Controls and instruments
Use primary and secondary controls smoothly without looking away from the road.
The manual gear-changing and automatic-controls lessons are alternatives. Complete the one for the car you drive.
Move off uphill without rolling back
Keep the car held on the slope until it is ready to move. Compare manual and automatic controls.
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Hold the car on the slope
Keep the parking brake applied. In manual, select first with the clutch down. In automatic, hold the footbrake and select D.
Look for: The sloping road and the stationary wheels.
Try the decision in this scene
What should hold a manual car while you prepare an uphill start?
Read all steps
Hold the car on the slope
Keep the parking brake applied. In manual, select first with the clutch down. In automatic, hold the footbrake and select D.
Prepare the drive
In manual, bring the clutch towards its biting point and use suitable power. In automatic, follow the car’s hill-start procedure; do not assume creep alone will hold the slope.
Final check, then release
Look around and check the relevant blind spot again. Release the parking brake only when ready to move forwards. If the car rolls back, brake and reset.
Continue with control
In manual, release the clutch progressively once moving; do not balance the car on the clutch on the hill. The automatic example remains in D.
About this demonstration
This is a slowed teaching sequence, not a target speed, a fixed steering point or a pedal-pressure prescription. Mirror and blind-spot prompts describe checks the driver must make; the animation cannot check for you. Controls, biting points and assistance systems vary between cars.
Read the full lesson and worked examples
Learn the skill
Understand what each control changes, so operating the car does not take your attention away from the road.
Separate direction from speed
The steering wheel changes direction; the accelerator and brake manage speed. Make smooth inputs and look towards the road you intend to follow. A tight steering angle needs an appropriately low speed, not a last-second struggle with the wheel.
Learn the transmission in this car
A manual needs the correct gear for the speed and load, with coordinated clutch use. An automatic changes gears for you but still needs correct selector use and speed control. Check the handbook: creep, hill hold and regenerative braking vary between cars.
Learn secondary controls while parked
Find the indicators, lights, wipers, washers and demisters before setting off. Practise locating them without searching down at the dashboard. If a control task is taking your attention away from driving, stop safely before dealing with it.
Read the car’s response
Know the speedometer, fuel or charge display and warning symbols. If a warning appears, identify its meaning and follow the handbook. Do not keep driving a car that may be unsafe simply because the engine still runs or a warning can be dismissed.
Keep this in mindLearn the controls while stationary; use them without losing the road picture when moving.
In a manual or automatic
Manual
Use the left foot for the clutch and the right for brake and accelerator. Change gear for the road and engine load, not a universal speed chart. Avoid resting a foot on the clutch.
Automatic
With the usual unadapted pedals, use the right foot for brake and accelerator. Hold the car securely with the brake when selecting a drive position. Stop fully before changing between forward and reverse.
Put it into practice
Think through each situation, then open the explanation.
Situation 1An automatic begins moving when you ease off the brake in D.
What to do
Use the brake to keep a controlled speed and learn the car’s creep behaviour with your instructor.
Why
Selecting a drive position can allow movement without accelerator input. Automatic does not mean the car manages the situation for you.
Situation 2You are descending a long hill in a manual.
What to do
Use a suitable gear and controlled braking; do not coast in neutral or with the clutch held down.
Why
Coasting removes engine braking and can allow speed to build, reducing control.
Practising in a car and preparing for the test
Practising in a car
While parked, locate every control. During a suitable drive, use indicators, wipers, demisters and lights without changing road position.
What good driving looks like
- I use pedals, gears and steering smoothly
- I recognise the main instrument-panel warnings
- I can use secondary controls without losing control
Common mistakes
- Looking down for a control
- Coasting or choosing an unsuitable gear
- Drifting while using wipers or demisters
In the driving test
The examiner assesses steering, pedals, gears and ancillary controls throughout the drive.