Other Controls
Instrument Panel
For detailed information about your vehicle’s instrument panel, refer to your vehicle handbook.
The main instruments and indicators typically include:
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Speedometer – Shows your vehicle’s speed in miles and/or kilometres per hour. Most are dial-type with a needle, though some are digital displays.
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Direction indicator lights – Flash when your indicators are on.
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Fuel gauge – Displays remaining fuel (or battery charge on electric vehicles).
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High-beam indicator light – Usually blue; shows when your full-beam headlights are on.
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Rev counter (tachometer) – Displays engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm).
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Glow plug (warming-up coil) indicator – Found on diesel engines; shows when the engine is ready to start.
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Temperature gauge or warning light – Indicates engine temperature.
Speed Limiters
A speed limiter works similarly to cruise control but allows you to set a maximum speed that the vehicle cannot exceed.
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Operated using switches on the steering wheel.
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Unlike cruise control, which maintains a set speed, a limiter simply prevents acceleration beyond your chosen limit.
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You can slow down as normal by releasing the accelerator.
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In some commercial vehicles, the maximum speed is factory-set and cannot be changed by the driver.
Warning Lights
Warning lights help you:
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Drive safely
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Monitor engine and system performance
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Prevent mechanical damage
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See which functions are active
Common Warning Lights
Your vehicle may include the following lights:
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Oil pressure light (red) – Warns of low oil pressure or oil circulation issues. Should illuminate at ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
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Ignition warning light (red) – If it stays on while driving, there’s a fault in the charging system.
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ABS warning light – Illuminates at ignition and usually turns off once the vehicle reaches 5–10 mph.
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Engine management light – Indicates an issue detected by the engine control system.
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Brake warning light – May indicate worn brake pads, low brake fluid, or the parking brake being applied.
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Water temperature light/gauge – Shows if the engine is overheating.
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Doors or boot open warning – Indicates an open door or unlocked boot.
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Parking brake light – Shows when the handbrake is engaged.
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Airbag warning light – Indicates a fault in the airbag system; a serious safety risk.
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Hazard warning lights – Used to alert others to a stationary or slow-moving vehicle.
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Rear fog light indicator – Shows when rear fog lights are on.
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Rear window heater light – Indicates rear demister operation.
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Seat belt warning – Alerts if seat belts are not fastened.
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Headlight/fog/indicator lights – Show which lights are currently on.
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Tyre pressure warning – Indicates tyre pressure below the recommended level.
Choke
Petrol engines use a choke to enrich the air–fuel mixture for cold starts.
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Most vehicles have automatic chokes.
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Older vehicles may have manual chokes—pulling it out enriches the mixture; push it back in as the engine warms up.
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Diesel vehicles use a pre-heating (glow plug) system; start the engine only when the indicator light turns off.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
ADAS refers to modern vehicle technologies designed to improve safety and assist the driver.
These include systems such as ABS, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and driver-drowsiness alerts.
While these systems enhance safety, they do not replace the driver’s responsibility to stay alert and in control. Learn how each system in your vehicle works by reading the manufacturer’s handbook.
Common ADAS Features
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High-beam assist
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Lane-keep assist
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Automatic windscreen wipers
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Tyre-pressure monitoring
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Parking sensors
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Cruise control
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Hill-start assist
Manufacturers may use different names for these systems, but their functions are similar.
Cruise Control
Maintains a set speed automatically, adjusting fuel input for efficiency.
Ideal for long motorway drives with steady speeds.
You can cancel or override it instantly using the brake, clutch, or accelerator.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adjusts your speed automatically to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead.
Remain alert—some systems can’t bring the car to a full stop, so driver input may still be required.
Forward Collision Warning/Automatic Emergency Braking
Warns the driver if a collision risk is detected.
If no response is made, automatic braking may activate to reduce speed or prevent impact.
Note: Sensors can be affected by dirt, snow, or glare.
Traffic Signs Recognition
Uses cameras to read traffic signs and display them inside the vehicle.
Some systems can also adjust your speed to match the limit.
Always remain aware of roadside signs, as visibility or misread signs can cause errors.
Driver Drowsiness Detection
Monitors driver behaviour and alerts you if signs of fatigue are detected, encouraging rest to prevent accidents.
Lane Depature Warning & Lane-Keep Assist
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Lane-departure warning alerts if your vehicle drifts from its lane.
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Lane-keep assist actively steers to keep you centred.
Use mainly on motorways or dual carriageways. Poor road markings or bad weather may limit performance.
Blind-Spot Monitoring/Lane-Change Assist
Warns of vehicles in your blind spot through visual or audio alerts.
Some systems prevent lane changes while another vehicle is alongside.
Always perform manual checks before changing lanes.
Intelligent Speed Assistance
Uses cameras or GPS to detect speed limits and alert you when you exceed them.
Some systems can automatically reduce speed, but drivers can override this by pressing the accelerator.
Automotive Night Vision
Uses infrared or thermal imaging to detect hazards such as people or animals in low-light conditions.
Enhances visibility but does not replace careful driving.
Traffic Jam Assist
Available on some automatic vehicles, this feature manages acceleration, braking, and steering in slow-moving motorway traffic.
You must stay alert, keep your hands on the wheel, and be ready to take control.
Self-Driving Vehicles
A self-driving vehicle can legally and safely drive itself in specific conditions.
This is different from vehicles that only have driver-assistance features like cruise control or lane-keeping.
You can check whether your vehicle is approved for self-driving in Great Britain at:
www.gov.uk/guidance/self-driving-vehicles-listed-for-use-in-great-britain
Key Points
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Only activate self-driving mode when permitted by the manufacturer.
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The feature may only work on specific roads, in certain weather, or at set speeds.
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While the vehicle is driving itself, you are not responsible for its driving behaviour—but you must remain fit to drive, and the car must be road legal, taxed, insured, and roadworthy.
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You must not commit illegal acts (e.g., using a hand-held phone).
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If the vehicle requests that you take back control, you must do so safely and promptly.
Important Reminder
Both ADAS and self-driving systems rely on cameras and sensors.
Keep them clean and unobstructed to ensure proper operation.
Even with advanced systems, the driver is always ultimately responsible for vehicle safety.