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 hazard lights?

To show that you are speeding

To indicate that cruise control is on

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

To signal a normal right turn

2 / 30

Which gear turns on the reverse (white) lights?

P – Park

R – Reverse

N – Neutral

D – Drive

3 / 30

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

First gear

Second gear

Fifth gear

Third gear

4 / 30

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

P – Park

R – Reverse

D – Drive

N – Neutral

5 / 30

What does the steering wheel control in a vehicle?

The operation of the windshield wipers

The brightness of the headlights

The speed of the vehicle

The direction of the vehicle by turning the front wheels

6 / 30

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

For speeds of 50–80 km/h on highways

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

For parking on level ground

Only when backing up

7 / 30

What should you practise regarding the windshield wipers and washer?

Using them only at the highest speed

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

Using them only when the vehicle is parked

Operating them only through the hazard light switch

8 / 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

9 / 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

Hazard lights

Interior dome lights only

10 / 30

What is the primary purpose of the parking brake?

To control the headlights

To steer the vehicle in an emergency

To replace the foot brake during normal driving

To keep the vehicle from moving when it’s parked

11 / 30

What is the main purpose of the horn?

To signal that your headlights are on

To adjust the radio volume

To start the engine

To communicate warnings to other road users

12 / 30

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

Start

Acc

Lock

13 / 30

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

The front-seat passenger

The driver

The mechanic

The automatic system

14 / 30

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

Pump it repeatedly while stopping

Leave it off on hills

Fully apply it

Leave it partially applied

15 / 30

What is always used with a standard transmission?

Daytime running lights

A clutch

Cruise control

Hazard lights

16 / 30

What is the primary function of the turn signal lever?

It adjusts the seat position

It opens the fuel door

It controls the windshield wipers

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

17 / 30

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

So they will never need maintenance

So passengers can’t adjust them manually

So you can change their colour lighting

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

18 / 30

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

Acc

Lock

Off

19 / 30

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

They automatically turn off at night

They are too bright at night

They do not activate the tail lights

They only work in rainy conditions

20 / 30

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

To increase engine braking at low speeds

To make reversing easier

To help start the engine in cold weather

To save fuel at speeds over about 40 km/h

21 / 30

How does an automatic transmission choose gears?

The driver selects every gear manually

It automatically selects the most efficient gear

It only changes gears at very high speeds

It always stays in the lowest gear

22 / 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

Adjust it while driving at low speed

Ignore the steering wheel position

23 / 30

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

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

To warm up the engine faster

To light the road at night

To improve fuel economy

24 / 30

What does the hazard light switch do?

It locks the steering wheel

It turns off all exterior lights

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

It turns on only the left‑turn signal

25 / 30

Why is the parking brake sometimes called an emergency brake?

It deploys airbags in a collision

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

It is used only during emergency stops by police

It automatically calls for roadside assistance

26 / 30

What is the main function of the gearshift lever?

It controls the windshield wipers

It operates the heater and defroster

It adjusts the steering wheel

It lets you control the vehicle’s transmission

27 / 30

When should you use high beam headlights?

In busy city traffic at night

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

In heavy fog instead of low beams

At all times during the day

28 / 30

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

Acc

Off

Lock

29 / 30

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

P – Park

N – Neutral

D – Drive

R – Reverse

30 / 30

Under which condition should you NOT use cruise control?

On a long, straight road in perfect weather

When traffic is light and visibility is good

On a dry, straight highway with light traffic

On wet, slippery, snowy or icy surfaces

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.