35.93. Did the driver correctly adjust the seat and steering wheel position before starting to drive in this case?
UAЧи правильно в даному випадку водій відрегулював положення сидіння та рульового колеса перед початком руху?
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine (PDR) concerning road safety even before the trip begins: whether the driver has prepared the workplace in such a way as to confidently control the vehicle and not create danger. Proper seating at the wheel directly affects reaction speed, accuracy of hand and foot movements, visibility, and fatigue level, and therefore is important both for daily driving and for the theoretical exam.
The question checks sections of the traffic rules related to the driver's duties and the safe start of movement (in particular, the general requirements to act safely and be attentive, as well as to make sure the start of movement is safe). Although the PDR does not specify exact "angles" for elbows and knees, the logic of the rules is that the driver must ensure such a condition and position that provide full control over the steering wheel and pedals without unnecessary tension: the back rests on the seatback, the driver reaches the steering wheel and switches without leaning the torso, and the arms remain slightly bent.
The "Correct" option in this case is not suitable, because the seating shown is too close to the steering wheel: the driver is essentially "hanging over" the steering wheel, causing the shoulders and arms to tense, movements to become constrained, and fatigue to set in faster. That is why the correct answer is "Incorrect": improper adjustment of the seat and steering wheel worsens control over the vehicle, which contradicts the requirements of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine regarding attentive and safe driving and a safe start of movement.
Clause 1.5
Road users are required to know and strictly comply with the requirements of these Rules, as well as to be mutually polite. Road users must act in such a way as not to create danger or obstacles to traffic, and not to cause harm.
Brief application: improper adjustment of seating/steering that impairs control of the vehicle contradicts the general obligation not to create danger.
Clause 2.3 (subclause "a")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged before departure to check and ensure the technical serviceability and completeness of the vehicle, the correctness of the placement and securing of cargo.
Brief application: although the Traffic Rules do not directly regulate the “angles” of arms/legs, the question tests the general requirement to ensure the possibility of safe driving (in particular, steering control) before starting to drive.
Clause 2.3 (subclause "b")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to be attentive, monitor the traffic situation, respond appropriately to its changes, monitor the correctness of the placement and securing of cargo, the technical condition of the vehicle, and not be distracted from driving while on the road.
Brief application: improper seating (too close to the steering wheel, without back support, etc.) reduces the driver's ability to drive safely and react quickly, which is directly related to the obligation to be attentive and fully control the vehicle.
Clause 2.3 (subclause "v")
To ensure road safety, the driver is obliged to use passive safety devices (headrests, seat belts) and not to carry passengers who are not wearing seat belts (if the vehicle is equipped with seat belts).
Brief application: this is an additional “preparatory” requirement before starting to drive; in similar questions, the exam often comprehensively checks the readiness of the driver's workplace for safe driving.
Clause 10.1
Before starting to drive, changing lanes, or making any change in direction, the driver must make sure that it will be safe and will not create obstacles or danger to other road users.
Brief application: if the driver is sitting and holding the steering wheel in a way that objectively impairs control (quick fatigue, limited movement of arms/legs), he or she has not ensured proper conditions for a safe start of movement.
That is, the correct answer is "Incorrect," given that by definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged to act so as not to create danger (clause 1.5), to be attentive and not to be distracted from driving (clause 2.3 "b"), and also to make sure of the safety of starting to drive (clause 10.1), which implies proper preparation of the driver's workplace for full control of the vehicle.
Before starting to drive, the driver is required to prepare the workspace so that control is safe and does not require unnecessary movements or strain. This follows from the general requirement of the Traffic Rules to be attentive, monitor the road situation and respond accordingly to its changes, as well as to maintain such a condition and position at the wheel that allow for full control of the vehicle without losing control.
Proper seating means that the driver's back is fully supported by the seat back, and the driver can reach the controls without having to lean the torso forward. The guideline is simple: if you place your hand on the top of the steering wheel, your wrist should reach the rim, and your arms should remain slightly bent at the elbows when holding the wheel normally. The same applies to the legs: when pressing the clutch pedal all the way down (or the brake pedal in a car with automatic transmission), the knee should remain slightly bent so that movements are precise and muscles are not overstrained.
In the image, it is visible that the driver is sitting too close to the steering wheel and is excessively stretching the torso towards it, essentially "hanging" over the steering wheel. With such a seating position, the arms are too bent, the shoulders are tense, and to turn the wheel or operate the switches, unnecessary torso movements are required. This quickly leads to fatigue, reduces the accuracy of control, and decreases the ability to respond in time to changes in the road situation, which contradicts the requirements of safe driving.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Incorrect," because the driver chose a position too close to the steering wheel and did not ensure proper seating with the back against the seat and arms and legs semi-bent, which worsens vehicle control and increases fatigue.