Vehicle Controls
Knowing the controls
You must know what every control does before you drive. The steering wheel, accelerator, brake, and clutch (in manual cars) are primary controls. Secondary controls include indicators, headlights, wipers, hazard lights, and the handbrake. In Belize, most cars are right-hand drive, so the indicator stalk and gear lever positions may differ from left-hand-drive vehicles; learn your own car.
Using controls smoothly
Brake progressively, steer with both hands, and use the handbrake when parked. Use hazard lights only to warn others of a hazard or breakdown, not for parking. Dip headlights for oncoming traffic and use low beams in rain.
Traps
- Questions may ask which control warns others of a breakdown; hazard lights, not headlights.
- The handbrake is for parking and emergency use, not normal stopping.
- Indicators cancel automatically on some cars but not all; check after turning.
Worked rule of thumb
Before every journey, test the controls you will need: brakes, indicators, lights, wipers, and horn. If any fails, do not drive until it is fixed.