First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.
Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.
Question 1Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
On a manual-transmission car, which pedal must be pressed fully before moving the gear lever from one gear to another?
- The clutch pedal Correct answer.
- The accelerator pedal
- The handbrake lever
- The brake pedal
Explanation
The clutch disconnects the engine from the gearbox so the gears can engage without grinding. It must be pressed fully before any gear change. The brake, accelerator and handbrake do not separate engine and gearbox.
Question 2Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the correct sequence for moving off from rest on a flat road in a manual car?
- Press accelerator fully, then release the clutch quickly
- Select second gear, release clutch quickly, then accelerate
- Press clutch, select first gear, then release handbrake while balancing clutch and accelerator Correct answer.
- Release handbrake, then clutch and accelerator together
Explanation
You press the clutch, engage first gear, then release the handbrake while feeding in the clutch and accelerator smoothly. This prevents rolling and stalling. Starting in second gear or dumping the clutch causes jerking or stalling.
Question 3Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
When should you change from a lower gear to a higher gear while accelerating?
- Only when the vehicle has stopped
- Immediately after starting the engine
- Whenever the brake pedal is pressed
- When engine speed reaches the upper limit of the gear's useful range Correct answer.
Explanation
You upshift when the engine reaches the upper part of its useful rev range so it stays in a healthy power band. Changing too early labours the engine; changing too late over-revs it. Stopping or braking are unrelated to upshifting.
Question 4Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
Why is it important to avoid coasting downhill with the gear lever in neutral?
- It causes the steering to lock
- It removes engine braking and reduces control of the vehicle Correct answer.
- It makes the brake lights stay on
- It uses more fuel than staying in gear
Explanation
In neutral the engine no longer brakes the wheels, so the car can accelerate and the driver relies only on the footbrake. Staying in gear keeps engine braking available and improves control. Coasting does not lock steering or affect brake lights.
Question 5Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the main purpose of engine braking when descending a long hill?
- To reduce reliance on the footbrake and prevent it overheating Correct answer.
- To improve fuel economy while descending
- To make the engine run cooler
- To recharge the battery faster
Explanation
Selecting a lower gear lets the engine hold the car back, so the footbrake is used less and is less likely to fade from overheating. It is a control and safety measure on long descents. Battery charging and engine cooling are not its purpose.
Question 6Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
How should you hold the steering wheel for normal driving?
- One hand resting on the gear lever
- Both hands at the bottom of the wheel
- Both hands on the wheel at roughly the ten-to-two or nine-to-three positions Correct answer.
- One hand at the top of the wheel
Explanation
Holding the wheel with both hands at roughly ten-to-two or nine-to-three gives the best control and lets you steer smoothly. One-handed driving reduces control, especially in an emergency. Keeping a hand on the gear lever is unsafe.
Question 7Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the 'pull-push' method of steering used for?
- Turning the wheel with one hand at speed
- Steering while the car is stationary
- Keeping both hands on the wheel and turning it smoothly without crossing arms Correct answer.
- Holding the wheel while changing gear
Explanation
In pull-push steering each hand pulls and pushes the wheel in turn, keeping both hands on the rim and avoiding crossed arms. This gives smooth, controlled steering and keeps the airbag area clear. It is not for stationary steering or one-handed turning.
Question 8Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
You are driving and the steering suddenly feels much heavier than normal. What is the most likely cause?
- The engine oil level is low
- The handbrake is slightly engaged
- A loss of tyre pressure or a power-steering fault Correct answer.
- The gearbox is in too high a gear
Explanation
Heavy steering usually points to low tyre pressure or a failure of the power-steering system, both of which increase the effort needed to turn the wheel. Gear selection, handbrake use and engine oil level do not directly make steering heavy.
Question 9Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
When should you begin braking for a hazard ahead?
- As late as possible to save time
- Early and progressively, while checking mirrors Correct answer.
- Only after the hazard has passed
- Only when the horn has been sounded
Explanation
Braking early and progressively gives following traffic time to react and leaves you room to stop smoothly. Late braking increases the risk of collision and skidding. Braking after the hazard has passed is too late.
Question 10Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What does the brake pedal feel like when the brakes are suffering from fade?
- It feels spongy or requires more travel with reduced stopping power Correct answer.
- It locks solid and cannot be pressed
- It becomes firmer and shorter
- It vibrates strongly at all speeds
Explanation
Brake fade from overheating makes the pedal feel spongy or long, and the car stops less effectively for the same pedal effort. The remedy is to slow down and let the brakes cool. A firm pedal or a locked pedal are different faults.
