diff --git a/docs/third-party-notices.md b/docs/third-party-notices.md
index cf76ea3..8ac8e8d 100644
--- a/docs/third-party-notices.md
+++ b/docs/third-party-notices.md
@@ -21,3 +21,12 @@ The complete license text is distributed in `node_modules/@fontsource-variable/g
 - License: SIL Open Font License 1.1
 
 The complete license text is distributed in `node_modules/@fontsource-variable/geist-mono/LICENSE` during development and dependency review.
+
+## Phosphor Icons for Vue
+
+- Package: `@phosphor-icons/vue` version 2.2.1
+- Copyright: Phosphor Icons contributors
+- Package source: https://github.com/phosphor-icons/vue
+- License: MIT
+
+The complete license text is distributed in `node_modules/@phosphor-icons/vue/LICENSE` during development and dependency review.
diff --git a/package-lock.json b/package-lock.json
index ead24d3..db5cf81 100644
--- a/package-lock.json
+++ b/package-lock.json
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
       "dependencies": {
         "@fontsource-variable/geist": "5.3.0",
         "@fontsource-variable/geist-mono": "5.3.0",
+        "@phosphor-icons/vue": "2.2.1",
         "canonicalize": "2.1.0",
         "three": "^0.185.1",
         "vue": "^3.5.42",
@@ -1365,6 +1366,18 @@
         "third-party-web": "latest"
       }
     },
+    "node_modules/@phosphor-icons/vue": {
+      "version": "2.2.1",
+      "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@phosphor-icons/vue/-/vue-2.2.1.tgz",
+      "integrity": "sha512-3RNg1utc2Z5RwPKWFkW3eXI/0BfQAwXgtFxPUPeSzi55jGYUq16b+UqcgbKLazWFlwg5R92OCLKjDiJjeiJcnA==",
+      "license": "MIT",
+      "engines": {
+        "node": ">=14"
+      },
+      "peerDependencies": {
+        "vue": ">=3.2.39"
+      }
+    },
     "node_modules/@pkgjs/parseargs": {
       "version": "0.11.0",
       "resolved": "https://registry.npmjs.org/@pkgjs/parseargs/-/parseargs-0.11.0.tgz",
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 85f17ca..224dfdb 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -36,6 +36,7 @@
   "dependencies": {
     "@fontsource-variable/geist": "5.3.0",
     "@fontsource-variable/geist-mono": "5.3.0",
+    "@phosphor-icons/vue": "2.2.1",
     "canonicalize": "2.1.0",
     "three": "^0.185.1",
     "vue": "^3.5.42",
diff --git a/src/components/AppShell.vue b/src/components/AppShell.vue
index 9b4ee6b..91fbf41 100644
--- a/src/components/AppShell.vue
+++ b/src/components/AppShell.vue
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@ import { useKeyboardNavigation } from '@/composables/useKeyboardNavigation';
 import { useMotionPreferences } from '@/composables/useMotionPreferences';
 import type { PortfolioContent, SectionId } from '@/content/types';
 import type { SceneHostState } from '@/composables/useSceneController';
-import type { MotionPolicy, QualityTier } from '@/journey/motion-policy';
+import type { MotionPolicy } from '@/journey/motion-policy';
 
 declare const __PORTFOLIO_TEST_BUILD__: boolean;
 const TEST_BUILD = typeof __PORTFOLIO_TEST_BUILD__ !== 'undefined' && __PORTFOLIO_TEST_BUILD__;
@@ -75,7 +75,6 @@ const serverDefaultPolicy: MotionPolicy = {
   reason: 'full',
 };
 const displayedPolicy = computed(() => controlsReady.value ? motion.policy.value : serverDefaultPolicy);
-const displayedQuality = computed<QualityTier>(() => controlsReady.value ? actualQuality.value : 'high');
 const displayedSceneState = computed(() => controlsReady.value ? sceneState.value : 'running');
 let removePageListeners = (): void => {};
 
@@ -173,7 +172,6 @@ onUnmounted(() => removePageListeners());
   <JourneyHud
     :journey="journey"
     :section-label="activeSectionLabel"
-    :quality="displayedQuality"
   />
   <header class="site-header">
     <h1>{{ content.identity.name }}</h1>
diff --git a/src/components/DriveControls.vue b/src/components/DriveControls.vue
index 8b3a820..e21406e 100644
--- a/src/components/DriveControls.vue
+++ b/src/components/DriveControls.vue
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { computed } from 'vue';
+import { computed, nextTick, onBeforeUnmount, onMounted, ref, watch } from 'vue';
+import IconGlyph, { type IconGlyphName } from './IconGlyph.vue';
 import type { AudioUiState } from '@/audio/types';
 import type { MotionPolicy, QualityTier } from '@/journey/motion-policy';
 
@@ -27,13 +28,31 @@ const emit = defineEmits<{
   audioVolumeChange: [volume: number];
 }>();
 
+const controlRoot = ref<HTMLElement | null>(null);
+const settingsButton = ref<HTMLButtonElement | null>(null);
+const volumeButton = ref<HTMLButtonElement | null>(null);
+const settingsOpen = ref(false);
+const volumeOpen = ref(false);
+
 const action = computed(() => {
-  if (props.policy.reason === 'visitor-pause') return { label: 'Resume motion', event: 'resume' as const };
-  if (props.policy.reason === 'saved-static') return { label: 'Enable motion', event: 'enable' as const };
-  if (props.policy.reason === 'full') return { label: 'Pause motion', event: 'pause' as const };
+  if (props.policy.reason === 'visitor-pause') {
+    return { label: 'Resume motion', event: 'resume' as const, icon: 'play' as IconGlyphName };
+  }
+  if (props.policy.reason === 'saved-static') {
+    return { label: 'Enable motion', event: 'enable' as const, icon: 'play' as IconGlyphName };
+  }
+  if (props.policy.reason === 'full') {
+    return { label: 'Pause motion', event: 'pause' as const, icon: 'pause' as IconGlyphName };
+  }
   return null;
 });
 
