Final answer:
The control in a vehicle that is used for selecting driving modes such as forward or reverse is called the gear shifter, found on the steering column or the center console.
Step-by-step explanation:
The control in a vehicle that is used to select forward or reverse driving modes is known as the gear shifter. This control can be located on the steering column or on the center console between the front seats. The primary function of the gear shifter is to enable the driver to choose the desired gear, typically including park, reverse, neutral, and drive settings in an automatic transmission.
This is different from other controls in the vehicle such as the window control, cruise control button, or radio volume knob, which serve other functions like managing window positions, setting a consistent speed, and adjusting audio levels, respectively. The gear shifter is an essential component for vehicle operation, allowing the driver to control the direction of the vehicle's movement.