Lesson 1.6 | Module 1: Get Set Up

Starting The Car And Understanding The Dashboard

Know what happens when the car turns on and what the main dashboard displays mean.

Visual Guide

Ignition and start button
Starting the car safely begins with understanding the ignition or start button.

Visual Guide

Dashboard and rev counter
The dashboard helps learners understand speed, revs, warnings, and car status.

Main Video

Starting the car from 0:00 Dashboard support

Optional support: ignition, neutral, and parking brake from 1:18.

What This Helps With

This lesson helps the car feel less confusing: key or start button, warning lights, speedometer, rev counter, fuel gauge, and basic engine awareness.

The Simple Version

Before starting, make sure the car is safe and secure. When the engine is on, the dashboard tells you important information, especially speed, warning lights, and engine revs.

Common Mistakes

  • Turning the key without understanding what stage the car is in.
  • Ignoring warning lights because they feel like background noise.
  • Blocking the dashboard with the steering wheel.
  • Staring at the dashboard instead of glancing quickly.

What Examiners Care About

You need to know your speed and keep the car under control without staring down. Quick glances are useful; long looks away from the road are not.

Practise On Your Next Lesson

Before driving away, name the speedometer, rev counter, fuel gauge, and one warning light your instructor points out.

Ask Your Instructor

"Which dashboard lights do I need to understand before I drive?"

Quick Self-Check

  • Do I know how the car starts and turns off safely?
  • Can I find the speedometer quickly?
  • Do I understand what revs are used for at a basic level?
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