+const isAudioActive = computed(() => (
+  props.audioState.kind === 'running' || props.audioState.kind === 'suspended'
+));
+const muteLabel = computed(() => props.audioMuted ? 'Unmute sound' : 'Mute sound');
+const muteIcon = computed<IconGlyphName>(() => props.audioMuted ? 'sound-muted' : 'sound');
+
 const statusText = computed(() => {
   if (props.policy.reason === 'system-reduce') return 'Motion: static — reduced motion requested';
   if (props.policy.reason === 'data-saver') return 'Motion: static — data saver is active';
@@ -41,7 +60,7 @@ const statusText = computed(() => {
   if (props.policy.reason === 'saved-static') return 'Motion: static';
   if (props.sceneStatus === 'failed' || props.sceneStatus === 'static') return 'Visuals unavailable';
   if (props.sceneStatus === 'loading' || props.sceneStatus === 'idle') return 'Motion: preparing';
-  return 'Motion: active';
+  return null;
 });
 
 const runAction = (): void => {
@@ -61,56 +80,186 @@ const changeQuality = (event: Event): void => {
 const changeVolume = (event: Event): void => {
   emit('audioVolumeChange', Number((event.currentTarget as HTMLInputElement).value));
 };
+
+const toggleSettings = (): void => {
+  settingsOpen.value = !settingsOpen.value;
+  volumeOpen.value = false;
+};
+
+const toggleVolume = (): void => {
+  volumeOpen.value = !volumeOpen.value;
+  settingsOpen.value = false;
+};
+
+const closePanels = (restoreFocus = false): void => {
+  const focusTarget = settingsOpen.value ? settingsButton.value : volumeButton.value;
+  settingsOpen.value = false;
+  volumeOpen.value = false;
+  if (restoreFocus) void nextTick(() => focusTarget?.focus());
+};
+
+const onDocumentPointerDown = (event: Event): void => {
+  if (controlRoot.value?.contains(event.target as Node)) return;
+  closePanels();
+};
+
+const onDocumentKeyDown = (event: KeyboardEvent): void => {
+  if (event.key !== 'Escape' || (!settingsOpen.value && !volumeOpen.value)) return;
+  event.preventDefault();
+  closePanels(true);
+};
+
+watch(
+  () => props.audioState.kind,
+  () => closePanels(),
+);
+
+onMounted(() => {
+  document.addEventListener('pointerdown', onDocumentPointerDown);
+  document.addEventListener('keydown', onDocumentKeyDown);
+});
+
+onBeforeUnmount(() => {
+  document.removeEventListener('pointerdown', onDocumentPointerDown);
+  document.removeEventListener('keydown', onDocumentKeyDown);
+});
 </script>
 
