BTW-LESSON PLANS (PROCEDURES)

Parents/Guardians:
The time is here, and its an exciting time for your son/daughter. Your child just received their
driving permit. Many students look forward to this day and being able to legally start driving.
Our department just wanted to share a couple of things with you that are important in this
learning process.
New this school year, each student is getting a packet from his/her classroom instructor. In this
packet, you will find the procedures and skills to practice with your child in the order they are
presented in the car. We feel it is very important for students to be in the vehicle and practicing
as much as they can. Therefore, we are asking you as a parent/guardian to practice the 15
lessons in this packet with your child. Each lesson in this packet will give you what to practice
along with guidelines to give to your student driver. By doing these lessons, it gives your child
an opportunity to go over what they will be graded on in Behind-the-Wheel, it gives them an
opportunity to ask questions in class. Also, included in this packet, is an example of the grading
procedure that each instructor will use for Behind-the-Wheel.
Our hope is that with this material you will work with your son/daughter and review the material
covered so that your student will be more comfortable behind the wheel. We hope you will
practice these lessons with your son/daughter before they actually perform these skills with their
instructor. If your son/daughter fails behind the wheel, he/she will have to wait until they are 18
or take it at a commercial school. Students are given only one opportunity at school to pass. If
you have any questions, feel free to contact your BTW instructor or the classroom instructor.
Thanks
Driver Education Department
Preparing to Drive
1. Lock Doors
2. Place key in ignition
3. Adjust seat for best control
- Top of steering wheel should be no higher than the top of the drivers shoulder
- Should be at least 10 between the drivers body and hub of the steering wheel
4. Adjust inside and outside mirrors for maximum field of view
5. Fasten safety belt and make sure all passengers buckle up
6. Adjust head restraint
Starting the Engine
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Place foot on brake

Turn key to start engine
Allow engine to idle no more than 10-15 seconds (observe gauges and dash lights)
Set needed accessories and adjust ventilation
Turn on headlights (if no daytime running lights)

Moving Vehicle Forward

1. With foot on brake, shift to drive (D)
2. Check mirrors and over shoulder for traffic
3. Signal when clear
4. Position hands on steering wheel. (9-3 or 10-2 positions)
5. Gently press accelerator
6. Look well ahead along intended path of travel
7. Steer as need to place vehicle in center of lane
8. Cancel signal
Entering Traffic from the side of the Roadway
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Signal and check traffic to front, side and rear

Identify a safe gap in traffic
Look well ahead along intended path of travel
Accelerate gently
Cancel signal
Check for motor vehicles and other highway users to the sides of your path of travel
Check mirrors for traffic to the rear
Project visual search 20-30 seconds ahead

Securing the Vehicle for Parking

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Come to a complete stop

Shift selector lever to park position
Turn off all accessories and headlights if no daytime running lights
Turn ignition to lock and remove key
Unfasten safety belt
Check traffic to rear, exit vehicle carefully, and lock doors

Lesson 1 (Right and Left Turns)

Step 1. Position your vehicle in the correct lane for the turn. For a left turn, be in the lane
nearest the centerline. Signal about half a block before the turn.
Step 2. Brake early to reduce speed.
Step 3. Check the front zones for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Step 4. Slow to about 10 mph just before the crosswalk.
Step 5. For a right turn, check to the left again before turning. Then look in the direction of the
turn. Begin turning the wheel when your vehicles front bumper is even with the curbline.
Step 6. For a left turn, check traffic to the left, then right, then left again. Turn the steering
wheel just before the front of your vehicle reaches the center of the intersection.
Step 7. As you begin your turn, make a quick blind-spot check through the right side window.
Check front and rear zones.

