Vehicle controls is the smallest section of the K53 test and the one candidates most often underestimate. Eight questions, six needed to pass — two wrong answers and the whole paper fails.
Rules and signs both allow seven or eight errors. Controls allows two. Proportionally it is the tightest margin in the test.
The controls and what each one does
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Steering wheel | Steers the vehicle in a particular direction |
| Clutch | Disengages the engine from the gearbox so a gear can be changed |
| Foot brake | Reduces speed or stops the vehicle |
| Accelerator | Increases or decreases speed |
| Parking brake | Holds the vehicle stationary |
| Gear lever | Selects the gears |
| Indicator | Signals your intention to turn or change direction |
| Hooter | Gives a warning signal |
| Mirrors | Let you check that it is safe to move |
| Wiper | Clears the windscreen for a clear view |
In a manual car the pedals run clutch, brake, accelerator from left to right. The left foot works the clutch; the right foot moves between brake and accelerator, which is why those two sit together.
Instruments and gauges
- Speedometer — current road speed in km/h.
- Odometer — total distance the vehicle has travelled.
- Rev counter — engine revolutions per minute, which tells you when to change gear.
- Fuel gauge — how much fuel remains in the tank.
- Temperature gauge — engine coolant temperature. In the red means overheating; stop as soon as it is safe.
Turning the key to ON without cranking energises the panel so every warning light illuminates and can be checked. A bulb that does not light there would never warn you while driving.
The parking brake — three exam favourites
- It holds a stationary vehicle. It is not for stopping a moving one.
- Press the ratchet release button while applying it, then let go once it is holding.
- Test it by releasing the foot brake slowly and confirming the vehicle does not move.
- Apply it while moving only in one situation: service brake failure.
Terms the test uses
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Coasting | Rolling with the clutch down or in neutral — you lose engine braking and control |
| Riding the clutch | Resting your foot on the pedal so it stays partly engaged, wearing it out |
| Slipping the clutch | Holding it partly engaged so it slips instead of gripping |
| Clutch control | Holding the biting point so the vehicle neither rolls nor stalls |
| Counter-steering | Turning the wheel back the other way while still moving, before stopping |
Frequently asked questions
How many controls questions are there?
Eight, and you need six correct — 75% — to pass the section.
Do motorcycle candidates get different questions?
Yes. The functions are the same but the controls differ: handlebars instead of a steering wheel, and a hand-operated clutch lever instead of a pedal.
Should I brake or change down first when slowing?
Brake first and finish braking before selecting a lower gear. The gearbox is not a braking device.
Which pedal is furthest left?
The clutch, in a manual vehicle.