 <template>
-  <div class="drive-controls">
-    <button v-if="action" type="button" @click="runAction">{{ action.label }}</button>
-    <div v-if="audioState.kind === 'idle'" class="drive-controls__audio-start">
-      <button type="button" @click="emit('audioStart')">START THE DRIVE</button>
-      <span>Enables the interactive soundtrack.</span>
-    </div>
-    <div v-else-if="audioState.kind === 'starting'" class="drive-controls__audio-start" aria-live="polite">
-      <button type="button" disabled>Starting drive…</button>
-      <span>Preparing the interactive soundtrack.</span>
-    </div>
+  <div
+    ref="controlRoot"
+    class="drive-controls"
+    :data-drive-state="audioState.kind"
+  >
+    <button
+      v-if="audioState.kind === 'idle'"
+      class="drive-start"
+      type="button"
+      aria-label="Start the drive"
+      @click="emit('audioStart')"
+    >
+      <IconGlyph name="play" />
+      <span>START THE DRIVE</span>
+    </button>
+
+    <button
+      v-else-if="audioState.kind === 'starting'"
+      class="drive-start"
+      type="button"
+      disabled
+      aria-label="Starting drive"
+      aria-live="polite"
+    >
+      <IconGlyph name="play" />
+      <span>STARTING…</span>
+    </button>
+
     <p v-else-if="audioState.kind === 'failed'" class="drive-controls__audio-status" role="status">
       Audio unavailable. Continue without sound.
     </p>
-    <div
-      v-else-if="audioState.kind === 'running' || audioState.kind === 'suspended'"
-      class="drive-controls__audio"
-    >
+
+    <div v-else-if="isAudioActive" class="drive-controls__dock" role="group" aria-label="Drive controls">
       <button
         v-if="audioState.kind === 'suspended' && audioState.resumeRequiresGesture"
+        class="drive-control-button"
         type="button"
+        aria-label="Resume sound"
+        title="Resume sound"
+        data-tooltip="Resume sound"
         @click="emit('audioResume')"
-      >Resume sound</button>
-      <label>
-        <span>Sound volume</span>
-        <input
-          aria-label="Sound volume"
-          type="range"
-          min="0"
-          max="1"
-          step="0.05"
-          :value="audioVolume"
-          @input="changeVolume"
-        >
-      </label>
-      <button type="button" @click="emit('audioMuteToggle')">
-        {{ audioMuted ? 'Unmute sound' : 'Mute sound' }}
+      >
+        <IconGlyph name="play" />
+      </button>
+      <button
+        class="drive-control-button"
+        type="button"
+        :aria-label="muteLabel"
+        :title="muteLabel"
+        :data-tooltip="muteLabel"
+        @click="emit('audioMuteToggle')"
+      >
+        <IconGlyph :name="muteIcon" />
+      </button>
+
+      <button
+        ref="volumeButton"
+        class="drive-control-button"
+        type="button"
+        aria-label="Sound volume"
+        title="Sound volume"
+        data-tooltip="Sound volume"
+        aria-controls="drive-volume-panel"
+        :aria-expanded="volumeOpen"
+        @click="toggleVolume"
+      >
+        <IconGlyph name="volume" />
+      </button>
+
+      <button
+        v-if="action"
+        class="drive-control-button"
+        type="button"
+        :aria-label="action.label"
+        :title="action.label"
+        :data-tooltip="action.label"
+        @click="runAction"
+      >
+        <IconGlyph :name="action.icon" />
       </button>
     </div>
-    <label>
-      <span>Quality</span>
-      <select :value="maximumQuality" aria-label="Quality control" @change="changeQuality">
+
+    <button
+      v-if="audioState.kind !== 'starting'"
+      ref="settingsButton"
+      class="drive-control-button drive-controls__settings-trigger"
+      type="button"
+      aria-label="Drive settings"
+      title="Drive settings"
+      data-tooltip="Drive settings"
+      aria-controls="drive-settings-panel"
+      :aria-expanded="settingsOpen"
+      @click="toggleSettings"
+    >
+      <IconGlyph name="settings" />
+    </button>
+
+    <div
+      v-if="volumeOpen && isAudioActive"
+      id="drive-volume-panel"
+      class="drive-popover drive-popover--volume"
+      role="dialog"
+      aria-label="Sound volume"
+    >
+      <label for="drive-volume">SOUND</label>
+      <input
+        id="drive-volume"
+        aria-label="Sound volume level"
+        type="range"
+        min="0"
+        max="1"
+        step="0.05"
+        :value="audioVolume"
+        @input="changeVolume"
+      >
+      <output for="drive-volume">{{ Math.round(audioVolume * 100) }}%</output>
+    </div>
+
+    <div
+      v-if="settingsOpen"
+      id="drive-settings-panel"
+      class="drive-popover drive-popover--settings"
+      role="dialog"
+      aria-label="Drive settings"
+    >
+      <strong>DRIVE SETTINGS</strong>
+      <label for="drive-quality">QUALITY</label>
+      <select id="drive-quality" :value="maximumQuality" aria-label="Quality control" @change="changeQuality">
         <option value="high">High</option>
         <option value="medium">Medium</option>
         <option value="low">Low</option>
         <option value="static">Static</option>
       </select>
-    </label>
-    <p class="drive-controls__status" role="status">{{ statusText }}</p>
+      <p v-if="statusText" class="drive-controls__status" role="status">{{ statusText }}</p>
+    </div>
   </div>
 </template>
diff --git a/src/components/IconGlyph.vue b/src/components/IconGlyph.vue
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0ca6c77
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/components/IconGlyph.vue
@@ -0,0 +1,42 @@
+<script setup lang="ts">
+import { computed } from 'vue';
+import {
+  PhPause,
+  PhPlay,
+  PhSlidersHorizontal,
+  PhSpeakerHigh,
+  PhSpeakerX,
+  PhWaveform,
+} from '@phosphor-icons/vue';
+
+export type IconGlyphName = 'pause' | 'play' | 'settings' | 'sound' | 'sound-muted' | 'volume';
+
+const props = withDefaults(defineProps<{
+  name: IconGlyphName;
+  size?: number;
+}>(), {
+  size: 20,
+});
+
+const icons = {
+  pause: PhPause,
+  play: PhPlay,
+  settings: PhSlidersHorizontal,
+  sound: PhSpeakerHigh,
+  'sound-muted': PhSpeakerX,
+  volume: PhWaveform,
+} as const;
+
+const icon = computed(() => icons[props.name]);
+</script>
+
+<template>
+  <component
+    :is="icon"
+    class="icon-glyph"
+    :size="size"
+    weight="regular"
+    aria-hidden="true"
+    focusable="false"
+  />
+</template>
diff --git a/src/components/JourneyHud.vue b/src/components/JourneyHud.vue
index 8c750d0..b6b1622 100644
--- a/src/components/JourneyHud.vue
+++ b/src/components/JourneyHud.vue
@@ -1,23 +1,19 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
 import { computed } from 'vue';
 import type { JourneySnapshot } from '@/journey/types';
-import type { QualityTier } from '@/journey/motion-policy';
 
 const props = defineProps<{
   journey: JourneySnapshot;
   sectionLabel: string;
-  quality: QualityTier;
 }>();
 
 const routePercent = computed(() => `${Math.round(Math.min(1, Math.max(0, props.journey.routeProgress)) * 100)}%`);
-const qualityLabel = computed(() => props.quality.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + props.quality.slice(1));
 </script>
 
 <template>
   <aside class="journey-hud" aria-hidden="true">
-    <span class="journey-hud__route">ROUTE {{ routePercent }}</span>
+    <span class="journey-hud__route"><span>ROUTE</span> <strong>{{ routePercent }}</strong></span>
     <span class="journey-hud__section">{{ sectionLabel }}</span>
-    <span class="journey-hud__quality">{{ qualityLabel }}</span>
     <strong v-if="journey.arrived" class="journey-hud__arrival">ARRIVED</strong>
   </aside>
 </template>
diff --git a/src/styles/world.css b/src/styles/world.css
index ef848eb..faf25c7 100644
--- a/src/styles/world.css
+++ b/src/styles/world.css
@@ -133,187 +133,317 @@
 
