New South Wales · A Guide to the Driving Test · chapter 9 · 7 min read

Vehicle Control

Vehicle control

The ability to use the vehicle’s controls in a range of driving situations.

Operating the controls

The testing officer will observe and record some of these driving tasks:

• Seat posture and steering set-up, allow good control of the vehicle.
• Operate accelerator smoothly, when accelerating and decelerating.
• Operate brakes smoothly and effectively.
• Coordinate clutch and gear lever to make smooth gear changes.
• Select appropriate gears for driving, coming to a stop and parking.
• Avoid over-revving on take-off and gear changes.
• Seat belt correctly fastened, fitted and adjusted (low, flat and firm).
• Apply a brake when starting the vehicle.
• Prevent rolling back when starting on hills.
• Correct park brake use securing the vehicle and full release to drive.
• Steer with both hands on the outside of the steering wheel (except to use other controls), with either ‘hand-over-hand’ or the ‘pull-push’ method.
• Use other controls such as indicators, windscreen wipers and demisters.

You must be confident using and operating the controls without being distracted.