Question 11Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
On a rear-wheel-drive car, what is the correct way to hold the steering wheel during a skid?
- Steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the car to go Correct answer.
- Turn the wheel sharply against the skid
- Apply the handbrake
- Release the wheel completely
Explanation
In a skid you should steer smoothly where you want the front of the car to point, easing off the accelerator to regain grip. Sharp counter-steering or releasing the wheel makes the skid worse. The handbrake would worsen a skid.
Question 12Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the correct action if your car starts to aquaplane on a wet road?
- Ease off the accelerator and hold the wheel steady until grip returns Correct answer.
- Apply the handbrake
- Brake hard and steer sharply
- Accelerate to push through the water
Explanation
Aquaplaning happens when tyres lose contact with the road on a film of water. Easing off the accelerator and holding the wheel steady lets the tyres regain grip gradually. Hard braking, sharp steering or acceleration can cause a loss of control.
Question 13Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the correct way to use the clutch when stopping the car in normal traffic?
- Press the clutch just before the engine would stall, then brake to a stop Correct answer.
- Keep the clutch fully released until the engine stops
- Press the clutch only after the car has fully stopped
- Pump the clutch repeatedly while braking
Explanation
You brake in gear and press the clutch as the engine speed drops towards stalling, so engine braking helps until the last moment. Pressing the clutch only after stopping risks stalling. Pumping the clutch gives no benefit.
Question 14Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What does riding the clutch mean, and why is it avoided?
- Releasing the clutch quickly at traffic lights
- Pressing the clutch fully before each gear change
- Using the clutch to hold the car on a hill
- Keeping the clutch pedal partly pressed while driving, which wears the clutch Correct answer.
Explanation
Riding the clutch means resting your foot on the pedal so it stays partly engaged while driving. This causes slip, heat and premature clutch wear. Fully pressing the clutch for gear changes is correct practice.
Question 15Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
Which gear should you normally select when parking a manual car on a steep uphill slope?
- First gear with the handbrake applied Correct answer.
- Neutral with the handbrake off
- Fourth gear with the handbrake applied
- Reverse with the handbrake off
Explanation
On an uphill slope, first gear plus the handbrake gives two forms of restraint if the car rolls back. Reverse is used for downhill parking. Neutral or a high gear gives little or no engine resistance.
Question 16Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the purpose of the clutch's biting point?
- The point where the brake pedal engages
- The point where the engine and gearbox begin to connect and the car starts to move Correct answer.
- The point where the handbrake releases
- The point where the engine reaches maximum power
Explanation
The biting point is where the clutch plates start to transmit drive, letting the car move off smoothly. Finding it lets you balance clutch and accelerator for a controlled start. It is unrelated to brakes, handbrake or maximum power.
Question 17Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
When driving down a steep hill, which gear should you select?
- A lower gear than you would use on the flat Correct answer.
- Neutral to save fuel
- The same gear regardless of the slope
- A higher gear than on the flat
Explanation
A lower gear increases engine braking and helps hold the car's speed on a descent, reducing reliance on the footbrake. Neutral removes engine braking entirely. The same or a higher gear gives less control.
Question 18Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the safest way to steer the car when reversing around a corner?
- Steer with one hand at the top of the wheel
- Rely only on the mirrors
- Use both hands and check all around, turning the wheel smoothly Correct answer.
- Turn only your head to look forward
Explanation
When reversing you should use both hands on the wheel, check all around including blind spots, and turn smoothly. Relying only on mirrors or looking forward leaves blind spots unchecked. One-handed top-of-wheel steering gives poor control.
Question 19Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the recommended way to use the accelerator when moving off on a slippery surface?
- Press and release the pedal repeatedly
- Apply gentle, progressive pressure to avoid wheelspin Correct answer.
- Hold the pedal at the floor
- Apply full power to get moving quickly
Explanation
On a slippery surface, gentle and progressive acceleration lets the tyres find grip without spinning. Full or repeated hard pressure breaks traction. Holding the pedal down causes wheelspin and loss of control.
Question 20Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What does the tachometer (rev counter) help you do?
- Monitor engine speed so you change gear at the right time Correct answer.
- Measure the vehicle's road speed
- Indicate the engine temperature
- Show the fuel level
Explanation
The tachometer shows engine revolutions per minute, helping you choose when to change gear and avoid over-revving. Road speed is shown by the speedometer, and fuel and temperature have their own gauges.
Question 21Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
When should you use the handbrake during normal driving?
- To stop the car in an emergency
- To hold the car when stationary or parked Correct answer.