 .journey-hud {
   position: fixed;
-  z-index: 4;
-  inset: auto 1rem 1rem auto;
-  display: grid;
-  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, auto);
-  gap: 0.25rem 0.9rem;
-  min-inline-size: 12rem;
-  padding: 0.75rem 0.9rem;
-  border: 1px solid rgb(128 217 230 / 38%);
-  background: rgb(4 9 18 / 84%);
+  z-index: var(--z-hud);
+  inset: auto max(0.75rem, env(safe-area-inset-right)) max(0.75rem, env(safe-area-inset-bottom)) auto;
+  display: flex;
+  min-block-size: 44px;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 0.72rem;
+  padding: 0.48rem 0.72rem;
+  border: 1px solid rgb(126 220 232 / 25%);
+  border-radius: 2px;
+  background: var(--surface-strong);
+  box-shadow: 0 0.8rem 2.4rem rgb(0 5 14 / 28%);
   color: var(--text-muted);
-  font: 600 var(--step--1)/1.2 var(--mono);
-  letter-spacing: 0.06em;
+  font: 560 0.72rem/1 var(--mono);
+  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
   pointer-events: none;
 }
 
+.journey-hud__route {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: baseline;
+  gap: 0.4rem;
+}
+
+.journey-hud__route span {
+  color: rgb(170 185 194 / 70%);
+  font-size: 0.61rem;
+}
+
+.journey-hud__route strong {
+  color: var(--text);
+  font-size: 0.76rem;
+}
+
 .journey-hud__section,
 .journey-hud__arrival {
   color: var(--cyan);
 }
 
+.journey-hud__section::before {
+  margin-inline-end: 0.72rem;
+  color: rgb(126 220 232 / 35%);
+  content: '/';
+}
+
 .journey-hud__arrival {
-  grid-column: 1 / -1;
+  padding-inline-start: 0.12rem;
+  color: var(--amber);
 }
 
 .drive-controls {
   position: fixed;
-  z-index: 5;
-  inset: auto auto 1rem 1rem;
+  z-index: var(--z-popover);
+  inset: auto auto max(0.75rem, env(safe-area-inset-bottom)) max(0.75rem, env(safe-area-inset-left));
   display: flex;
-  flex-wrap: wrap;
   align-items: center;
-  gap: 0.55rem;
-  max-inline-size: calc(100vw - 2rem);
-  padding: 0.55rem;
-  border: 1px solid rgb(128 217 230 / 32%);
-  background: rgb(4 9 18 / 88%);
+  gap: 0.38rem;
+  max-inline-size: calc(100vw - 1.5rem);
   font-family: var(--mono);
-  font-size: var(--step--1);
+  font-size: 0.72rem;
 }
 
-.drive-controls__audio-start,
-.drive-controls__audio {
+.drive-controls__dock {
   display: flex;
-  flex-wrap: wrap;
-  align-items: center;
-  gap: 0.55rem;
+  gap: 1px;
+  padding: 3px;
+  border: 1px solid rgb(126 220 232 / 24%);
+  border-radius: 3px;
+  background: var(--surface-strong);
+  box-shadow: 0 0.8rem 2.4rem rgb(0 5 14 / 28%);
 }
 
-.drive-controls__audio-start span,
-.drive-controls__audio-status {
+.drive-start,
+.drive-control-button {
+  min-block-size: 44px;
+  border: 1px solid transparent;
+  border-radius: 2px;
+  font-weight: 620;
+  cursor: pointer;
+  transition: opacity var(--transition), transform var(--transition);
+}
+
+.drive-start {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  min-inline-size: 12.5rem;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+  gap: 1rem;
+  padding-inline: 1rem;
+  border-color: rgb(120 216 229 / 72%);
+  background: rgb(120 216 229 / 94%);
+  box-shadow: 0 0 1.5rem rgb(77 201 220 / 17%);
+  color: #041017;
+  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
+}
+
+.drive-start:hover:not(:disabled) {
+  transform: translateY(-2px);
+}
+
+.drive-start:disabled {
+  cursor: wait;
+  opacity: 0.64;
+}
+
+.drive-control-button {
+  position: relative;
+  display: inline-grid;
+  inline-size: 44px;
+  place-items: center;
+  padding: 0;
+  background: rgb(8 17 29 / 92%);
   color: var(--text-muted);
 }
 
-.drive-controls button,
-.drive-controls select,
-.drive-controls input {
-  min-block-size: 44px;
-  border: 1px solid var(--line-strong);
-  background: #101925;
-  color: var(--text);
+.drive-control-button:hover {
+  color: var(--cyan);
+  transform: translateY(-1px);
 }
 
