About this Video

• Video Title: The ideal driving position - setting the seat, steering wheel and mirrors
• Channel: Conquer Driving
• Speakers: Richard
• Duration: 00:15:47

Introduction

This video from Conquer Driving instructs viewers on achieving the ideal driving position, covering seat adjustment, steering wheel positioning, and mirror settings. The presenter emphasizes the importance of proper posture for comfort, safety, and efficient driving.

Key Takeaways

• Seat Adjustment: Position the seat to allow comfortable clutch operation without stretching. Adjust height so the nose is above the highest point of the dashboard. Avoid leg strain when pressing the clutch.
• Seat Height: Adjust seat height for optimal visibility over the dashboard. Consider leg length; taller individuals with long legs may need a higher seat than expected to avoid a hunched posture.
• Backrest Angle: Maintain good posture with the head directly above the spine; avoid hunching. Find a balance between comfort and proper spinal alignment.
• Head Restraint: Adjust the headrest so the center aligns with the top of the ears. This ensures optimal head and neck protection in a collision.
• Steering Wheel Adjustment: Adjust the steering wheel for comfortable wrist placement on the top of the wheel with a slight bend in the elbow. Ensure clear visibility of the instrument panel through the steering wheel.
• Mirror Adjustment: The interior mirror should show the entire rear window. Wing mirrors should show half road and half sky, with a small portion of the car visible to judge distances accurately. Remember that wing mirrors provide a shrunken image. Use the interior mirror for judging distances, particularly when changing lanes on motorways.

The video provides the following actionable steps for setting the ideal driving position:

1. Adjust the driver's seat: Move the seat back until you can comfortably depress the clutch pedal fully without stretching. This is the starting point for all other adjustments.

2. Adjust seat height: Raise or lower the seat until your nose is above the highest point of the dashboard. Consider your body-to-leg length ratio; long legs may require a higher seat than shorter legs, even for tall individuals.

3. Adjust backrest angle: Tilt the backrest to achieve a posture where your head rests directly above your spine, avoiding a hunched position.

4. Adjust head restraint: Position the head restraint so its center is in line with the top of your ears.

5. Adjust steering wheel: Adjust the steering wheel (height and reach) so your wrists rest comfortably on the top of the steering wheel with a slight bend in your elbows. Ensure you have a clear view of the instrument panel.

6. Adjust interior mirror: Adjust the interior mirror to see the entire rear window.

7. Adjust wing mirrors: Adjust the wing mirrors so you can see approximately half of the road and half of the sky, along with a small portion of your own car. Make smaller adjustments to fine-tune visibility. Remember that wing mirrors show a shrunken image.

• Adjust driver's seat for clutch: Position the seat so you can fully depress the clutch without stretching.

• Adjust seat height for visibility: Raise or lower the seat until your nose is above the highest point of the dashboard. Consider leg length.

• Adjust backrest for posture: Tilt the backrest to maintain a posture with your head directly above your spine.

• Adjust headrest for safety: Position the headrest's center in line with the top of your ears.

• Adjust steering wheel for comfort and visibility: Adjust height and reach for comfortable wrist placement on the steering wheel top with a slight elbow bend, and clear instrument panel view.

• Adjust interior mirror for full rear view: Adjust to see the entire rear window.

• Adjust wing mirrors for balanced view: Adjust to see approximately half road, half sky, and a small portion of your car. Use smaller adjustments for fine tuning.