- To help turn corners
- To slow the car in traffic
Explanation
The handbrake is a parking brake, used to hold the car when stationary or parked. It is not designed for slowing in traffic or cornering. For emergency stopping the footbrake is the primary control.
Question 22Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the effect of changing to a lower gear while travelling at high speed?
- The clutch disengages automatically
- The engine speed rises sharply and the car may slow abruptly Correct answer.
- The engine speed drops and the car accelerates
- The brakes are applied automatically
Explanation
A lower gear at high road speed forces the engine to spin faster, producing strong engine braking and a sudden deceleration. This can unsettle the car, so you should match road speed to the gear. The clutch and brakes are not operated automatically.
Question 23Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
When approaching a sharp bend, when should you complete most of your braking?
- Only if the road is wet
- After leaving the bend
- Before entering the bend Correct answer.
- While turning through the bend
Explanation
Braking should be largely finished before the bend so the tyres are free to steer through it. Braking while turning reduces grip and can cause a skid. Braking after the bend is too late.
Question 24Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What should you do if the accelerator pedal sticks while driving?
- Switch off the ignition immediately at speed
- Keep driving and ignore it
- Press the clutch, select neutral and brake to a safe stop Correct answer.
- Apply the handbrake sharply
Explanation
If the accelerator sticks, press the clutch, select neutral to cut drive and brake to a safe stop. Switching off the ignition at speed can lock the steering and is dangerous. The handbrake applied sharply can cause a skid.
Question 25Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the correct way to hold the gear lever when changing gear?
- Grip it firmly and move it smoothly through neutral to the next gear Correct answer.
- Pull it sideways before selecting a gear
- Slap it quickly between gears
- Rest your hand on it continuously while driving
Explanation
You should grip the lever, move it smoothly through neutral into the chosen gear and then return your hand to the wheel. Resting a hand on the lever wears the selector mechanism. Slapping or pulling sideways risks selecting the wrong gear.
Question 26Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
At what point should you change up to a higher gear in a manual car during normal acceleration?
- Only when the engine starts to make a knocking noise
- Whenever the speedometer passes 40 km/h regardless of engine speed
- When the engine reaches the upper part of its comfortable rev range Correct answer.
- Immediately after moving off in first gear
Explanation
Changing up near the top of the engine's comfortable rev range keeps the engine within its power band without over-revving. Changing too early lugs the engine; changing too late wastes fuel and strains components.
Question 27Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
You are driving a manual car at a steady speed on a flat road. What is the main benefit of selecting the highest suitable gear?
- Shorter clutch pedal travel when changing gear
- Stronger engine braking on downhill sections
- Lower engine speed, which reduces fuel use and noise Correct answer.
- Faster acceleration if you need to overtake
Explanation
In a higher gear the engine turns more slowly for the same road speed, which lowers fuel consumption and noise. Acceleration and engine braking are both weaker in high gears.
Question 28Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the correct sequence for moving off smoothly from rest on a level road in a manual car?
- Release the handbrake, select first gear, then add full power
- Select second gear and release the clutch quickly while pressing the accelerator
- Select first gear, find the biting point, then release the handbrake and add gentle power Correct answer.
- Hold the car on the clutch alone and then release it fully before adding power
Explanation
You select first gear, bring the clutch to the biting point so the car is ready to move, then release the handbrake and apply gentle power. This prevents rolling and stalling.
Question 29Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
You are climbing a steep hill in a manual car and the engine begins to labour in the current gear. What should you do?
- Press the accelerator harder and stay in the same gear
- Apply the handbrake briefly to help the engine recover
- Change down to a lower gear to restore pulling power Correct answer.
- Change up to a higher gear to reduce engine speed
Explanation
When the engine labours on a climb, a lower gear multiplies torque so the car can maintain speed without straining. Simply pressing harder in a too-high gear can cause the engine to stall.
Question 30Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
Why should you avoid coasting with the clutch pedal held down or the gear lever in neutral while the car is moving?
- The brakes will stop working altogether
- The clutch plate will overheat and fail immediately
- You lose engine braking and some control over the car's speed Correct answer.
- The steering will become much heavier
Explanation
With the clutch disengaged or in neutral there is no engine braking, so the car can pick up speed on descents and you rely only on the brakes. Keeping the car in gear also gives better control and the option to accelerate.
Question 31Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What does it mean if the engine stalls every time you try to move off?
- You are releasing the clutch too quickly before enough power is applied Correct answer.