-.drive-controls input[type="range"] {
-  inline-size: 7rem;
+.drive-controls__settings-trigger {
+  border-color: rgb(126 220 232 / 24%);
+  background: var(--surface-strong);
+  box-shadow: 0 0.8rem 2.4rem rgb(0 5 14 / 28%);
+}
+
+.drive-start:focus-visible,
+.drive-start:focus,
+.drive-control-button:focus-visible,
+.drive-control-button:focus,
+.drive-popover input:focus-visible,
+.drive-popover select:focus-visible {
+  outline: none;
+  box-shadow: inset 0 0 0 2px var(--focus), 0 0 0 1px rgb(3 8 17 / 90%);
+}
+
+.drive-control-button::after {
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: auto auto calc(100% + 0.5rem) 50%;
+  padding: 0.32rem 0.46rem;
+  transform: translate(-50%, 4px);
+  border: 1px solid rgb(126 220 232 / 18%);
+  background: rgb(3 8 17 / 96%);
+  color: var(--text);
+  content: attr(data-tooltip);
+  font: 520 0.65rem/1 var(--mono);
+  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
+  opacity: 0;
+  pointer-events: none;
+  transition: opacity var(--transition), transform var(--transition);
+  white-space: nowrap;
+}
+
+.drive-control-button:hover::after,
+.drive-control-button:focus-visible::after {
+  transform: translate(-50%, 0);
+  opacity: 1;
+}
+
+.drive-popover {
+  position: absolute;
+  inset: auto auto calc(100% + 0.7rem) 0;
+  display: grid;
+  transform-origin: left bottom;
+  border: 1px solid rgb(126 220 232 / 27%);
+  border-radius: 3px;
+  background: var(--surface-strong);
+  box-shadow: 0 1.4rem 3rem rgb(0 4 12 / 42%);
+  color: var(--text);
+  animation: drive-popover-in var(--transition) both;
+}
+
+@keyframes drive-popover-in {
+  from {
+    transform: translateY(6px);
+    opacity: 0;
+  }
+
+  to {
+    transform: translateY(0);
+    opacity: 1;
+  }
+}
+
+.drive-popover--volume {
+  grid-template-columns: auto minmax(8rem, 1fr) auto;
+  min-inline-size: 16.5rem;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 0.7rem;
+  padding: 0.7rem;
+}
+
+.drive-popover--settings {
+  grid-template-columns: auto minmax(7rem, 1fr);
+  min-inline-size: 15rem;
+  gap: 0.55rem 1rem;
+  padding: 0.85rem;
+}
+
+.drive-popover strong,
+.drive-popover label {
+  color: var(--text-muted);
+  font-size: 0.64rem;
+  font-weight: 560;
+  letter-spacing: 0.1em;
+}
+
+.drive-popover strong {
+  grid-column: 1 / -1;
+  padding-block-end: 0.45rem;
+  border-block-end: 1px solid rgb(126 220 232 / 14%);
+  color: var(--cyan);
+}
+
+.drive-popover input,
+.drive-popover select {
+  min-block-size: 44px;
+}
+
+.drive-popover input[type="range"] {
+  inline-size: 100%;
   accent-color: var(--cyan);
 }
 
-.drive-controls button {
-  padding-inline: 0.8rem;
+.drive-popover select {
+  border: 1px solid rgb(126 220 232 / 24%);
+  border-radius: 2px;
+  background: #08111d;
+  color: var(--text);
+  padding-inline: 0.65rem;
 }
 
-.drive-controls label {
+.drive-popover output {
+  color: var(--cyan);
+  font-size: 0.68rem;
+}
+
+.drive-controls__audio-status {
   display: inline-flex;
+  min-block-size: 44px;
   align-items: center;
-  gap: 0.45rem;
-}
-
-.drive-controls select {
-  padding-inline: 0.45rem;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding-inline: 0.85rem;
+  border: 1px solid rgb(244 173 103 / 26%);
+  border-radius: 2px;
+  background: var(--surface-strong);
+  color: var(--text-muted);
 }
 
 .drive-controls__status {
+  grid-column: 1 / -1;
+  margin: 0;
+  padding-block-start: 0.4rem;
+  border-block-start: 1px solid rgb(126 220 232 / 14%);
   color: var(--text-muted);
+  font-size: 0.66rem;
 }
 
 @media (max-width: 767px) {
   html {
-    scroll-padding-block-end: 11rem;
+    scroll-padding-block-end: 7rem;
   }
 
   #contact {
-    padding-block-end: 11rem;
+    padding-block-end: 7rem;
   }
 
   #contact a {
-    scroll-margin-block-end: 11rem;
-  }
-
-  .journey-hud__quality {
-    display: none;
+    scroll-margin-block-end: 7rem;
   }
 
   .drive-controls {
-    inset: auto 0.5rem 0.5rem;
-  }
-
-  .drive-controls__status {
-    flex-basis: 100%;
-  }
-
-  .drive-controls__audio-start span {
-    flex-basis: 100%;
-  }
-}
-
-@media (max-width: 1024px) and (min-height: 421px) {
-  .site-header {
-    padding-block-start: calc(
-      var(--space-4) + var(--site-navigation-block-size) + 32px
-    );
+    inset-inline-start: max(0.5rem, env(safe-area-inset-left));
+    inset-block-end: max(0.5rem, env(safe-area-inset-bottom));
   }
 
   .journey-hud {
-    inset: var(--site-navigation-block-size) 0 auto;
-    display: flex;
-    min-block-size: 32px;
-    min-inline-size: 0;
-    align-items: center;
-    justify-content: space-between;
-    gap: 0.6rem;
-    padding: 0.35rem 0.75rem;
-    border-inline: 0;
-    font-size: 0.7rem;
+    inset-inline-end: max(0.5rem, env(safe-area-inset-right));
+    inset-block-end: max(0.5rem, env(safe-area-inset-bottom));
+    max-inline-size: 6.5rem;
+    gap: 0.3rem;
+    padding-inline: 0.55rem;
+    letter-spacing: 0.04em;
   }
 
-  .journey-hud__arrival {
-    grid-column: auto;
-  }
-}
-
-@media (max-width: 420px) and (min-height: 421px) {
-  .drive-controls {
-    display: grid;
-    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, minmax(0, 1fr));
-    inline-size: calc(100% - 1rem);
-    gap: 0.35rem;
-    font-size: 0.72rem;
+  .journey-hud__route span,
+  .journey-hud__section::before {
+    display: none;
   }
 
-  .drive-controls__audio-start,
-  .drive-controls__audio {
-    display: contents;
-  }
-
-  .drive-controls > button,
-  .drive-controls__audio-start button,
-  .drive-controls__audio button {
-    inline-size: 100%;
-    padding-inline: 0.45rem;
-  }
-
-  .drive-controls__audio-start span,
-  .drive-controls__audio > label {
-    grid-column: 1 / -1;
-  }
-
-  .drive-controls > label {
-    min-inline-size: 0;
-    gap: 0.25rem;
+  .journey-hud__section {
+    max-inline-size: 4.25rem;
+    overflow: hidden;
+    text-overflow: ellipsis;
     white-space: nowrap;
   }
 
