7.2 Vehicle Controls, Pre-Drive Checks, BLOWBAGETS, and Post-Drive Routine
Key Takeaways
- BLOWBAGETS is a memory aid; the current practical test directly scores tires/battery, mirrors/lights/wiper, restraints, brakes, and safe starting.
- Use manufacturer pressure, fluid, tread, and service specifications rather than invented universal maintenance numbers.
- Know steering, accelerator, brakes, clutch or selector, parking brake, lights, wipers, horn, and warning lamps before moving.
- Adjust seat, mirrors, head restraint, and restraint before starting; perform a full walkaround and check the intended path.
- After driving, choose a lawful place, secure the vehicle, inspect abnormalities, and report or repair defects before reuse.
7.2 Vehicle Controls, Pre-Drive Checks, BLOWBAGETS, and Post-Drive Routine
A roadworthy vehicle and a prepared driver prevent emergencies before movement begins. BLOWBAGETS is a useful Filipino driver-education mnemonic, but it is not a substitute for the vehicle manual or the items an examiner actually observes. The current LTO road-test sheet scores tires and battery, mirrors/lights/wiper, seat belt or helmet, hand and foot brakes, and safe engine starting before it scores steering, gears, clutch, accelerator, braking, hazards, turns, backing, and parking.
Walkaround before entering
Start outside. Look under the vehicle for fresh fuel, coolant, oil, or brake-fluid leaks. Check that the vehicle sits level and that no tire appears soft. Inspect tread and sidewalls for cuts, bulges, exposed cord, embedded objects, and uneven wear. Use the manufacturer’s cold-pressure specification on the vehicle placard; the maximum molded on the tire sidewall is not the ordinary target.
Confirm lamps, lenses, mirrors, glass, wipers, plate, and cargo are present and secure. Clear anything that blocks vision. Check the space around and beneath the vehicle for children, animals, motorcycles, curbs, and low obstacles. Before reversing from an unattended position, a walkaround can reveal a hazard no camera shows.
BLOWBAGETS memory aid
- B — Battery: secure mounting, sound cables and terminals, no swelling or leakage.
- L — Lights: headlamps, tail lamps, brake lamps, turn signals, hazard lamps, reverse lamps, and plate illumination.
- O — Oil: engine level on suitable ground and other fluids according to the vehicle manual; investigate sudden loss.
- W — Water/coolant: expansion-tank level when cool, washer fluid, and leaks. Never open a hot pressurized radiator cap.
- B — Brakes: firm service-brake response, effective parking brake, adequate fluid, and no warning lamp or leak.
- A — Air: correct cold tire pressure, including the spare when carried.
- G — Gas/fuel or charge: enough for the trip, secure cap or charge connection removed, no odor or leak.
- E — Engine: normal starting, no unusual smoke, noise, overheating, or persistent critical warning.
- T — Tires: serviceable tread, sound sidewalls, correct pressure, and secure wheel fasteners.
- S — Self: valid authority and documents, alertness, sobriety, emotional control, and physical fitness.
Use the legal and manufacturer specification applicable to the vehicle. Do not turn one reviewer’s 1.6 mm tread number, battery-eye color, or fluid method into a universal rule for every tire and vehicle. Wear indicators, the manual, inspection standard, and professional measurement control.
Driver position and controls
Adjust the seat so the driver can fully operate the pedals without locking the knees and can steer without stretching. Set the head restraint near the back of the head, not the neck. Adjust mirrors to reduce overlap while preserving a direct rear view. Fasten the seat belt or standard helmet before moving.
Identify the accelerator, service brake, clutch if fitted, gear selector, parking brake, turn signals, lamps, wipers and washers, demister, horn, and hazard switch. Understand dashboard warning lamps. Many illuminate briefly as a self-check; a critical oil-pressure, brake, charging, temperature, or restraint warning that remains on requires attention according to the manual.
Safe start and move-off
Set the parking brake and ensure the transmission is in Neutral or Park as appropriate. On a manual vehicle, follow the safe clutch-start procedure assessed by LTO. Start without racing the engine. Check gauges and warnings, select the proper gear, observe mirrors and blind spots, signal, release the parking brake, and move only into a safe path.
Test braking response at very low speed where it is safe. Steering, brake, or warning behavior that is abnormal is a reason to stop and obtain repair—not to “see if it clears” in traffic.
Smooth operating basics
Hold the wheel with balanced control and use smooth steering. Match gear to speed and load without riding the clutch. Apply accelerator progressively and brake early enough to remain balanced. Before a turn, slow while traveling straight, select the path, look through the turn, and accelerate gently only after the vehicle is stable.
When backing, look in the direction of travel and scan around the vehicle. Mirrors, sensors, and cameras assist but do not show every hazard. Reverse at walking pace and stop if the view becomes uncertain.
Post-drive routine
Park lawfully, set the parking brake, select Park or the appropriate manual gear, stop the engine, secure the ignition, remove the key, and check that lights are off. On a grade, follow section 47’s wheel-direction rule. Look before opening the door.
After a demanding trip, note new vibration, odor, fluid, tire damage, or warning lamps. Remove insecure cargo and report defects to the owner or fleet. A fault found after parking must be repaired before the next driver assumes the vehicle is ready.
Which pre-driving items are expressly scored on the current LTO road-test sheet?
Which tire pressure should a driver normally use for a cold tire?
What should a driver do if a critical oil-pressure or brake warning remains on after starting?