Vehicle Safety and Technical Requirements
What must be roadworthy
A vehicle must be maintained so it does not endanger others: brakes balanced and effective, steering without excessive play, tyres with legal tread depth and correct pressure, lights and reflectors working and correctly aimed, and a windscreen clear of obstruction. Tyre tread depth has a legal minimum, and tyres must match the vehicle's specification; mixing types across an axle is restricted. Lights must be used correctly: dipped headlights at night and in poor visibility, fog lights only when visibility is genuinely reduced, and rear fog lights switched off when conditions improve so they do not dazzle.
Loads and occupants
Loads must be secured and must not obscure lights, plates or the driver's view, nor exceed permitted dimensions or axle weights. Seat belts must be worn where fitted, and children below specified height or age require an appropriate restraint. A warning triangle and a first-aid kit are part of the required equipment, along with a reflective vest for use outside the vehicle at night or in poor visibility.
Winter and periodic checks
Winter tyres or chains are required in wintry conditions on marked stretches. Periodic technical inspection is mandatory at defined intervals, and driving without a valid inspection is an offence.
Traps
Questions often test whether a warning light means stop immediately or seek service soon; red generally means stop, amber means caution. Another trap is fog-light misuse - using rear fog lights in rain dazzles following drivers. Also watch for tread depth figures and for whether a spare wheel counts toward the legal minimum.
Rule of thumb
Before any journey ask: can I see, be seen, stop and steer? If any answer is no, the vehicle is not roadworthy.