-  .drive-controls > label select {
-    inline-size: 4.6rem;
-    min-inline-size: 0;
+  .journey-hud__arrival {
+    display: none;
   }
 
-  .drive-controls__status {
-    grid-column: 2;
-    margin: 0;
-    align-self: center;
+  .drive-start {
+    min-inline-size: 9rem;
+    gap: 0.6rem;
+    padding-inline: 0.62rem;
+    font-size: 0.6rem;
+  }
+
+  .drive-popover {
+    position: fixed;
+    inset: auto 0.5rem calc(max(0.5rem, env(safe-area-inset-bottom)) + 3.25rem);
+    max-inline-size: calc(100vw - 1rem);
   }
 }
 
@@ -325,13 +455,19 @@
   .drive-controls {
     position: relative;
     inset: auto;
-    max-inline-size: calc(100% - 1rem);
-    margin: 0.5rem;
+    inline-size: fit-content;
+    max-inline-size: calc(100% - 1.5rem);
+    margin: 0.75rem;
   }
 
   #contact {
     padding-block-end: var(--space-3);
   }
+
+  .drive-popover {
+    position: absolute;
+    inset: auto auto calc(100% + 0.5rem) 0;
+  }
 }
 
 @media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce) {
diff --git a/tests/browser/audio-controls.spec.ts b/tests/browser/audio-controls.spec.ts
index 8663459..088d354 100644
--- a/tests/browser/audio-controls.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/browser/audio-controls.spec.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import { expect, test } from '../helpers/serve-dist';
+import { expect, expectInsetFocusIndicator, test } from '../helpers/serve-dist';
 
 test.beforeEach(async ({ page }) => {
   await page.addInitScript(() => {
@@ -30,15 +30,17 @@ test('starts Web Audio synchronously from the visitor gesture and exposes access
     });
   });
 
-  await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'START THE DRIVE' })).toBeVisible();
-  await expect(page.getByText('Enables the interactive soundtrack.')).toBeVisible();
-  await expect(page.getByLabel('Sound volume')).toHaveCount(0);
+  await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Start the drive' })).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Mute sound' })).toHaveCount(0);
+  await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Sound volume' })).toHaveCount(0);
   await expect.poll(() => page.evaluate(() => (window as unknown as { __audioConstructed: number }).__audioConstructed)).toBe(0);
 
-  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'START THE DRIVE' }).click();
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Start the drive' }).click();
 
   await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Mute sound' })).toBeVisible();
-  await expect(page.getByLabel('Sound volume')).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Sound volume' })).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Pause motion' })).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Drive settings' })).toBeVisible();
   await expect.poll(() => page.evaluate(() => (window as unknown as { __constructedDuringGesture: number }).__constructedDuringGesture)).toBe(1);
   await expect.poll(() => page.evaluate(() => (window as unknown as { __audioConstructed: number }).__audioConstructed)).toBe(1);
 
@@ -46,24 +48,60 @@ test('starts Web Audio synchronously from the visitor gesture and exposes access
   await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Unmute sound' })).toBeVisible();
 });
 
+test('keeps the compact controls usable and dismisses the upward panels', async ({ page, distUrl }) => {
+  await page.goto(distUrl, { waitUntil: 'domcontentloaded' });
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Start the drive' }).click();
+
+  const controls = page.getByRole('group', { name: 'Drive controls' }).getByRole('button');
+  const targets = await controls.evaluateAll((buttons) => buttons.map((button) => {
+    const rect = button.getBoundingClientRect();
+    return { width: rect.width, height: rect.height };
+  }));
+  expect(targets.every((target) => target.width >= 44 && target.height >= 44)).toBe(true);
+
+  const settings = page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Drive settings' });
+  await settings.focus();
+  await expectInsetFocusIndicator(page, 'button[aria-label="Drive settings"]');
+  await settings.click();
+  await expect(page.getByRole('dialog', { name: 'Drive settings' })).toBeVisible();
+  const surfaces = await page.locator('.journey-hud, .drive-controls__dock, .drive-popover').evaluateAll((elements) =>
+    elements.map((element) => {
+      const style = getComputedStyle(element);
+      const alpha = Number.parseFloat(style.backgroundColor.match(/[\d.]+(?=\))/u)?.[0] ?? '1');
+      return { alpha, backdropFilter: style.backdropFilter };
+    }));
+  expect(surfaces.every((surface) => surface.alpha >= 0.95 && surface.backdropFilter === 'none')).toBe(true);
+  await page.keyboard.press('Escape');
+  await expect(page.getByRole('dialog', { name: 'Drive settings' })).toHaveCount(0);
+  await expect(settings).toBeFocused();
+
+  await settings.click();
+  await page.locator('main#portfolio-content').click({ position: { x: 8, y: 8 } });
+  await expect(page.getByRole('dialog', { name: 'Drive settings' })).toHaveCount(0);
+});
+
 test('persists native volume and keeps sound independent from Static motion', async ({ page, distUrl }) => {
   await page.goto(distUrl, { waitUntil: 'domcontentloaded' });
-  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'START THE DRIVE' }).click();
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Start the drive' }).click();
 
-  const volume = page.getByLabel('Sound volume');
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Sound volume' }).click();
+  const volume = page.getByLabel('Sound volume level');
   await volume.fill('0.65');
   await expect(volume).toHaveValue('0.65');
   await expect.poll(() => page.evaluate(() => localStorage.getItem('portfolio.audio.volume'))).toBe('0.65');
 
