutral gear

Before starting the engine: handbrake firmly on, gear in neutral (manual) or Park/Neutral (automatic). This prevents the car rolling or lurching when the engine fires.

2Start the engine

Turn the ignition key or press the start button. Allow the engine to settle for a moment before doing anything else.

3Select gear

In a manual: press the clutch fully down and select first gear. In an automatic: select Drive. Do not release the clutch or brake yet.

4Check mirrors — full MSMM sequence

Check right door mirror, rear-view mirror, left door mirror. This is the first M in the RSA's 4-step Mirror-Signal-Mirror-Manoeuvre (MSMM) routine.

5Signal if appropriate

If moving out from a parked position or into traffic, signal right. In a car park or quiet road where there are no other road users, signalling may not be necessary — but when in doubt, signal.

6Final mirror check and safety glance

Check mirrors again — this is the second M in MSMM. Then do a safety glance over your right shoulder into the blind spot. If moving left, glance over the left shoulder. The glance must be genuine — over the shoulder, not a nod at the mirror.

7Release handbrake and move off smoothly

Release the handbrake. In a manual, find the biting point using clutch control and ease off the footbrake as the car begins to move. Accelerate gently. Do not stall, roll back or lurch forward.

Cockpit drill practised from lesson one

BP Driving School covers the complete cockpit drill and moving-off routine in every lesson — RSA-approved, North Dublin, 7 days a week.

Cockpit Drill on the RSA Driving Test

The RSA driving test requires the examiner to check that you:

  • Adjust the seat correctly before moving off
  • Adjust the head restraint correctly
  • Fasten your seatbelt
  • Ensure all doors are closed
  • Adjust all mirrors before the test drive begins

These are assessed at the start of the test — often in the test centre car park before you pull onto a public road. The examiner observes whether you perform each step methodically or rush through them. Skipping steps or adjusting mirrors after already moving off is noted as a fault.

Test day tip: when you sit into the test car, do the cockpit drill slowly and methodically — even if you feel you already know the car well. The examiner is watching for the sequence and wants to see that it is a genuine habit, not a performance. Do not rush it. D·S·S·S·B takes under a minute when done properly.

Common Mistakes

Rushing the sequence to get driving

Many learners are eager to get moving and perform the cockpit drill in seconds without genuinely completing each step. The examiner can see this. A rushed cockpit drill suggests poor habit formation, not just nervousness. Practise doing it slowly every single time so it becomes a genuine routine.

Leaving the head restraint in the lowest position

The most commonly skipped step. Most drivers adjust the seat and mirrors but ignore the head restraint entirely. A restraint at the lowest position sits at neck level, not head level — providing minimal whiplash protection. Adjust it upward as part of every cockpit drill.

Adjusting mirrors after moving off

Mirrors must be set before the car moves. Adjusting a door mirror while the car is in motion — even slowly — takes your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel. If mirrors need adjustment, stop safely and adjust before continuing.

Not checking the gear before starting the engine

Starting a manual car in first gear without the clutch pressed, or starting an automatic in Drive, can cause the car to lurch forward. Always confirm neutral/park before the engine fires.

Performing a shoulder check that is not genuine

A slight nod toward the mirror, or a glance to the B-pillar (the door frame), does not constitute a safety glance. The shoulder check must be a genuine over-the-shoulder movement that allows you to see the blind spot. The examiner knows the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cockpit drill is the pre-drive routine every driver completes before moving off. It ensures correct positioning, all occupants are secured, visibility is maximised, and the car is in the right state to drive safely. The RSA sequence is D·S·S·S·B — Doors, Seat, Steering/Head Restraint, Seatbelt, Blinkers (Mirrors).

D = Doors (all closed and latched), S = Seat (adjusted for pedal and wheel reach), S = Steering/Head Restraint (head restraint at correct height), S = Seatbelt (fastened correctly, not twisted), B = Blinkers/Mirrors (rear-view and both door mirrors adjusted for clear visibility).

Yes. The RSA requires you to adjust the seat, seat-belt and head restraint, ensure all doors are closed, and have all mirrors correctly positioned before the test drive begins. The examiner observes whether you perform each step methodically. Rushing or skipping steps is noted as a fault.

Press the clutch (or brake in an automatic) fully to the floor — your knee should still have a slight bend at full depression. Hold the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock position — elbows should be comfortably bent. Your back should be against the seat back, not leaning forward. Adjust height so you can see the road and instruments clearly.

Rear-view mirror: frame the full rear window, centred, with minimal head movement. Left door mirror: road behind and to the left, with a sliver of your car visible on the right edge. Right door mirror: road behind and to the right, with a sliver of your car on the left edge. All three must be clean and adjusted before moving.

The centre of the head restraint should be level with your eyes or the top of your ears. A restraint left at its lowest position sits at neck level and provides minimal whiplash protection in a rear collision. Adjust it upward as part of every cockpit drill — it is one of the most commonly skipped steps.

After D·S·S·S·B: confirm handbrake on and neutral/park. Start engine. Select first gear (manual) or Drive (automatic). Check right mirror, rear-view mirror, left mirror (first M in MSMM). Signal if appropriate. Check mirrors again and do a safety glance over the shoulder into the blind spot. Release handbrake and move off smoothly using clutch control.

Yes. Complete the cockpit drill every time you sit in the driver's seat. Different drivers adjust the seat and mirrors differently, so even if you drove the same car yesterday, the settings may have changed. A consistent routine ensures nothing is overlooked regardless of how familiar the car is.
More from the Vehicle Safety & Pre-Drive Checks series
The cockpit drill is the first thing practised in EDT Session 1.
BP Driving School covers D·S·S·S·B, mirror adjustment and the full moving-off routine from your very first lesson — exactly as the RSA requires. Book your EDT course — RSA-approved, Swords, North Dublin.

Already done EDT? Book a mock test to rehearse the complete pre-drive routine and start your test with confidence.