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 start the engine

To communicate warnings to other road users

To signal that your headlights are on

To adjust the radio volume

2 / 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

When driving at high speed in daylight

For normal night driving on highways

3 / 30

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

Lock

Acc

Start

4 / 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

5 / 30

What is the primary function of the turn signal lever?

It adjusts the seat position

It opens the fuel door

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

It controls the windshield wipers

6 / 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 replace the foot brake during normal driving

To steer the vehicle in an emergency

7 / 30

What does the hazard light switch do?

It locks the steering wheel

It turns on only the left‑turn signal

It turns off all exterior lights

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

8 / 30

What should you practise regarding the windshield wipers and washer?

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 when the vehicle is parked

Using them only at the highest speed

9 / 30

What is always used with a standard transmission?

Hazard lights

Cruise control

A clutch

Daytime running lights

10 / 30

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

To improve fuel economy

To warm up the engine faster

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

To light the road at night

11 / 30

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

D – Drive

P – Park

N – Neutral

R – Reverse

12 / 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 is used only during emergency stops by police

It deploys airbags in a collision

13 / 30

Which gear turns on the reverse (white) lights?

R – Reverse

D – Drive

P – Park

N – Neutral

14 / 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

15 / 30

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

The front-seat passenger

The mechanic

The driver

The automatic system

16 / 30

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

Fully apply it

Pump it repeatedly while stopping

Leave it off on hills

Leave it partially applied

17 / 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

On a long, straight road in perfect weather

When traffic is light and visibility is good

18 / 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

19 / 30

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

Acc

Lock

Off

20 / 30

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

To increase engine braking at low speeds

To save fuel at speeds over about 40 km/h

To make reversing easier

To help start the engine in cold weather

21 / 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 signal a normal right turn

To show that you are speeding

To indicate that cruise control is on

22 / 30

What does the steering wheel control in a vehicle?

The brightness of the headlights

The operation of the windshield wipers

The speed of the vehicle

The direction of the vehicle by turning the front wheels

23 / 30

What is the main function of the gearshift lever?

It lets you control the vehicle’s transmission

It adjusts the steering wheel

It controls the windshield wipers

It operates the heater and defroster

24 / 30

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

First gear

Fifth gear

Second gear

Third gear

25 / 30

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

So they will never need maintenance

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

26 / 30

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

Acc

Lock

Off

27 / 30

When should you use high beam headlights?

In heavy fog instead of low beams

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

In busy city traffic at night

At all times during the day

28 / 30

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

Hazard lights

Interior dome lights only

High beam headlights only

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

29 / 30

How does an automatic transmission choose gears?

It always stays in the lowest gear

It only changes gears at very high speeds

The driver selects every gear manually

It automatically selects the most efficient gear

30 / 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

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.