what decides the forward direction of a rover?

[endl]

is it the root part? the wheels? the control module?

Edited November 15, 2014 by endl

[Master Tao]

The controling part. You can change that direction by right-clicking on any command pod or probe core, so you can have a command pod, but also a probe core that faces the right direction. Note that if you're in IVA view, only that command pod can be the controlling part.

[FleshJeb]

Pretty sure it's the control module, even if the root part is something else.

A good test is to start with the rectangular rover body and slap a probe on top, face up. If your navball is all blue (sky), then it's the probe. If you have a horizon (brown/blue), it's the body.

If you need multiple control directions on a rover (landing vs driving), add some docking port juniors. You can always right-click and do "Control From Here"

[endl]

the docking port trick worked ty