Learning to drive a car for your first DMV test? Well, all the best!
But did you know? There are more than 15 vehicle controls features that are used while driving a car. Yes, that’s true. If you’ve already started, you might know the main driving controls, but your test won’t be limited to that.
Your DMV test will assess not only your ability to steer and brake but also how well you manage essential vehicle controls. Other features include turn signals, mirrors, windshield wipers, dashboard indicators and more. Knowing how and when to use these controls correctly can make a huge difference in passing your DMV driving test.
So, are you ready? In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most crucial vehicle controls for a driver’s test, their functions, and best practices for using them effectively.
Let’s get started!
What are Vehicle Controls?
Vehicle controls refer to the various components and mechanisms that allow you to operate and maneuver a car safely. These controls include the steering wheel, pedals, levers, buttons, and other dashboard features. All these driving controls help in controlling speed, direction, and visibility.
A complete knowledge of car controls and their functions ensure safe and efficient driving. Mastering these controls needs proper guidance and lessons which only a top behind-the-wheel driving school in California like Click2Drive can provide.
Why It’s Essential to Learn Vehicle Controls for Drivers Test?
Learning car controls is not just about passing the driving test—it is about becoming a responsible and skilled driver. Let’s have a look at few reasons,
1. Enhances Road Safety
It’s essential to know how to operate vehicle controls correctly. Why? The first reason is that it reduces the risk of accidents. Proper use of brakes, steering, mirrors, and signals ensures a smoother and safer driving experience for you.
2. Builds Confidence
New drivers often feel nervous when handling a car. But it won’t be the case once you learn everything about vehicle controls. Understanding the different driving controls can increase your confidence and ease the learning process.
3. Improves Reaction Time
In emergency situations, quick reactions are necessary. If you are familiar with the vehicle controls for a driver’s test, you will be able to respond faster to obstacles, pedestrians, or sudden traffic changes.
4. Meets Driving Test Requirements
Driving examiners evaluate your ability to use car controls effectively. Failing to use signals, mirrors, or braking properly can result in a failed test.
Mastering driving controls is essential for any new driver including you to ensure safety points and pass the driving test successfully.
Types of Car Controls to Know for Driving Test
Vehicle controls can be categorized mainly into 3 divisions which are,
- Floor Controls
- Hand Controls
- Visual Control
Each of the types includes different vehicle controls which we will explore in detail in the next section.
List of Car Controls and Their Function to Learn for New Drivers Test
Understanding different types of car controls driving test is essential for a smooth and safe driving experience. Here’s a breakdown of the key controls you must know while driving a car,
1. Floor Controls
These controls are located where your feet are as a driver and are key to managing the car’s movement and speed,
- Accelerator (Gas Pedal): Used to control the car’s speed by increasing fuel flow to the engine.
- Brake Pedal: It’s works as mechanism for slowing down or stop the car when pressed.
- Clutch Pedal (for manual cars): This control functions as shifting gears smoothly without stalling the engine.
- Footrest (Dead Pedal): It’s for providing support and helping maintain stability while driving, especially on long drives.
2. Hand Controls
Hand controls are used to operate the car’s essential functions and drive the vehicle safely. Here’s the list and how it will help you,
- Steering Wheel: It’s used to direct the vehicle’s movement left or right, giving the driver, you, full control over the car’s direction.
- Gear Shift: This function will allow you to switch between different drive modes (P – Park, R – Reverse, N – Neutral, D – Drive) for automatic cars, or shifts between gears in manual cars.
- Turn Signals (Indicators): You can alert other drivers of your upcoming turns or lane changes with this vehicle control function, ensuring road safety.
- Windshield Wipers: It’s used to keep the windshield clear during rain or snow, ensuring proper visibility.
- Horn: With this car control function, you can warn other road users of your presence, especially in case of an emergency or to alert other drivers in dangerous situations.
- Headlight Controls: This is to turn headlights on or off, adjust beam strength (high/low beams), or activate other lights (fog lights, emergency lights).
- Windshield Washer Controls: This control activates the windshield washer to clean the windshield in conjunction with the wipers.
3. Visual Controls
Visual controls help drivers monitor the vehicle’s performance and surroundings, ensuring a safer driving experience,
- Rearview & Side Mirrors: Provide visibility of surrounding traffic and blind spots. Rearview mirrors show the traffic behind you, while side mirrors help during lane changes.
- Dashboard Indicators: Displays important warnings related to fuel levels, engine status, tire pressure, and any potential malfunctions. Includes warning lights such as check engine, low fuel, and oil pressure.
- Speedometer: Shows the vehicle’s current speed in miles or kilometers per hour.
- Odometer: Displays the total distance the car has traveled since it was manufactured. This is useful for monitoring mileage.
- Fuel Gauge: Indicates the current level of fuel in the vehicle’s tank.
- Temperature Gauge: Monitors the temperature of the engine, helping you prevent overheating or engine damage.
- Tachometer (for manual vehicles): Displays the engine’s RPM (revolutions per minute), helping you gauge when to shift gears in manual cars.
- Gear Indicator: Shows the current gear (P, R, N, D) in automatic transmission vehicles.
- Parking Brake Indicator: Lights up when the parking brake is engaged, reminding the driver to disengage it before driving.
Additional Driving Controls to Know
Besides the above driving controls, there are more features that mainly supports your comfort and convenience, including,
- Cruise Control: Used to maintain a constant speed without pressing the accelerator.
- Seat Adjustments: Controls for adjusting seat position, height, backrest, and lumbar support.
- Air Conditioning and Heater Controls: Manages the cabin’s temperature for comfort during driving.
- Infotainment System (if available): Controls the car’s entertainment system, including the radio, Bluetooth connection, GPS, and other media functions.
- Emergency Flashers: Activates all four turn signals to indicate an emergency situation or to alert other drivers to slow down.
- Door Lock Controls: Allows the driver to lock or unlock the vehicle doors.
Best Tips to Use These Vehicle Controls While Driving
Here are some essential tips to ensure you use vehicle controls for a driver’s test correctly,
- Practice smooth acceleration & braking to avoid jerky movements by pressing pedals gently.
- Always check mirrors before turning or changing lanes to ensure awareness of surrounding vehicles.
- Use turn signals and hand signals at least 100 feet before a turn to alert other drivers of your movements.
- Keep hands at the 9 and 3 o’clock position on the steering wheel for maximum control.
- Monitor dashboard indicators regularly to check fuel levels and warning lights.
- Use your horn sparingly, only when necessary to warn others.
- Adjust your seat and mirrors before driving for proper visibility and comfort.
- Follow speed limits and road signs to maintain road safety and avoid penalties.
Wrapping Up – Essential Vehicle Controls to Master for New Drivers Test
Mastering car controls is a fundamental step toward passing the driver’s test and becoming a confident driver. Understanding and practicing vehicle controls for a driver’s test will not only help you in passing the DMV test but also instill safe driving habits.
If you are a new driver looking for professional behind-the-wheel training, enroll in Click2Drive, the best driving school in Glendale today. Our expert instructors provide hands-on experience, ensuring that you master the essential driving controls needed for a successful driving test. We provide different cost packages to make sure you get the flexibility to choose what training you require for a safe driving experience.
Book your appointment today and start your journey toward becoming a skilled and responsible driver today!