Lesson 2 (Uphill and Downhill Parking)

Uphill with curb
Step 1. Position your vehicle close to the curb. Just before stopping, turn the steering wheel
sharply left.
Step 2. Shift to neutral. Let the vehicle creep back slowly until the back of the right-front tire
gently touches the curb.
Step 3. Shift to park, and set the parking brake.
Step 4. When leaving the parking space, signal, check traffic, and accelerate gently into the lane
of traffic.
Uphill without curb
Step 1. Pull as far off the roadway as possible. Just before you stop, turn the steering wheel
sharply right.
Step 2. Shift to park and set parking brake.
Step 3. When leaving the parking space, let the vehicle creep backward while straightening the
wheels. Signal and check traffic. Shift to drive and accelerate gently into traffic.
Downhill parking with curb and no curb.
Step 1. Position your vehicle close to the curb and stop.
Step 2. Let the vehicle creep forward slowly while turning the steering wheel sharply right. Let
the right-front tire rest gently against the curb.
Step 3. Shift to park and set the parking brake.
Step 4. When leaving the parking space, check traffic and back a short distance while
straightening the wheels. Signal and check traffic again. Shift to drive and accelerate into
traffic.

Lesson 3 (Parking-Perpendicular/Angle)
Angle
Step 1. Check for traffic and pedestrians. Position your vehicle at least six feet from the row of
parked vehicles. Signal a right turn, check traffic to the rear, and begin braking.
Step 2. Flash your brake lights to warn drivers behind. Check your right blind spot and continue
braking.
Step 3. Creep forward until you can see the center of the space without your line of sight cutting
across the parking line. This is your reference point to begin turning. Turn the wheels sharply to
the right. Slowly enter the stall.
Step 4. Straighten the wheels when you are centered in the space. Determine your forward
reference point to place the front of the bumper even with the curb or parking line.
Leaving Angle/Perpendicular Parking Space
Step 1. Creep straight back while you control speed with your foot brake.
Step 2. When your front bumper is even with the rear bumper of the vehicle on your left, begin
to turn right.
Step 3. Back into the nearest lane and stop with the wheels straight. Shift to drive and proceed
as you scan your front and rear zones.
Perpendicular
Step 1. Position your vehicle at least eight feet from the row of parked vehicles, or as far to the
left of the lane as possible. Flash your brake lights and signal a right turn. Check your right
blind spot, and begin to brake.
Step 2. Check traffic to the rear, and continue braking.
Step 3. Determine your personal reference point to know when the front bumper of your vehicle
passes the left rear taillight of the vehicle to the right of the empty parking space. Turn the wheel
sharply right. Slowly enter the stall. Check your right rear fender for clearance.
Step 4. Straighten the wheels when you are centered in the space. Use forward reference point,
like the drivers side view mirror; stop before the wheels strike the curb.

Lesson 4 (Turnabout from a driveway/Backing)

Step 1. Pull into driveway using signal.
Step 2. Stop with your wheels straight when your vehicle is completely off the street.
Step 3. Check traffic and back slowly into the street. Continue to look right rear and side while
backing.
Step 4. When the back end of your vehicle almost reaches the centerline, begin turning the
wheel sharply. Far lane-turn wheel sharply to the left. Near lane-turn wheel to the right.
Step 5. Stop with the wheels straight. Accelerate gently, scanning all zones, as you drive
forward.
Backing Left and Right
Step 1. Before backing, check for traffic, pedestrians, parked vehicles, and any stationary objects
in front, around, and behind you. Turn your head toward the direction you will be backing.
Step 2. Keep both hands on the wheel, ready for hand-over-hand steering. Pull the wheel to the
left to back left. Pull the wheel to the right to back right. The back of your vehicle will go in the
direction you turn the wheel. Look back toward the direction you want the vehicle to go.
Step 3. Back slowly as you enter the turn. Make quick glances to the front and sides to be sure
no one is near. Begin to unwind the steering wheel to finish the turn in a straight position.
Backing Straight
Step 1. Check for objects to the rear.
Step 2. Place foot on brake pedal and shift to reverse.
Step 3. Grasp steering wheel at 12 oclock with left hand.
Step 4. Turn body to right with right arm over back of passengers seat.
Step 5. Search through rear window and then glance forward.
Step 6. Move backward at idle speed, or use light accelerator pedal pressure.
Step 7. Make minor steering corrections as needed.
Step 8. Release accelerator and apply pressure on brake pedal to stop.
Step 9. Look to rear until vehicle is stopped.