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Drive settings' }).click();
   await page.getByLabel('Quality control').selectOption('static');
   await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Unmute sound' })).toHaveCount(0);
   await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Mute sound' })).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(volume).toHaveCount(0);
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Sound volume' }).click();
   await expect(volume).toBeVisible();
 });
 
 test('requires a direct visitor action after browser interruption without creating another graph', async ({ page, distUrl }) => {
   await page.goto(distUrl, { waitUntil: 'domcontentloaded' });
-  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'START THE DRIVE' }).click();
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Start the drive' }).click();
 
   await page.evaluate(() => {
     const context = (window as unknown as { __audioContexts: AudioContext[] }).__audioContexts[0];
@@ -88,7 +126,7 @@ test('shows a concise non-blocking message when initial audio start is rejected'
   });
   await page.goto(distUrl, { waitUntil: 'domcontentloaded' });
 
-  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'START THE DRIVE' }).click();
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Start the drive' }).click();
 
   await expect(page.getByText('Audio unavailable. Continue without sound.')).toBeVisible();
   await expect(page.locator('main#portfolio-content')).toBeVisible();
diff --git a/tests/browser/responsive-layout.spec.ts b/tests/browser/responsive-layout.spec.ts
index b0b72ca..5287da6 100644
--- a/tests/browser/responsive-layout.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/browser/responsive-layout.spec.ts
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ const stylesheetFiles = [
   'src/styles/base.css',
   'src/styles/layout.css',
   'src/styles/components.css',
+  'src/styles/world.css',
   'src/styles/print.css',
 ];
 
@@ -151,6 +152,51 @@ test('uses a stable tablet rhythm and a single readable mobile column with usabl
   await capture(page, testInfo, 'information-layer-mobile.png');
 });
 
+test('keeps the compact HUD in one safe lower row without covering the road corridor', async ({ page }) => {
+  for (const viewport of [
+    { width: 320, height: 800 },
+    { width: 1440, height: 900 },
+  ]) {
+    await page.setViewportSize(viewport);
+    await loadInformationLayer(page);
+    const geometry = await page.evaluate(() => {
+      const controls = document.querySelector<HTMLElement>('.drive-controls');
+      const hud = document.querySelector<HTMLElement>('.journey-hud');
+      if (!controls || !hud) throw new Error('Missing vehicle HUD');
+      const controlRect = controls.getBoundingClientRect();
+      const hudRect = hud.getBoundingClientRect();
+      return {
+        aligned: Math.abs(controlRect.bottom - hudRect.bottom) <= 1,
+        separate: controlRect.right <= hudRect.left,
+        controlsTargetSize: [...controls.querySelectorAll<HTMLElement>('button')]
+          .every((button) => button.getBoundingClientRect().height >= 44),
+        centerClear: controlRect.right < window.innerWidth * 0.42 && hudRect.left > window.innerWidth * 0.58,
+      };
+    });
+    expect(geometry.aligned).toBe(true);
+    expect(geometry.separate).toBe(true);
+    expect(geometry.controlsTargetSize).toBe(true);
+    if (viewport.width >= 768) expect(geometry.centerClear).toBe(true);
+  }
+});
+
+test('moves drive controls into document flow in short landscape', async ({ page }) => {
+  await page.setViewportSize({ width: 800, height: 390 });
+  await loadInformationLayer(page);
+  const geometry = await page.evaluate(() => {
+    const controls = document.querySelector<HTMLElement>('.drive-controls');
+    const contact = document.querySelector<HTMLElement>('#contact');
+    if (!controls || !contact) throw new Error('Missing short-landscape controls');
+    const controlsRect = controls.getBoundingClientRect();
+    const contactRect = contact.getBoundingClientRect();
+    return {
+      position: getComputedStyle(controls).position,
+      afterContact: controlsRect.top >= contactRect.bottom,
+    };
+  });
+  expect(geometry).toEqual({ position: 'relative', afterContact: true });
+});
+
 test('keeps actual standalone project and contact destinations at least 44 by 44px on mobile', async ({ page }) => {
   await page.setViewportSize({ width: 320, height: 800 });
   await loadInformationLayer(page);
diff --git a/tests/browser/scene-controls.spec.ts b/tests/browser/scene-controls.spec.ts
index 0900a4f..eae9926 100644
--- a/tests/browser/scene-controls.spec.ts
+++ b/tests/browser/scene-controls.spec.ts
@@ -81,10 +81,13 @@ test('keeps a scrolled content panel in a geometry-safe paint layer above the wo
 test('provides native motion and quality controls with visible state', async ({ page, distUrl }) => {
   await page.goto(distUrl, { waitUntil: 'domcontentloaded' });
 
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Drive settings' }).click();
   const quality = page.getByLabel('Quality control');
   await expect(quality).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByRole('status')).toHaveCount(0);
+  await page.keyboard.press('Escape');
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Start the drive' }).click();
   await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Pause motion' })).toBeVisible();
-  await expect(page.getByRole('status')).toContainText('Motion:');
   const canvas = page.locator('.journey-canvas');
   const originalCanvas = await canvas.elementHandle();
   const originalGeneration = await page.locator('.journey-world').getAttribute('data-scene-generation');
@@ -101,7 +104,8 @@ test('provides native motion and quality controls with visible state', async ({
   await expect(page.locator('.journey-world')).toHaveAttribute('data-scene-generation', originalGeneration ?? '');
   expect(await originalCanvas?.evaluate((element) => element.isConnected)).toBe(true);
 
