Vehicle Control & Handling
20 practice questions for the FTT
Knowing the rules is only half of driving. The other half is handling the car itself: holding the steering wheel properly, braking smoothly, using the clutch and gears, and controlling the car when it is stopped on a slope. The Final Theory Test handbook spends its opening chapters on these controls, from the hand positions on the wheel to engine braking in a low gear, while the Basic Theory Test covers the main parts of a car and how to keep them in good condition. Both tests expect you to understand why each technique matters, not just the steps.
Many of these skills come down to sequence. Before you move off, change lanes or stop, you look in the mirrors, signal and check the blind spot over your shoulder, because mirrors do not show everything beside you. When reversing, you turn your body and look through the rear windscreen rather than relying on the mirror, and you keep the speed very low because the steering responds less precisely going backwards. On a hill, the handbrake and the clutch's biting point work together so the car moves off without rolling back.
The car also tells you when something is wrong. Warning lights for the brakes, oil pressure and battery should go out once the engine is running and the handbrake is released, and a light that stays on points to a fault. Regular checks of tyres, brakes, lights, coolant and battery help prevent breakdowns, and tyres worn below 1.6 mm of tread should be replaced. The questions below cover these controls, the checks to make, and what to do if the brakes fail or the accelerator sticks while you are driving.
Vehicle Control & Handling quiz
Unofficial practice questions written by coeprice.com. We are not affiliated with the Singapore Police Force, the LTA or any driving centre. Study the official handbook for your test. Read the official FTT handbook ›
Practise offline in the app
Steer SG for Android keeps your progress, runs full BTT, FTT and RTT mock exams, and has every question in English, 中文, Melayu and தமிழ். The official handbooks save offline too. Free, no ads.
Theory practice is on Android now, iPhone update coming soon. Unofficial practice app. Not affiliated with the Singapore Police Force (SPF) or the LTA.
All vehicle control & handling questions and answers
-
Below what tread depth should a car tyre be replaced?
Show answer
1.6 mm
Tyres with less than 1.6 mm of tread should be replaced. Worn, smooth tyres can skid when you brake hard, on wet and dry roads alike.
-
You need to reverse, but your view to the rear is blocked. What should you do?
Show answer
Get someone to help guide you before reversing
When you cannot see properly behind you, ask for help before reversing. Children, pedestrians or obstacles may be hidden in the blind areas behind the car.
-
You are in a side road and want to turn around. Which of these must you NOT do?
Show answer
Reverse out of the side road into the main road
Reversing from a side or minor road into a main road puts your car backwards into faster traffic you cannot see well. The handbook says not to do it.
-
You are parked at the kerb and are about to move off. What is the correct order of actions?
Show answer
Fasten your seat belt, check the mirrors, signal and look around, then move off when it is safe
Before moving off you should belt up, check your mirrors, signal and look around for traffic and pedestrians. Moving off must not inconvenience others, so give way to vehicles already passing.
-
You notice brake fluid leaking under your car. What does this suggest?
Show answer
A serious fault may be developing in the brake system
A leak of brake fluid, especially from hydraulic brakes, can mean a serious brake fault is developing. Have the brake system checked before you rely on it.
-
Your battery is not the maintenance-free type and its water level is below the 'low' mark. What should you top it up with?
Show answer
Distilled or commercial battery water
Use distilled water or battery water sold for the purpose. Refilling with tap water greatly shortens the life of the battery.
-
When is it safe to open the radiator cap?
Show answer
Only when the engine has cooled down
Coolant in a hot radiator is under high pressure. Removing the cap while the engine is hot can spray you with boiling liquid.
-
When your car turns left, how does the path of the rear left wheel compare with the front left wheel?
Show answer
It runs closer to the kerb
The rear wheel on the inside of a turn cuts closer to the kerb than the front wheel. Watch for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists beside you as you turn.
-
One of your direction indicators has stopped working. What should you do?
Show answer
Do not drive the vehicle until it is repaired
You should not drive if your headlamps, tail-lamps or direction indicators are not working. Signals that fail to light up can cause an accident.
-
The brake warning light stays on after you have fully released the handbrake. What does it most likely mean?
Show answer
The brake fluid in the reservoir is below the proper level
This light normally comes on with the ignition and goes off when the handbrake is released. If it stays on, the brake fluid level is too low and should be checked.
-
The battery warning light stays on after you start the engine. What does it indicate?
Show answer
The battery charging system is faulty
The battery light should go off once the engine starts. If it stays lit, the system that charges the battery has a fault.
-
Which hand positions on the steering wheel are recommended?
Show answer
Both hands at 'ten-to-two' or 'quarter-to-three'
The handbook recommends two grips, both hands at 'ten-to-two' or both at 'quarter-to-three'; choose whichever is more comfortable. After a turn, do not let go and let the wheel spring back on its own.
-
When should you use the handbrake to slow down a moving car?
Show answer
Only in an emergency, such as when the footbrake fails
The handbrake works only on the rear wheels and is for holding the car still. It should not be used to stop a moving car except in an emergency.
-
You want to use engine braking to control your speed down a hill. Why must you keep the clutch pedal up?
Show answer
Pressing the clutch disconnects the engine, so engine braking stops working
Engine braking only works while the engine is connected to the wheels. With the clutch pressed the car freewheels, and a lower gear gives a stronger engine-braking effect.
-
In which situation should you NOT use the intermittent (on/off) braking technique?
Show answer
When stopping in an emergency
Pressing and releasing the brake two or three times is the safest way to make a normal stop. In an emergency stop you need to stop in the shortest distance, so this technique is not used.
-
Your manual car stalls while you are moving off uphill. What should you do first?
Show answer
Press the brake pedal straight away to stop the car rolling back
Press the footbrake first so the car does not roll backwards. Then pull up the handbrake, select neutral and restart the engine.
-
How should you sit and look when reversing a car?
Show answer
Turn your body to the left and look back through the rear windscreen
Turning your body and head lets you see through the rear windscreen directly. Sitting as if driving forward and relying on the mirror leaves too much unseen.
-
Your footbrake fails while you are driving. Which of these is the right response?
Show answer
Switch on the hazard lights, use the handbrake and change down to a lower gear to use engine braking
Warn others with the hazard lights and use the handbrake. Changing down, preferably to 2nd gear, adds engine braking, and you switch off the engine once you have stopped safely at the side.
-
Your accelerator pedal sticks down while you are driving. What should you try first?
Show answer
Hook the toe of your shoe under the pedal to lift it, keeping your eyes on the road
First try to lift the pedal with your toe without looking away from the road. If that fails, switch on the hazard lights, move safely to the side, stop and switch off the ignition.
-
When changing lanes, in what order should you carry out your checks?
Show answer
Check the mirrors, signal, check the blind spot, then move when safe
Mirrors first, then a signal, then a look over your shoulder into the blind spot. Only steer into the lane when it is safe, and cancel the signal afterwards.
More topics
Explore COE Data
By Category