The Hand Controls
Getting to Know Vehicle Controls
The position of many controls — such as indicators, lights, and windscreen wipers — varies between vehicles.
Before driving any unfamiliar car, familiarise yourself with all the controls so you can use them without hesitation.
You should never need to look down or fumble for a control while driving.
Always keep your eyes on the road.
The Steering Wheel
The steering wheel directs the vehicle’s path by turning the wheels.
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In most vehicles, it controls the front wheels.
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In some models with four-wheel steering, all wheels turn slightly for better manoeuvrability.
For best control:
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Keep both hands on the wheel at all times, except when using another control such as the gear lever. Return your hand to the wheel immediately afterward.
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Avoid resting your arm on the door, as this restricts movement.
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Hold the wheel firmly but not tightly—light pressure is enough once the vehicle is moving.
Steering Lock
“Steering lock” refers to how far the front wheels can turn when you rotate the steering wheel — either full right lock or full left lock.
The amount of lock varies between vehicles. Smaller cars usually have a tighter turning circle than larger ones (taxi cabs are a common exception).
Do not confuse steering lock with the steering-column locking mechanism, which activates as an anti-theft feature when the ignition key is removed.
Steering Technique
You should:
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Place your hands in a comfortable, controlled position
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Make smooth, steady movements when turning
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Turn the wheel at the correct time for corners and manoeuvres
Oversteering & Understeering
Different vehicles respond differently to steering input:
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Oversteer – the vehicle turns more sharply than expected.
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Understeer – the vehicle turns less than expected.
Learn how your vehicle handles before driving in traffic, and drive cautiously until you’re familiar with its behaviour.
Power-Assisted Steering (PAS)
Power-assisted steering reduces the effort required to turn the wheel.
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Most systems provide more assistance at low speeds, making parking and tight manoeuvres easier.
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Steering feels lighter, so be careful not to oversteer — especially if you’re used to vehicles without PAS.
Not all cars have power steering (particularly older models). If it’s not fitted, the steering will feel heavier. Check the vehicle handbook if you’re unsure.
Avoid Dry Steering
“Dry steering” means turning the wheel while the vehicle is stationary. Avoid doing this, as it can:
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Damage tyres
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Increase wear on the steering mechanism
The Gear Lever
The gear lever is usually to the left of the driver’s seat, on the floor or centre console.
Some vehicles have it mounted on the steering column or dashboard.
The Gearbox
- First gear provides the most power and is used for moving off.
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As speed increases, change to higher gears, which offer more speed but less pulling power.
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Top gear gives the best fuel efficiency.
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Most modern cars have five or six forward gears plus reverse.
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In neutral, no gear is engaged.
Some four-wheel-drive vehicles have a second (low-range) gearbox for off-road driving.
Gear Positions
Most gear levers follow a simple H-pattern.
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On a five-speed gearbox, the first four gears form the “H”, while fifth and reverse are positioned separately.
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Many vehicles are designed to prevent accidentally selecting reverse from fifth gear.
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The lever usually springs to neutral, aligned with third and fourth gears — this is called bias.
Learn the layout of the gearbox so you can change gear without looking down. With practice, gear changes become automatic.
The Parking Brake
Also known as the handbrake, the parking brake holds the vehicle still when stationary.
Usually located just behind the gear lever, though some vehicles have it:
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Under the instrument panel, or
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As a foot-operated pedal
The parking brake usually acts on the rear wheels.
Do not use it to stop a moving vehicle except in an emergency, such as brake failure.
When parked, always leave the vehicle in gear and apply the parking brake firmly
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To apply: Pull the lever up firmly according to manufacturer instructions.
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To release: Pull the lever slightly, press the button, and lower it to the “off” position.
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Some models release the brake by twisting the hand grip instead of pressing a button.
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Many modern vehicles feature electronic parking brakes, operated by a switch or button.
These often release automatically when you drive off.