-  await quality.selectOption('static');
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Drive settings' }).click();
+  await page.getByLabel('Quality control').selectOption('static');
   await expect(page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Enable motion' })).toBeVisible();
   await expect(page.locator('.journey-canvas')).toHaveCount(0);
   await expect(page.getByRole('status')).toContainText('Motion: static');
@@ -112,6 +116,7 @@ test('never creates a canvas when the system requests reduced motion', async ({
   await page.goto(distUrl, { waitUntil: 'domcontentloaded' });
 
   await expect(page.locator('.journey-canvas')).toHaveCount(0);
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: 'Drive settings' }).click();
   await expect(page.getByRole('status')).toContainText('reduced motion requested');
   await expect(page.getByLabel('Quality control')).toBeVisible();
 });
diff --git a/tests/unit/SceneCanvas.test.ts b/tests/unit/SceneCanvas.test.ts
index e248a93..d9ac54a 100644
--- a/tests/unit/SceneCanvas.test.ts
+++ b/tests/unit/SceneCanvas.test.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import { nextTick } from 'vue';
 import SceneCanvas from '@/components/SceneCanvas.vue';
 import DriveControls from '@/components/DriveControls.vue';
 import JourneyHud from '@/components/JourneyHud.vue';
+import type { AudioUiState } from '@/audio/types';
 import type { MotionPolicy, QualityTier } from '@/journey/motion-policy';
 import type { JourneySnapshot } from '@/journey/types';
 
@@ -191,43 +192,85 @@ describe('SceneCanvas', () => {
 });
 
 describe('DriveControls', () => {
-  const mountControls = (motionPolicy: MotionPolicy, maximum: QualityTier = 'high') => mount(DriveControls, {
-    props: { policy: motionPolicy, maximumQuality: maximum, sceneStatus: 'running' },
+  const mountControls = (
+    motionPolicy: MotionPolicy,
+    maximum: QualityTier = 'high',
+    audioState: AudioUiState = { kind: 'idle' },
+  ) => mount(DriveControls, {
+    attachTo: document.body,
+    props: { policy: motionPolicy, maximumQuality: maximum, sceneStatus: 'running', audioState },
   });
 
-  it('uses exact native control names and a visible non-color status', async () => {
+  it('presents one explicit drive action before audio activation', async () => {
     const wrapper = mountControls(policy());
 
-    expect(wrapper.get('button').text()).toBe('Pause motion');
-    expect(wrapper.get('select').attributes('aria-label')).toBe('Quality control');
-    expect(wrapper.text()).toContain('Motion: active');
-    await wrapper.get('button').trigger('click');
-    expect(wrapper.emitted('pause')).toHaveLength(1);
+    expect(wrapper.get('[data-drive-state="idle"]').text()).toContain('START THE DRIVE');
+    expect(wrapper.find('[aria-label="Mute sound"]').exists()).toBe(false);
+    await wrapper.get('[aria-label="Start the drive"]').trigger('click');
+    expect(wrapper.emitted('audioStart')).toHaveLength(1);
+    wrapper.unmount();
+  });
+
+  it('collapses the running state to named vehicle controls and an upward settings panel', async () => {
+    const wrapper = mountControls(policy(), 'high', { kind: 'running', muted: false, volume: 0.4 });
+
+    expect(wrapper.get('[aria-label="Mute sound"]')).toBeTruthy();
+    expect(wrapper.get('[aria-label="Sound volume"]')).toBeTruthy();
+    expect(wrapper.get('[aria-label="Pause motion"]')).toBeTruthy();
+    const settings = wrapper.get('[aria-label="Drive settings"]');
+    await settings.trigger('click');
+
+    const panel = wrapper.get('[role="dialog"][aria-label="Drive settings"]');
+    expect(panel.text()).not.toContain('Motion: active');
+    expect(panel.find('[role="status"]').exists()).toBe(false);
+    expect(panel.get('select').attributes('aria-label')).toBe('Quality control');
+    expect(settings.attributes('aria-expanded')).toBe('true');
+    wrapper.unmount();
+  });
+
+  it('dismisses settings with Escape and outside interaction', async () => {
+    const wrapper = mountControls(policy(), 'high', { kind: 'running', muted: false, volume: 0.4 });
+    const settings = wrapper.get('[aria-label="Drive settings"]');
+    await settings.trigger('click');
+    document.dispatchEvent(new KeyboardEvent('keydown', { key: 'Escape', bubbles: true }));
+    await nextTick();
+    expect(wrapper.find('[role="dialog"][aria-label="Drive settings"]').exists()).toBe(false);
+    expect(document.activeElement).toBe(settings.element);
+
+    await settings.trigger('click');
+    document.body.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent('pointerdown', { bubbles: true }));
+    await nextTick();
+    expect(wrapper.find('[role="dialog"][aria-label="Drive settings"]').exists()).toBe(false);
+    wrapper.unmount();
   });
 
   it.each([
     ['visitor-pause', 'Resume motion'],
     ['saved-static', 'Enable motion'],
   ] as const)('offers the correct recovery action for %s', (reason, label) => {
-    const wrapper = mountControls(policy({ allowSceneRequest: false, maximumTier: 'static', reason }));
-    expect(wrapper.get('button').text()).toBe(label);
+    const wrapper = mountControls(
+      policy({ allowSceneRequest: false, maximumTier: 'static', reason }),
+      'static',
+      { kind: 'running', muted: false, volume: 0.4 },
+    );
+    expect(wrapper.get(`[aria-label="${label}"]`)).toBeTruthy();
+    wrapper.unmount();
   });
 });
 
 describe('JourneyHud', () => {
-  it('renders route percent, current section, quality and arrival from one snapshot', () => {
+  it('renders only route percent, current section, and arrival from one snapshot', () => {
     const wrapper = mount(JourneyHud, {
       props: {
         journey: journey({ routeProgress: 1, activeSectionId: 'contact', arrived: true }),
         sectionLabel: 'Contact',
-        quality: 'low',
       },
     });
 
     expect(wrapper.text()).toContain('100%');
     expect(wrapper.text()).toContain('Contact');
-    expect(wrapper.text()).toContain('Low');
     expect(wrapper.text()).toContain('ARRIVED');
+    expect(wrapper.text()).not.toContain('Low');
     expect(wrapper.attributes('aria-hidden')).toBe('true');
   });
 });