Vehicle Controls, Handling and Basic Maintenance
You must know what each control does and how to use it smoothly. The clutch (manual vehicles) connects and disconnects engine power; the brake slows and stops; the accelerator controls power; the gearbox matches engine speed to road speed. Use the parking brake when stationary, and understand that the steering should be held at 'ten to two' or 'quarter to three' for control. Know your mirrors - interior and both wing mirrors - and adjust them before moving off.
Handling: steer smoothly, brake progressively, and avoid sudden inputs on wet or loose surfaces where grip is limited. Understand understeer (the car pushes wide because the front tyres lose grip) and skid recovery - ease off the accelerator, steer gently into the direction you want to go, and avoid harsh braking.
Basic maintenance checks: tyres (tread depth, correct pressure when cold, no cuts or bulges), engine oil (dipstick between min and max), coolant (never open a hot radiator cap), brake fluid, lights and indicators, windscreen washers and battery terminals. Know the warning lights on the dashboard and what they mean.
Traps: questions ask what to do first when a warning light appears or a tyre bursts - the answer is usually to stay calm, keep control and slow gradually, not to brake hard. Another trap is checking tyre pressure when hot; pressures should be checked cold.
Rule of thumb: if a dashboard warning light is red, stop safely and investigate; if amber, check it as soon as possible.