What should be done before driving any vehicle on the airfield?

Prior to driving any vehicle on the airfield, it is essential to ensure that proper authorization and a valid permit are obtained. This requirement serves as a critical safety and operational measure, ensuring that only those individuals who have been properly trained and have the necessary clearance to operate a vehicle on the airfield are doing so. Airfields are highly regulated environments due to the presence of aircraft, ground personnel, and various safety protocols. Unauthorized personnel could compromise safety by posing risks that include vehicle collisions with aircraft or personnel accidents.

The other options, while they may contribute to vehicle readiness in a general sense, do not address the most crucial aspect of airfield driving readiness, which is securing the appropriate permissions. Confirming that a vehicle has been cleaned, checking the fuel level, or ensuring proper parking are certainly good practices for vehicle management but do not substitute for the legal and procedural necessities required to operate on an airfield. Understanding this priority helps maintain the integrity of airfield operations and ensures compliance with safety regulations.