Chapter 2-2: Hand controls

The ICBC driver’s knowledge test includes a section on “Hand controls,” which assesses a driver’s understanding of key hand-operated vehicle controls.

BC Driving Test - Chapter 2-2: Hand controls

1 / 30

What is the main purpose of the horn?

To adjust the radio volume

To communicate warnings to other road users

To start the engine

To signal that your headlights are on

2 / 30

Under which condition should you NOT use cruise control?

When traffic is light and visibility is good

On a dry, straight highway with light traffic

On wet, slippery, snowy or icy surfaces

On a long, straight road in perfect weather

3 / 30

In a vehicle with a standard transmission, who selects the best gear?

The mechanic

The front-seat passenger

The automatic system

The driver

4 / 30

When should you use high beam headlights?

In busy city traffic at night

In heavy fog instead of low beams

On unlit roads at night when there are no vehicles approaching or in front of you

At all times during the day

5 / 30

How does an automatic transmission choose gears?

It always stays in the lowest gear

It automatically selects the most efficient gear

The driver selects every gear manually

It only changes gears at very high speeds

6 / 30

In an automatic transmission, which gear should be used when starting the vehicle and when parked?

D – Drive

R – Reverse

N – Neutral

P – Park

7 / 30

When are parking lights intended to be used?

When you are stopped and want to make sure your vehicle is visible

For normal night driving on highways

When driving at high speed in daylight

As a substitute for brake lights

8 / 30

In an automatic transmission, which gear is used for normal forward driving?

N – Neutral

R – Reverse

D – Drive

P – Park

9 / 30

What should you do before you begin to drive a vehicle with an adjustable steering wheel?

Make sure the steering wheel is in the right position for you

Let a passenger adjust it while you drive

Ignore the steering wheel position

Adjust it while driving at low speed

10 / 30

Which ignition switch position allows you to use some electrical components, such as the radio, while the ignition is off?

Acc

Lock

Start

11 / 30

What should you do with the parking brake when you park?

Leave it partially applied

Leave it off on hills

Pump it repeatedly while stopping

Fully apply it

12 / 30

In a standard transmission, which gear is typically used for highway cruising on a 5‑speed model?

Third gear

First gear

Fifth gear

Second gear

13 / 30

What is the first position of the main light switch generally used for?

High beam headlights only

Tail lights, parking lights, side‑marker lights, dashboard and licence plate lights

Interior dome lights only

Hazard lights

14 / 30

After starting the engine, the ignition switch should return to which position?

Off

Acc

Lock

15 / 30

What is the primary purpose of the parking brake?

To control the headlights

To keep the vehicle from moving when it’s parked

To steer the vehicle in an emergency

To replace the foot brake during normal driving

16 / 30

What does the hazard light switch do?

It turns on only the left‑turn signal

It turns off all exterior lights

It locks the steering wheel

It activates both turn signals at the same time as flashing lights

17 / 30

What is the primary function of the turn signal lever?

It adjusts the seat position

It controls the windshield wipers

It turns the left‑ and right‑turn signals on and off

It opens the fuel door

18 / 30

What is always used with a standard transmission?

Daytime running lights

A clutch

Hazard lights

Cruise control

19 / 30

In a standard transmission, what is First gear generally used for?

Only when backing up

From a stopped position up to about 10–15 km/h and for heavy loads or very steep hills

For parking on level ground

For speeds of 50–80 km/h on highways

20 / 30

In which ignition switch position is the steering locked and the ignition off?

Acc

Off

Lock

21 / 30

Why is the parking brake sometimes called an emergency brake?

It automatically calls for roadside assistance

It can be used to slow the vehicle if the foot brake fails

It deploys airbags in a collision

It is used only during emergency stops by police

22 / 30

What does the steering wheel control in a vehicle?

The direction of the vehicle by turning the front wheels

The brightness of the headlights

The operation of the windshield wipers

The speed of the vehicle

23 / 30

What is the purpose of Overdrive (O) in an automatic transmission?

To make reversing easier

To save fuel at speeds over about 40 km/h

To help start the engine in cold weather

To increase engine braking at low speeds

24 / 30

Why should you not rely on daytime running lights for nighttime driving?

They are too bright at night

They automatically turn off at night

They do not activate the tail lights

They only work in rainy conditions

25 / 30

What is the main purpose of daytime running lights (DRL)?

To improve fuel economy

To light the road at night

To make your vehicle easier for other drivers to see during daylight hours

To warm up the engine faster

26 / 30

Which gear turns on the reverse (white) lights?

N – Neutral

R – Reverse

D – Drive

P – Park

27 / 30

Why is it important to practise using the heater, defroster and air conditioning controls?

So passengers can’t adjust them manually

So you can change their colour lighting

So they will never need maintenance

So you can operate them easily, such as turning on the defroster without looking at the controls

28 / 30

What should you practise regarding the windshield wipers and washer?

Using them only when the vehicle is parked

Operating them only through the hazard light switch

Finding the different wiper speed settings and knowing how to turn on the washer

Using them only at the highest speed

29 / 30

What is the main function of the gearshift lever?

It operates the heater and defroster

It lets you control the vehicle’s transmission

It controls the windshield wipers

It adjusts the steering wheel

30 / 30

What is the main purpose of hazard lights?

To warn other road users to be careful near your vehicle, especially if you have stopped for an emergency

To show that you are speeding

To indicate that cruise control is on

To signal a normal right turn

Your score is

This section covers the functions and proper use of the steering wheel, turn signals, windshield wipers, headlights, and horn. Test-takers must know when and how to use each control to ensure safe driving. For example, using the turn signal before changing lanes or turning, activating headlights in low visibility, and using the horn to alert others if needed. Mastery of hand controls is vital for road safety and is a fundamental part of passing the knowledge test in British Columbia.