What is the first level of the Driving Task Hierarchy?

The first level of the Driving Task Hierarchy is identified as Control. This level emphasizes the physical actions required to operate a vehicle safely, such as steering, accelerating, and braking. Mastery of vehicle control is essential for safe driving, as it allows the driver to respond effectively to various driving situations, maintain stability, and execute maneuvers.

Understanding that control comes first in the hierarchy is fundamental because without the ability to physically manage the vehicle, higher-level tasks such as observation, decision-making, and management of driving conditions cannot be effectively performed. These tasks build on the foundation of control, making it a crucial component for any driver to develop competency in before moving on to more complex aspects of driving.