A terminal is provided with an input unit configured to detect contact of an object and a position of the object, and a controller configured to generate a control signal corresponding to a recognition of a gesture of the object, which is detected at a position spaced apart from the input unit when touched by the object. The terminal may allow an operation command desired by the user to be completed since a gesture is initiated at a surface of the terminal, and terminated at the surface of the terminal again after being performed in a space on the surface of the terminal. By specifying a start or an end of the gesture, the intention of the user may be clearly presented and may improve the recognition rate. Therefore, the user may easily manipulate mobile phones and various equipments while driving.