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

How does an automatic transmission choose gears?

It automatically selects the most efficient gear

The driver selects every gear manually

It only changes gears at very high speeds

It always stays in the lowest gear

2 / 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

Using them only at the highest speed

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

3 / 30

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

For parking on level ground

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

Only when backing up

For speeds of 50–80 km/h on highways

4 / 30

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

The front-seat passenger

The driver

The mechanic

The automatic system

5 / 30

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

Start

Lock

Acc

6 / 30

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

To save fuel at speeds over about 40 km/h

To increase engine braking at low speeds

To help start the engine in cold weather

To make reversing easier

7 / 30

When should you use high beam headlights?

In heavy fog instead of low beams

At all times during the day

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

In busy city traffic at night

8 / 30

What is the primary function of the turn signal lever?

It controls the windshield wipers

It opens the fuel door

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

It adjusts the seat position

9 / 30

Why is the parking brake sometimes called an emergency brake?

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

It deploys airbags in a collision

It automatically calls for roadside assistance

It is used only during emergency stops by police

10 / 30

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

Off

Acc

Lock

11 / 30

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

To improve fuel economy

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

12 / 30

Which gear turns on the reverse (white) lights?

N – Neutral

R – Reverse

P – Park

D – Drive

13 / 30

Under which condition should you NOT use cruise control?

On a dry, straight highway with light traffic

On wet, slippery, snowy or icy surfaces

When traffic is light and visibility is good

On a long, straight road in perfect weather

14 / 30

What is the main purpose of hazard lights?

To show that you are speeding

To signal a normal right turn

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

15 / 30

When are parking lights intended to be used?

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

As a substitute for brake lights

When driving at high speed in daylight

For normal night driving on highways

16 / 30

What does the hazard light switch do?

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

It locks the steering wheel

17 / 30

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

P – Park

R – Reverse

D – Drive

N – Neutral

18 / 30

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

Off

Acc

Lock

19 / 30

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

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

High beam headlights only

Interior dome lights only

Hazard lights

20 / 30

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

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

So you can change their colour lighting

So passengers can’t adjust them manually

So they will never need maintenance

21 / 30

What is the main purpose of the horn?

To communicate warnings to other road users

To adjust the radio volume

To start the engine

To signal that your headlights are on

22 / 30

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

Fifth gear

First gear

Second gear

Third gear

23 / 30

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

They are too bright at night

They do not activate the tail lights

They only work in rainy conditions

They automatically turn off at night

24 / 30

What is always used with a standard transmission?

Hazard lights

Cruise control

A clutch

Daytime running lights

25 / 30

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

Ignore the steering wheel position

Let a passenger adjust it while you drive

Adjust it while driving at low speed

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

26 / 30

What does the steering wheel control in a vehicle?

The direction of the vehicle by turning the front wheels

The speed of the vehicle

The operation of the windshield wipers

The brightness of the headlights

27 / 30

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

R – Reverse

D – Drive

N – Neutral

P – Park

28 / 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 adjusts the steering wheel

It controls the windshield wipers

29 / 30

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

Leave it partially applied

Pump it repeatedly while stopping

Fully apply it

Leave it off on hills

30 / 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

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.