This field has a lot of topics to get familiar with.
A partial list:
* How to send and receive radio broadcasts
* How frequency bands are allocated for radio-control usage
* Legal regulations (public, private, commercial)
* Coping with interference and reliability problems
* How to send several command signals on one frequency
* How to distribute commands to devices on vehicle
* How to operate a servo
* Electronic speed control circuitry
* Miniaturization and weight considerations
* Motor types and specifications
* Methods of propulsion, steering, etc.
* Power utilization on vehicle
* Battery selection and management
* Auxiliary lights, camera, mechanical systems, etc.
* Coping with vibration, dirt, moisture, etc.
This is a great deal to cover. The best way to get a grasp of it all is by hands-on experience with an R/C car, boat, plane, robot, etc.
It should not be difficult to find free how-to instructions about R/C on the internet. It's an easy field for people to be excited about.
If you want to get moving quickly at the start, obtain a manufactured radio transmitter and receiver system, instead of trying to make it yourself.