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 always used with a standard transmission?

Daytime running lights

Cruise control

Hazard lights

A clutch

2 / 30

What is the primary function of the turn signal lever?

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

It adjusts the seat position

It opens the fuel door

It controls the windshield wipers

3 / 30

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

The driver

The mechanic

The automatic system

The front-seat passenger

4 / 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

5 / 30

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

N – Neutral

R – Reverse

P – Park

D – Drive

6 / 30

What is the main function of the gearshift lever?

It adjusts the steering wheel

It controls the windshield wipers

It operates the heater and defroster

It lets you control the vehicle’s transmission

7 / 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

8 / 30

What is the main purpose of the horn?

To start the engine

To signal that your headlights are on

To adjust the radio volume

To communicate warnings to other road users

9 / 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 passengers can’t adjust them manually

So they will never need maintenance

So you can change their colour lighting

10 / 30

When should you use high beam headlights?

In busy city traffic at night

At all times during the day

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

In heavy fog instead of low beams

11 / 30

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

Lock

Start

Acc

12 / 30

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

To save fuel at speeds over about 40 km/h

To help start the engine in cold weather

To make reversing easier

To increase engine braking at low speeds

13 / 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 a long, straight road in perfect weather

On wet, slippery, snowy or icy surfaces

14 / 30

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

For speeds of 50–80 km/h on highways

Only when backing up

For parking on level ground

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

15 / 30

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

Adjust it while driving at low speed

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

16 / 30

What does the steering wheel control in a vehicle?

The direction of the vehicle by turning the front wheels

The operation of the windshield wipers

The speed of the vehicle

The brightness of the headlights

17 / 30

Which gear turns on the reverse (white) lights?

R – Reverse

N – Neutral

P – Park

D – Drive

18 / 30

What does the hazard light switch do?

It locks the steering wheel

It turns on only the left‑turn signal

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

It turns off all exterior lights

19 / 30

What should you practise regarding the windshield wipers and washer?

Using them only at the highest speed

Using them only when the vehicle is parked

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

Operating them only through the hazard light switch

20 / 30

What is the main purpose of hazard lights?

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

To show that you are speeding

21 / 30

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

Acc

Off

Lock

22 / 30

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

Interior dome lights only

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

Hazard lights

High beam headlights only

23 / 30

How does an automatic transmission choose gears?

It automatically selects the most efficient gear

It only changes gears at very high speeds

It always stays in the lowest gear

The driver selects every gear manually

24 / 30

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

They automatically turn off at night

They only work in rainy conditions

They do not activate the tail lights

They are too bright at night

25 / 30

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

Fifth gear

Third gear

First gear

Second gear

26 / 30

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

Pump it repeatedly while stopping

Leave it off on hills

Leave it partially applied

Fully apply it

27 / 30

What is the primary purpose of the parking brake?

To control the headlights

To steer the vehicle in an emergency

To keep the vehicle from moving when it’s parked

To replace the foot brake during normal driving

28 / 30

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

To warm up the engine faster

To improve fuel economy

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

To light the road at night

29 / 30

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

Off

Lock

Acc

30 / 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

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.