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 primary purpose of the parking brake?

To keep the vehicle from moving when it’s parked

To control the headlights

To steer the vehicle in an emergency

To replace the foot brake during normal driving

2 / 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

3 / 30

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

Adjust it while driving at low speed

Let a passenger adjust it while you drive

Ignore the steering wheel position

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

4 / 30

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

So you can change their colour lighting

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

So passengers can’t adjust them manually

So they will never need maintenance

5 / 30

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

Lock

Off

Acc

6 / 30

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

R – Reverse

P – Park

N – Neutral

D – Drive

7 / 30

When should you use high beam headlights?

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

At all times during the day

In heavy fog instead of low beams

In busy city traffic at night

8 / 30

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

Start

Acc

Lock

9 / 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

Only when backing up

For parking on level ground

10 / 30

What is always used with a standard transmission?

Daytime running lights

Hazard lights

Cruise control

A clutch

11 / 30

What is the main purpose of hazard lights?

To signal a normal right turn

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

12 / 30

What does the hazard light switch do?

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

It turns off all exterior lights

It turns on only the left‑turn signal

It locks the steering wheel

13 / 30

Which gear turns on the reverse (white) lights?

P – Park

D – Drive

R – Reverse

N – Neutral

14 / 30

How does an automatic transmission choose gears?

It only changes gears at very high speeds

It always stays in the lowest gear

The driver selects every gear manually

It automatically selects the most efficient gear

15 / 30

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

They only work in rainy conditions

They do not activate the tail lights

They are too bright at night

They automatically turn off at night

16 / 30

What is the main purpose of the horn?

To start the engine

To adjust the radio volume

To communicate warnings to other road users

To signal that your headlights are on

17 / 30

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

R – Reverse

D – Drive

P – Park

N – Neutral

18 / 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

19 / 30

What should you practise regarding the windshield wipers and washer?

Operating them only through the hazard light switch

Using them only when the vehicle is parked

Using them only at the highest speed

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

20 / 30

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

To improve fuel economy

To warm up the engine faster

To light the road at night

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

21 / 30

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

To increase engine braking at low speeds

To make reversing easier

To save fuel at speeds over about 40 km/h

To help start the engine in cold weather

22 / 30

What is the main function of the gearshift lever?

It adjusts the steering wheel

It controls the windshield wipers

It lets you control the vehicle’s transmission

It operates the heater and defroster

23 / 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

24 / 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

25 / 30

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

Acc

Lock

Off

26 / 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

Interior dome lights only

Hazard lights

High beam headlights only

27 / 30

When are parking lights intended to be used?

As a substitute for brake lights

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

28 / 30

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

The front-seat passenger

The driver

The mechanic

The automatic system

29 / 30

Under which condition should you NOT use cruise control?

On wet, slippery, snowy or icy surfaces

On a dry, straight highway with light traffic

When traffic is light and visibility is good

On a long, straight road in perfect weather

30 / 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

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.