Lesson 5 (Intersections-Protected/Unprotected Turns)

Step 1. Approaching intersection check for following: oncoming traffic, cross traffic, other
highway users, traffic control devices, condition of roadway and areas of limited visibility.
Step 2. Check mirrors for presence and actions of following traffic.
Step 3. Signal intent to turn at the intersection 3 to 4 seconds in advance or 100 feet.
Step 4. Position your vehicle for appropriate turn.
Step 5. Steer into proper lane.
Step 6. Adjust speed as necessary, stopping if required.
Step 7. Recheck cross and oncoming traffic.
Step 8. Check mirrors.
Step 9. Identify a safe time/space gap in cross traffic.
Step 10. Look through turn to farthest possible point.
Step 11. Steer into proper lane.
Step 12. Adjust speed as appropriate.
Step 13. Check mirrors for traffic to the rear.
Step 14. Turn so that you end up in your lane. Accelerate to adjust to traffic and check the rear
zone.
Protected Turns-Driver has green arrow and the right-of-way
Unprotected Turns- Driver must yield to oncoming traffic
- Stop right before middle of intersection and wait for traffic to clear
- Once clear, make turn

Lesson 6 (Lane Changes/Passing)

ATTENTION: Follow same procedure when making a lane change to the right, with one
exception. After checking traffic ahead and through both mirrors, check the blind-spot area over
your right shoulder.
Step 1. Check traffic in the front and left-front zones. Check rear zones through the rearview
mirrors.
Step 2. Signal and make a blind spot check over your left shoulder to see if any vehicle is about
to pass you.
Step 3. Increase your speed slightly as you steer smoothly into the next lane if it is clear.
Step 4. Cancel your signal and adjust your speed.
Passing
Step 1. Get in ready position by keeping 3 seconds of following distance.
Step 2. When it is safe to pass, signal for a left-lane change and glance over your left shoulder to
check your blindspot.
Step 3. Change lanes smoothly.
Step 4. Accelerate at least 10 mph faster than the vehicle you are passing. All passing should be
done within the speed limit.
Step 5. Make your final evaluations. If you notice a problem that is within 20-30 seconds ahead,
you can still change your mind-provided you have not gone beyond the vehicle you are trying to
pass. If it is clear, continue to accelerate to the proper speed.
Step 6. Maintain your speed. Remain in the left lane until you can see two headlights of the
vehicle you are passing in your inside rearview mirror.
Step 7. Signal for a right-lane change.
Step 8. Return smoothly to the right lane. Do not slow down.

Lesson 7 (Interstate Drive)

Steps for Entering
Step 1. Check your front and rear zones. Signal and take quick glances through your left outside
rearview mirror and over your left shoulder to find a gap in traffic where you can safely merge.
Step 2. Once on the entrance ramp, check your front and rear zones. Signal and take quick
glances through your left outside rearview mirror and over your left shoulder to find a gap in
traffic where you can safely merge.
Step 3. Once you are in the acceleration lane, gradually increase your speed. Continue to
quickly glance over your left shoulder and through your outside rearview mirror. Decide when it
is a safe time and place to merge into the gap in traffic.
Step 4. Before entering the merging area, decide which vehicle to follow in the flow of the
interstate traffic. As you enter the merging area, adjust your speed to match the traffic flow.
Position your vehicle at a safe interval behind the vehicle you plan to follow. Merge smoothly.
Step 5. Once on the expressway, cancel your signal and adjust to the speed of traffic. Keep a
space cushion around your vehicle.
Driving on Interstate
Step 1. Select lane for through traffic and safe speed.
Step 2. Identify and respond as appropriate to large vehicles.
Step 3. Identify and respond as appropriate to condition of vehicles.
Step 4. Identify and respond as appropriate to driver actions.
Step 5. Identify and adjust speed and/or position for entering and exiting traffic.
Steps for Exiting
Step 1. At least one-half mile before the exit, check front and rear zones for traffic. Signal and
move into the lane that leads into the deceleration lane. Do not reduce your speed until you are
in the deceleration lane.
Step 2. Move into the deceleration lane. Cancel your signal.
Step 3. Flash your brake lights to warn drivers behind that you are slowing. Check your rear
zones so you will know the speed of following traffic. Slow gradually and keep a safe space
cushion ahead and behind you.
Step 4. Identify the exit ramp speed sign. Check your own speed, and adjust to the posted speed
limit.

