K53 vehicle controls: which control do you use?
The learner's test names an action, such as stopping or changing gear, and asks which control you use. The answer is a number, or a few numbers. Each rule here gives the control with its number in brackets.
Which control do you use to slow down or stop?
You use the brake (9). It decreases your speed (slows you down), stops the car and brings it to a complete standstill.
Before you brake to slow down or stop, use the centre rear view mirror (1).
Just before the car comes to a complete standstill, use the clutch (8). This keeps the car from stalling (the engine cutting out).
What makes your stopping distance longer?
Three things make the distance you need to stop longer when you brake:
- a wet road (longer than on a dry road)
- a higher speed
- a loaded car
Which control keeps a parked car from moving?
The hand brake (7), also called the parking brake, keeps the car from moving. Use it:
- to make sure your parked car does not move
- to keep the car stationary (standing still) after parking, and whenever it must remain stationary
- when you park and leave the car unattended (nobody with it)
The brake (9) stops the car. The hand brake (7) holds it still.
Which controls do you use to change gear?
To change gear you use the clutch (8) and the gear lever (6) together.
- The gear lever (6) selects the gear.
- The clutch (8) helps you engage or disengage a gear (put the car into a gear or take it out).
So "select a gear" is 6. "Change from one gear to another" is 6 and 8.
The clutch (8) is the control that is not found in an automatic car.
Which control makes the car go faster?
The accelerator (10) makes the car go faster. You use it to accelerate and to increase the speed of the car.
Before you change the speed of the car, use the centre rear view mirror (1).
Which control do you use to steer and turn?
You use the steering wheel (4). It steers the car to the left or right, turns the car and changes its direction.
Before you change direction, use the indicator light switch (5). It advises (tells) other road users that you intend to steer or turn to the left or right.
Which controls do you use at a sharp turn in the road?
You use six controls only: 1, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10. They are the centre rear view mirror, steering wheel, gear lever, clutch, brake and accelerator.
The indicator light switch (5) is not in this answer. At a sharp turn in the road, the road bends and you follow it.
Which mirrors show you what is behind and beside the car?
The centre rear view mirror (1) shows the rear. The left and right rear view mirrors (3) show the sides.
- To see what is to the rear of the car: 1.
- To look at what is on the right-hand rear side of the car: 3.
- To see what is to the rear and the sides of the car: both, 1 and 3.
When do you use the window wiper and the horn?
You use the window wiper (2) in the rain and the horn (11) to avoid a collision (a crash).
The window wiper cleans the front windscreen. The horn, or hooter, alerts other road users.
Numbers to remember
- 1: centre rear view mirror, before you brake or change speed, and to see to the rear
- 2: window wiper, in the rain
- 3: left and right rear view mirrors, for the right-hand rear side
- 4: steering wheel, to steer, turn or change direction
- 5: indicator light switch, before you change direction
- 6: gear lever, to select a gear
- 7: hand brake, to keep a parked car stationary
- 8: clutch, to engage or disengage a gear and to avoid stalling
- 9: brake, to slow down or stop
- 10: accelerator, to increase speed
- 11: horn, to avoid a collision
- 6 and 8: to change gear
- 1 and 3: to see the rear and the sides
- 1, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10 only: a sharp turn in the road
Mistakes learners make
- Choosing the brake (9) for a parked car. The brake stops the car. The hand brake (7) keeps it stationary.
- Giving only the gear lever for changing gear. You need the gear lever (6) and the clutch (8).
- Adding the indicator (5) at a sharp turn in the road. The answer is 1, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10 only.
- Mixing up 4 and 5. The indicator light switch (5) comes before you change direction. The steering wheel (4) changes the direction.
Test yourself
Question 1
To accelerate your vehicle you must use number...
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Answer: C: 10
Number 10, the accelerator, is used to accelerate your vehicle.
Question 2
Which controls must the driver of a light motor vehicle use in order to change a gear?
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Answer: B: Gear lever and clutch
To change a gear you must use the gear lever and the clutch.
Question 3
True or false?
When braking, the distance it takes a motor vehicle to stop is shorter if the vehicle is travelling at a higher speed.
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Answer: False
The faster you drive, the longer the distance you need to stop when you brake.
Question 4
You are approaching a stop sign and intend to slow down. Which control must you use before applying the brake?
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Answer: C: The centre rear view mirror
Before you brake to slow down or stop, you use the centre rear view mirror.
Question 5
Which control is used before changing the direction of a light motor vehicle?
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Answer: C: The indicator light switch
Before you change direction, you use the indicator light switch.
Question 6
The control used to alert other road users in order to avoid a collision is number...
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Answer: C: 11
Number 11, the horn, is used to alert other road users in order to avoid a collision.
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