LEARNER DRIVER GUIDE TO CAR CONTROLS

INTRODUCTION TO CAR CONTROLS

Before starting to drive, it's essential to familiarise yourself with all the controls in the vehicle. This guide will take you through each control step by step, explaining how and when to use them while driving in the UK.

HAND CONTROLS

1. Steering Wheel

The steering wheel controls the direction of the vehicle. Hold it at the "quarter to three" position or "ten and two" position for best control.

• Use both hands whenever possible
• Turn the wheel smoothly in the direction you want to go
• For sharp turns, use the "pull-push" method (crossing hands is no longer recommended)

2. Indicators

Located on a stalk behind the steering wheel (usually left side). Used to signal your intentions to other road users.

• Push up for right turn
• Push down for left turn
• Make sure indicators cancel after turning
• Use in plenty of time before manoeuvring

3. Windscreen Wipers

Usually on a stalk behind the steering wheel (often right side). Controls wiper speed for different weather conditions.

• First position: intermittent wipe
• Second position: slow continuous
• Third position: fast continuous
• Pull stalk towards you for washer fluid

FOOT CONTROLS

1. Accelerator (Right Pedal)

Controls the speed of the car by increasing engine power.

• Press gently with your right foot to increase speed
• Release pressure to slow down gradually
• Use the ball of your foot, not your toes
• Keep your heel on the floor for better control

2. Brake Pedal (Middle Pedal)

Slows down or stops the vehicle when pressed.

• Press gently with your right foot to slow down
• Press firmly (but not abruptly) to stop quickly
• In manual cars, press clutch pedal just before coming to a complete stop
• Practice progressive braking - increasing pressure gradually

3. Clutch Pedal (Left Pedal - Manual Cars Only)

Connects and disconnects the engine from the wheels.

• Press fully down when changing gear
• Release slowly to "biting point" when moving off
• Keep foot off the clutch when not changing gears ("coasting" is dangerous)
• Use for controlled slow-speed manoeuvres

GEAR CHANGING (MANUAL TRANSMISSION)

Follow this sequence for smooth gear changes:

1. Press clutch pedal fully down with left foot
2. Move gear lever to desired position
3. Slowly release clutch pedal while gently pressing accelerator
4. Once clutch is fully released, keep left foot on floor

Gear Selection Guide:

• 1st gear: Moving off (0-10 mph)
• 2nd gear: 10-20 mph
• 3rd gear: 20-30 mph
• 4th gear: 30-40 mph
• 5th gear: 40+ mph (motorway speeds)
• Reverse gear: For moving backwards (only when stationary)

SECONDARY CONTROLS

1. Handbrake (Parking Brake)

Used to secure the vehicle when parked and as an emergency brake.

• Pull up firmly to apply (press button if applicable)
• Press button and lower fully to release
• Check dashboard light to confirm it's fully released
• Use with foot brake when starting on hills

2. Lights

Controls vary by model but typically include:

• Sidelights/parking lights
• Dipped headlights (for normal night driving)
• Main beam (for unlit roads - dip for oncoming traffic)
• Fog lights (use only in reduced visibility)
• Hazard warning lights (for emergencies)

STARTING AND STOPPING PROCEDURE

Starting the Engine:

1. Ensure handbrake is on and gear in neutral
2. Press clutch down (manual) or foot on brake (automatic)
3. Turn key or press start button
4. Check dashboard for warning lights

Moving Off:

1. Press clutch down and select 1st gear
2. Check mirrors and blind spot
3. Signal if necessary
4. Find biting point (manual) or release brake (automatic)
5. Release handbrake
6. Accelerate gently while fully releasing clutch (manual)
7. Steer as needed while checking mirrors

Stopping the Car:

1. Check mirrors and signal if necessary
2. Ease off accelerator
3. Press brake pedal gently
4. Press clutch down just before stopping (manual)
5. Apply handbrake once stationary
6. Select neutral (manual) or park (automatic)
7. Turn off engine if parking