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Vehicle Controls: Dashboard & Driving

Understanding vehicle controls is essential for both safe driving and passing the practical exam.

Dashboard overview

• Rev counter (rpm) – left
• Speedometer (km/h) – centre or right
• Coolant temperature gauge – left side of display
• Fuel gauge – right side
• Multi-information display (MID) – centre or in cluster

Steering wheel

• Phone and multimedia buttons (left side)
• Cruise control / speed limiter (left and right)
• Horn: press centre or designated area
• Adjustment: tilt and reach (telescopic) – always adjust when stationary

Explanation

Right stalk (indicators & wipers)

• Up = right indicator; down = left; short flick = 3 blinks
• Rotate toward wheel = wiper speed; further = front washer
• Stalk up toward wheel = rear wiper; further = rear washer

Left stalk (lights)

• Rotate ring: OFF → AUTO → position → low beam
• Pull toward you: switch to high beam / flash high beam
• Rotate tip: front fog lights / rear fog light

Pedals

• Clutch (left) – manual only: release smoothly when moving off
• Brake (middle) – apply proportional pressure; no sudden hard braking without cause
• Accelerator (right) – smooth application; feel road adhesion

Manual gearbox

1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 (– 6): shift according to rpm and speed; reverse usually requires pressing or lifting a collar/button

Automatic gearbox

• P = Park (always select before switching off engine)
• R = Reverse
• N = Neutral
• D = Drive
• L / 1 / 2 = low gears for hills or engine braking

Headlights

By law, dipped headlights or DRL must be on at all times while driving. Parking lights alone while driving are not permitted in the Czech Republic.

Summary

• Automatic gearbox positions: P-R-N-D
• Always dipped headlights or DRL while driving
• Clutch – release smoothly
• Practise operating wipers, lights and indicators before the exam

Check what you remember

Five questions from the official bank. The answer appears only after you choose — try to recall it first, that is what makes learning stick.

1. Question 1 of 5

   May road users use so-called active radar detectors, i.e. technical devices that prevent or affect the function of technical devices used by the police to supervise traffic safety?

   Yes.No.

2. Question 2 of 5

   A driver may use in road traffic:

   Only a vehicle that meets the technical conditions laid down by special regulations.Also a vehicle that does not meet the technical conditions, but the owner of the vehicle allows or orders its use.Also a vehicle that meets only some of the technical conditions laid down by special regulations, if the driver exercises increased caution when driving.

3. Question 3 of 5

   Is the driver required to exercise increased caution towards driving school training vehicles?

   Yes.No.

4. Question 4 of 5

   When riding a motorcycle, the rider is obliged to:

   Have an approved type of protective helmet on their head, properly fitted and fastened.Wear protective clothing, such as a leather suit.Use only full leather boots.

5. Question 5 of 5

   The rider of a motorcycle or moped must protect their eyes while riding:

   Only in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow.In a suitable manner, such as with goggles or a visor, provided this does not reduce riding safety.Only in bright sunshine with sunglasses with protective UV factor.