- The handbrake is not strong enough for the slope
- The gear lever is in the wrong position on the gate
- The steering wheel is turned too far while moving off
Explanation
Stalling on take-off usually happens when the clutch is released faster than the engine can take up the load. Bringing the clutch to the biting point and adding gentle power before releasing it fully prevents this.
Question 32Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
When driving a manual car, what is the purpose of the synchromesh in the gearbox?
- It disconnects the engine from the gearbox when you press the pedal
- It increases engine torque at low speed
- It matches shaft speeds so gears engage without crunching Correct answer.
- It locks the differential on slippery roads
Explanation
Synchromesh brings the gearbox shafts to matching speeds before the gears mesh, allowing smooth selection without grinding. It does not change torque or act as a differential lock.
Question 33Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
You need to slow the car using engine braking on a long descent. What is the correct technique?
- Select a lower gear and let the engine hold the car back without pressing the clutch Correct answer.
- Keep the highest gear and brake firmly in short bursts
- Press the clutch and use the footbrake continuously
- Select neutral and rely on the handbrake
Explanation
A lower gear lets the engine resist the car's progress, controlling speed without overheating the brakes. The clutch stays engaged so engine braking is transmitted to the wheels.
Question 34Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the safest way to brake in an emergency in a car with ABS?
- Press the brake pedal firmly and hold it while steering around the hazard if needed Correct answer.
- Brake gently and steer away from the hazard without pressing hard
- Pump the brake pedal rapidly to prevent the wheels locking
- Apply the handbrake together with light footbraking
Explanation
With ABS you brake firmly and keep the pressure on; the system prevents wheel lock-up so you can still steer. Pumping the pedal defeats the ABS and lengthens stopping distance.
Question 35Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the main risk of braking hard while turning a corner?
- The clutch will disengage on its own
- The steering will lock and cannot be corrected
- The tyres may lose grip because they are sharing available traction Correct answer.
- The engine will stall because of the brake input
Explanation
Tyres have a limited amount of grip to share between cornering and braking. Asking them to do both hard at once can exceed that limit and cause a slide, so it is safer to brake before the bend.
Question 36Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
When should you check your mirrors before braking firmly for a hazard?
- Only if you intend to change lane afterwards
- Only after you have come to a complete stop
- As early as possible, so you know what traffic is behind you Correct answer.
- It is not necessary when braking for a hazard ahead
Explanation
Checking mirrors early tells you whether the traffic behind can stop safely and whether you have room to brake progressively. This helps you avoid being hit from behind.
Question 37Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
How should you position the driver's seat for correct control of the pedals and steering wheel?
- Set so the steering wheel touches the chest when turning
- Far enough back that the clutch pedal is only half reachable
- As close as possible so the arms are almost straight
- Far enough back that the clutch can be pressed fully with a slight bend in the knee Correct answer.
Explanation
You need to be able to depress the clutch fully while keeping a slight bend in the knee, and to hold the wheel with slightly bent arms. This gives full pedal travel and good steering control.
Question 38Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
You are driving on a gravel road and the rear of the car begins to slide outwards in a bend. What should you do first?
- Brake hard and hold the steering straight
- Pull the handbrake to straighten the car
- Accelerate hard to pull the car straight
- Ease off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction you want the front to go Correct answer.
Explanation
Easing off the accelerator transfers weight forward and helps the rear tyres regain grip, while smooth steering guides the front of the car. Abrupt braking or power can worsen the slide.
Question 39Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
What is the effect of holding the clutch at the biting point for a long time while waiting on a hill?
- Fuel consumption will drop significantly
- The clutch friction plate wears rapidly from the heat generated Correct answer.
- The brakes will apply themselves automatically
- The engine will run cooler than normal
Explanation
Holding the car on the clutch makes the friction plate slip continuously, generating heat and rapid wear. It is better to use the handbrake to hold the car and release it only when moving off.
Question 40Vehicle control and handling (clutch, gears, steering, braking)
Why is it important to keep both hands on the steering wheel during a gear change?
- So you keep full steering control while the gear is being selected Correct answer.
- So the clutch pedal returns faster
- So the gear lever moves more smoothly
- So the engine speed stays constant
Explanation
A gear change should not cost you steering control, so one hand stays on the wheel while the other operates the lever briefly. Both hands return to the wheel as soon as the gear is engaged.
Question 41Observation, mirrors and blind-spot checks
Before moving off from the kerb, which sequence of checks is correct?
- Check only the door mirror, then pull out immediately
- Start moving first, then check the mirrors once you are in the lane
- Check the interior mirror, then the door mirror, then signal and check the blind spot over your shoulder Correct answer.