Lesson 8 (Parallel Parking)

Parallel
Step 1. Flash brake lights, and signal a right turn. Stop two to three feet away from the front
vehicle with two rear bumpers even. Shift to reverse. Check traffic. Look back over your right
shoulder. Back slowly as you turn right. Aim toward the right-rear corner of the space. Control
speed with your foot brake.
Step 2. When the back of your seat is even with the rear bumper of the front vehicle, straighten
the wheels. Determine your personal reference point for this position. Slowly back straight.
Look over your shoulder, through the rear windows.
Step 3. When your front bumper is even with the front vehicles back bumper, turn your wheels
sharply left. Back slowly. Look out the rear window.
Step 4. When your vehicle is parallel to the curb, straighten wheels and stop before you touch
the vehicle behind. Slowly pull forward to center your vehicle in the space.
Leaving a Parallel Parking Space
Step 1. Back straight slowly until your rear bumper almost touches the vehicle behind. Turn
wheels sharply left as you stop.
Step 2. Signal a left turn. Check your left blind spot. Move forward slowly.
Step 3. Check the right-front corner of your vehicle for clearance.
Step 4. Turn your wheels slowly to the right when you are halfway out of the parking space.
Scan front zones and accelerate gently as you center your vehicle in the traffic lane.
Lesson 9 (Rural Drive)
Step 1. Adjust speed if line of sight is restricted.
Step 2. Adjust speed for changes in roadway surface.
Step 3. Adjust speed for curves and hills
Step 4. Make sure you have a 4 second following distance
Lesson 10 (Directional Drive)
Student/Instructor will pick specific locations in town to drive to.

Lesson 11 (Sign Perception/3 pt Turns/U-Turns)

Three-Point Turns
Step 1. Check front and rear zones. Signal right and stop close to the curb. Check traffic ahead,
to the rear, and over your left shoulder. Signal a left turn.
Step 2. Search front and rear zones as you turn sharply left. Stop before hitting curb.
Step 3. Check all traffic again. Turn the wheels sharply right while backing slowly. Back only
as far as necessary to complete the maneuver and before hitting the curb. Stop with wheels
straight.
Step 4. Check traffic again and signal left. Move slowly forward while steering left.
U-Turns
Step 1. Check traffic ahead and to the rear, and then signal right. Pull to the far right and stop.
Step 2. Signal left. Check your front and left-rear zones. Check your blind spot. Turn sharply
left while moving slowly. Do not stop if you have enough space to complete the turn.
Step 3. Check all zones. Straighten the wheels while you accelerate gently into the proper lane.
Sign Perception
Driver will recall all roadway signs while driving.
Lesson 12 (Shared Left Turns-Route 47)
Using a Shared Left Turn Lane to Enter a Driveway/Business
Step 1. Check oncoming traffic.
Step 2. Check oncoming traffic signaling a left turn.
Step 3. Check traffic to rear.
Step 4. Check for traffic, entering shared left turn lane from left or right sides of the roadway.
Step 5. Signal intention 3 to 4 seconds in advance of turn and check mirror blind spots.
Step 6. Adjust speed, move into shared left turn lane no more than 2 to 3 seconds ahead of turn.
Step 7. Stop if necessary, complete turn when there is a safe gap in oncoming traffic.

Using a Shared Left Turn Lane to Enter Traffic

Step 1. Signal a left turn and stop at edge of roadway.
Step 2. Check for drivers on opposite side of roadway signaling a left turn.
Step 3. Check traffic to the rear.
Step 4. Check for safe gap in traffic to the left and right.
Step 5. If traffic is clear in both directions, enter first through lane to left.
Step 6. If there is a gap to the left but not to the right, move out into the shared left turn lane and
stop.
Step 7. Turn on right turn signal.
Step 8. Recheck oncoming vehicles and vehicles on right, signaling left turns.
Step 9. When traffic lane to right is clear, accelerate and steer into nearest traffic lane.
Step 10. Cancel signal if necessary.
Step 11. Check mirrors for following traffic.
Lesson 13 (Directional Drive)
Lesson 14 (Review)
Lesson 15 (Test Route/Review)