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Beginner
Beginner's Guide to ETS2 Controls
Everything you need to know in your first hour: steering, shifting, signals, and the most useful keyboard shortcuts.
May 8, 2026By ETS2 Guide Team6 min read
Welcome to Euro Truck Simulator 2! This guide will get you comfortable behind the wheel within your first hour.
Default Keyboard Layout
If you're playing with a keyboard, these are the keys you'll use the most.
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Steer left / right | A / D |
| Accelerate | W |
| Brake / Reverse | S |
| Engine on/off | E |
| Indicators (L/R) | , / . |
| Hazard lights | F |
| High beams | K |
| Horn | H |
| Cruise control | C |
Your First Job
- Start a new profile and pick a starting city.
- Take the Quick Job menu to skip company logistics for now.
- Pick a short delivery (under 200 km) so you can focus on driving.
- Watch the GPS at the top-right and obey speed limits.
Useful Camera Tricks
Press 1 through 8 to switch camera angles. The interior view (1) and the chase camera (2) are the two you'll likely toggle most often.
Next Steps
Once you've completed a few quick jobs, take a look at our economy guides to learn how to buy your first truck and start earning real profit.