Vehicle Operation and Safety Equipment
Core concepts
Correct operation includes seat and mirror adjustment, seatbelt use, child restraint use, and correct use of lights and horn. Seatbelts are mandatory for front and rear occupants where fitted; children must use appropriate restraints. Headlights are required at night and in conditions of poor visibility; fog lights are for fog, not for general use. The horn is a warning device, not an expression of annoyance.
Loads and equipment
Loads must be secure and must not obstruct vision, lights, or the plate, and must stay within permitted dimensions. A warning triangle, fire extinguisher, and first-aid kit are typical required equipment; the triangle is placed behind a broken-down vehicle to warn traffic. Parking on slopes requires the handbrake and appropriate gear selection.
Traps in questions
- Rear seatbelts are mandatory, not optional.
- Fog lights used in clear weather can dazzle and may be an offence.
- A child on an adult lap is not a valid restraint.
- An insecure load that falls is the driver's responsibility.
Rule of thumb
Before moving off: seat, mirrors, belt, child restraints, lights, load security. If any item is missing or insecure, correct it before driving.