Vehicle Roadworthiness, Inspection and Licensing
What this domain tests
This domain covers keeping a vehicle legal and safe: periodic inspection, registration, insurance and the daily checks a driver is expected to make. Questions often ask what makes a vehicle unfit or what document you must produce.
Inspection and registration
Vehicles used on Cayman roads must be registered and must pass the roadworthiness inspection required by DVDL. The inspection covers brakes, steering, suspension, lights, tyres, exhaust, windscreen, wipers, horn, seat belts and body condition. A valid inspection certificate and registration disc show the vehicle is currently licensed - they do not replace your own daily checks.
Compulsory insurance
At least third-party insurance is compulsory. You must be able to produce the certificate when required, and the policy must cover the vehicle and the driver using it.
Safety checks you should make
- Tyres - legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters; check pressures when cold and look for cuts, bulges and uneven wear.
- Brakes - no pulling, sponginess or excessive travel.
- Lights - all lamps clean and working, correctly aimed.
- Windscreen and wipers - no cracks in the driver's field of view; blades clear the screen.
- Fluids and steering - correct levels; no excessive play.
Modifications
Changes to lights, exhaust, suspension, wheels or bodywork can make a vehicle unroadworthy or unapproved; check with DVDL before modifying.
Worked example
A tyre measures 1.2 mm of tread in the centre. That is below the 1.6 mm minimum, so the vehicle fails the inspection and is unsafe in wet weather - replace the tyre before driving.
Traps
- Thinking a current registration disc means the car is roadworthy.
- Missing a cracked windscreen in the wiper area.
- Driving with a valid inspection but no insurance.
- Fitting non-approved lights or an excessively loud exhaust.