- Sound the horn, then pull out and check the mirror afterwards
Explanation
The standard routine is mirrors first, then signal, then a shoulder (blind-spot) check before committing to the move. The shoulder check covers the area the mirrors cannot show. Moving without it risks pulling into a vehicle already alongside.
Question 42Observation, mirrors and blind-spot checks
What is the main purpose of a blind-spot check over the shoulder?
- To confirm the tyres are correctly inflated
- To check that the boot is closed
- To read the speed limit sign behind you
- To see road users the mirrors do not show Correct answer.
Explanation
Mirrors leave areas beside and slightly behind the vehicle that the driver cannot see in them. A brief shoulder check reveals traffic, cyclists or pedestrians in those zones. It is an observation tool, not a mechanical check.
Question 43Observation, mirrors and blind-spot checks
When should you check your mirrors while driving normally along a clear road?
- Once at the start of the journey
- Only when a passenger asks you to
- Frequently and briefly, so you keep track of traffic around you Correct answer.
- Only when you intend to brake
Explanation
Mirrors should be checked regularly and briefly so you maintain a picture of the traffic situation. Frequent short glances are safer than long stares that take your attention from the road ahead. This habit lets you react early to hazards behind.
Question 44Observation, mirrors and blind-spot checks
You are about to turn left at a junction. Which observation should you make in addition to the mirrors?
- A check over your right shoulder only
- A glance at the fuel gauge
- A look into the direction of the turn for pedestrians and cyclists Correct answer.
- A check of the rear seat belts
Explanation
When turning, you must look into the road you are entering for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Mirrors alone do not show the near-side area you are turning across. The turn direction determines where the extra look is needed.
Question 45Observation, mirrors and blind-spot checks
How should the interior mirror be adjusted before driving?
- So it shows the whole rear window with the least head movement Correct answer.
- So it shows mostly the rear passenger seats
- So it is angled toward the door mirror
- So it reflects the driver's face
Explanation
The interior mirror should give the widest possible view through the rear window with minimal movement of the head. This maximises the area you can monitor behind. Angling it away from the rear window reduces useful information.
Question 46Observation, mirrors and blind-spot checks
What does the interior mirror mainly help you monitor?
- Traffic approaching from behind Correct answer.
- The vehicle's blind spot on the right
- The near-side kerb ahead
- The road directly under the front bumper
Explanation
The interior mirror is primarily for observing traffic behind the vehicle. It helps you judge following distance and spot overtaking vehicles. It does not replace the door mirrors or shoulder checks.
Question 47Observation, mirrors and blind-spot checks
Before opening your door to leave the vehicle on the road side, what should you do?
- Rely on the sound of passing cars
- Switch on the hazard lights and step out
- Open it quickly so traffic sees you
- Check the mirror and look over your shoulder for approaching traffic Correct answer.
Explanation
You must check for cyclists and vehicles before opening a door into the road. A mirror check plus a look over the shoulder covers the approaching traffic. Opening quickly increases the risk of a collision.
Question 48Observation, mirrors and blind-spot checks
Why are the door mirrors described as giving only a partial view?
- They cannot be adjusted
- They show only the sky
- They leave blind spots that a shoulder check must cover Correct answer.
- They only work when the engine is off
Explanation
Door mirrors show a limited field and leave areas beside the vehicle unseen. These blind spots must be covered by a shoulder check before manoeuvring. Relying on mirrors alone can miss a vehicle alongside.
Question 49Observation, mirrors and blind-spot checks
You are driving and a vehicle is following closely behind. What is the most useful observation response?
- Check the interior mirror to judge the gap and plan a safe response Correct answer.
- Accelerate hard to increase the gap instantly
- Ignore the mirrors to avoid distraction
- Brake sharply to warn the driver
Explanation
The interior mirror lets you judge how close the follower is and plan a smooth response such as increasing your own following distance ahead. Sharp braking or sudden acceleration can create new hazards. Observation guides safe decisions.
Question 50Observation, mirrors and blind-spot checks
When changing lanes on a dual carriageway, what is the correct order of observation?
- Signal first, then check mirrors and blind spot
- Check mirrors, signal, then check the blind spot before moving Correct answer.
- Move first, then check the mirrors
- Check the blind spot only, then move without signalling
Explanation
Mirrors are checked first to assess traffic, then the signal communicates your intention, then a blind-spot check confirms the space is clear before you move. This order gives others time to react. Moving before checking removes your safety margin.