Beginner
Euro Truck Simulator 2 Controls Guide
Euro Truck Simulator 2 controls for beginners, including default keyboard keys, steering sensitivity, route advisor controls, parking, camera views, and wheel setup.
Quick answer
The most important Euro Truck Simulator 2 controls are steering, throttle, brake, indicators, lights, cruise control, camera reset, route advisor pages, wipers, retarder, and parking controls. Learn those before remapping the whole keyboard.
Welcome to Euro Truck Simulator 2. This controls guide is for the first hour: enough keyboard, controller, and driving setup knowledge to complete jobs safely without drowning in every possible keybind. If you searched for Euro Truck Simulator 2 controls or ETS2 controls, start with the table below and then tune one input group at a time.
For deeper setup work, continue with Best ETS2 Settings, ETS2 Wheel Settings, and the Beginner Roadmap.
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 |
Essential Controls Checklist
Before your first long delivery, make sure you can use these without looking them up:
- Indicators for turns, roundabouts, and lane changes.
- Lights, high beams, and wipers for night and rain.
- Cruise control for motorway sections.
- Route advisor pages for job info, GPS, damage, and messages.
- Camera reset and mirror checks.
- Parking confirm and trailer attach controls.
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.
Controls To Learn Next
Once the basic ETS 2 controls feel natural, add these:
| Control | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Retarder | Safer downhill speed control with heavy cargo |
| Engine brake | Helps slow the truck without overusing service brakes |
| Route Advisor pages | Lets you check job, damage, finance, and message information |
| Wipers | Rain can make mirrors and road signs harder to read |
| Parking camera | Useful while learning trailer placement |
Do not remap everything at once. Change one small group, finish a delivery, then decide whether it actually improved the drive.
Next Steps
After the default controls feel natural, move to Best ETS2 Settings, ETS2 Wheel Settings, or the ETS2 Beginner Roadmap.
FAQ
What are the default Euro Truck Simulator 2 controls?
The default keyboard controls use W/A/S/D for basic driving, E for engine, comma and period for indicators, F for hazard lights, K for high beams, H for horn, and C for cruise control.
Can I play ETS2 with keyboard and mouse?
Yes. Keyboard and mouse are playable, but a controller or force-feedback wheel makes steering smoother. Start with keyboard if you are new, then upgrade only if you enjoy longer routes.
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.
Related reading
SetupBest ETS2 Settings
The best ETS2 settings for new and returning players, covering controls, steering, mirrors, route advisor, parking, graphics, audio, and comfort options.
SetupETS2 Wheel Settings
ETS2 wheel settings for Logitech, Thrustmaster, MOZA, and other force-feedback wheels, including steering range, force feedback, pedals, shifter, and testing advice.
BeginnerETS2 Beginner Roadmap for New Players
A practical ETS2 roadmap for new Euro Truck Simulator 2 players, covering controls, quick jobs, money, first trucks, DLC, mods, and what to learn first.