How to Adjust the Seat When Learning to Drive at a Driving School?
2 Answers
Methods for adjusting the seat when learning to drive at a driving school: 1. Seat height adjustment: Adjust the seat height according to the student's height, ensuring there is enough space between the head and the car roof (at least a fist's distance) to prevent hitting the head on bumpy roads. The elbows and shoulders should be relaxed, and the hands should grip the steering wheel at a height approximately 10 cm below the shoulders. 2. Seat forward and backward adjustment: Adjust so that when the left foot fully depresses the clutch and the right foot fully depresses the brake pedal, the legs remain slightly bent and can continue to exert force. 3. Seat backrest adjustment: When the student's shoulders are against the backrest, extend the arms so that the wrists can rest on the top of the steering wheel with the elbows slightly bent. Adjust the backrest according to this standard. 4. Seat headrest adjustment: The headrest height should align with the top of the ears or the centerline of the headrest should be in line with the eyebrows.
When I first started learning to drive at the driving school, seat adjustment was the very first lesson the instructor emphasized. You'd get into the car, make sure the key wasn't turned on, then locate the lever or button under the seat—usually on the left side or beneath it. Pull or push firmly to move the seat forward or backward. Adjust it so your knees bend at about a 90-degree angle, allowing your feet to fully press the brake and clutch pedals without straining—this is crucial for manual transmission cars, or gear shifting will feel awkward. Next, adjust the height, typically with a button or knob on the side of the seat, moving it up or down until your eyes are level with the lower-middle part of the windshield and the dashboard—never set it too high to block your view. The backrest angle matters too; turn the knob to keep your back slightly upright, with your arms stretched forward and wrists resting comfortably on top of the steering wheel, avoiding excessive elbow bending that makes turning tiresome. Since driving school cars are often shared, spend a minute readjusting before each lesson to build the habit and prevent operational mistakes. I found this simple routine helped me stay focused and comfortable, reducing fatigue. At first, it might feel tedious, but after a few practices, it becomes second nature.
