Final answer:
When starting a vehicle, the gear selector should be in P (park). This position locks the transmission and prevents the car from unintentionally moving, making it the safest option for engaging the ignition in an automatic vehicle.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the appropriate gear selector position for starting a vehicle, we're addressing a practical aspect of driver education. The question at hand asks for the correct gear position to start the car. The options provided are N (neutral), D (drive), P (park), and D1. When starting a car, it is crucial to ensure that the vehicle remains stationary and does not engage into motion unexpectedly. In automatic vehicles, which is the likely context for the mention of a gear selector, this is particularly important for safety.
To answer this question, we should compare each option and its implications:
N (neutral) - The car can be started in neutral; however, it is not the safest position as the vehicle may roll if on a slope and the brakes are not applied.
D (drive) - Starting a car in drive is unsafe because if the driver accidentally accelerates, the vehicle would immediately start moving, potentially leading to a hazardous situation.
P (park) - This is the recommended gear to start an automatic vehicle as the gear selector locks the transmission, preventing the car from rolling or moving even if it's on an incline.
D1 - This typically refers to a lower gear in some vehicles and is not appropriate for starting the engine as it puts the car in a gear ready to move forward.
Based on this information, the safest and most appropriate gear selector position for starting a vehicle is option C, P (park). This prevents any unintentional movement of the vehicle and is a standard practice for drivers before igniting the engine.