Vehicle Knowledge, Safety Equipment and Technical Requirements
What the examiner expects you to know
Belgian theory tests check that you understand the safety systems on a modern car and the legal minimum equipment, not that you can repair it.
Tyres. Tread depth must be at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread. Tyres must match the manufacturer's specification and be correctly inflated; under-inflation increases fuel use and stopping distance.
Brakes and lights. Braking systems must be balanced; a pulling brake is a defect. All lights must work: headlights, brake lights, indicators, rear fog light and hazard lights. Use the rear fog light only in fog or falling snow with visibility below about 50 m - misuse dazzles following drivers.
Passive safety. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants; children under 1.35 m need an approved child restraint appropriate to their size. Head restraints reduce whiplash. Airbags supplement belts and can injure an unrestrained or rear-facing child placed too close.
Load and visibility. Loads must be secured and must not obscure lights or plates. Keep the windscreen and mirrors clean; washer fluid and a working horn are part of the required equipment.
Traps:
- Questions about the rear fog light often tempt you to switch it on in heavy rain - do not.
- A warning light on the dashboard is a question favourite: red means stop and investigate, amber means check soon.
- Tyre pressure should be checked cold, not after a motorway run.
Rule of thumb: if a warning light is red, treat the car as unsafe to continue until you know what it means.
Worked example: a red oil-pressure symbol appears. You stop safely as soon as possible and check the oil; continuing risks engine destruction.