Vehicle knowledge and technical inspection
This domain tests whether you can keep a category F vehicle safe and ready for the periodic technical inspection (MFK). Because category F vehicles are often tractors, compact tractors or working machines, the examiner may ask about brakes, steering, lighting, tyres, coupling systems, load security and roll-over protection as well as ordinary car-type checks.
What the inspection covers
- Identity and papers: vehicle type, chassis number, registration and insurance.
- Brakes: pedal feel, handbrake or parking brake, brake lines and fluid level.
- Steering: play, noise, straight-line stability.
- Lighting: headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, rear reflectors and number-plate light.
- Tyres and wheels: damage, pressure, tread depth and matching sizes. For car-type tyres the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm in the main grooves; replace earlier for wet grip. Tractor tyres have their own wear criteria, so use the manufacturer and inspection rules.
- Structure and safety: seat belts where fitted, mirrors, cab, roll-over protection, coupling and hitch, exhaust and emissions.
Daily checks
Before driving, check tyres, lights, brakes, mirrors, load security and any trailer coupling. A load must be secured so it cannot shift, fall or obscure lights and plates. A tractor’s rear implements and trailer must not create an unsafe overhang or hide the number plate.
Worked example
A category F vehicle is presented for inspection with a front tyre at 1.2 mm tread depth on one side and a brake light that works only intermittently. The tyre fails the 1.6 mm minimum for car-type tyres, and the brake light is a safety defect. The vehicle should be repaired before the inspection; presenting it as is risks rejection and a re-test.
Traps that cost marks
Checking only the visible outside tyre and ignoring the inner sidewall is a common mistake. So is assuming a warning light will disappear by itself. Another trap is ignoring load security because the vehicle is slow: a shifting load can still cause a crash. Do not confuse a vehicle’s 45 km/h limit with a guarantee that its brakes, tyres and lights are adequate.
Key points
- The MFK checks identity, brakes, steering, lights, tyres, emissions and safety equipment.
- Car-type tyres need at least 1.6 mm tread; replace earlier for wet grip.
- Loads and trailer couplings must be secure and must not hide lights or plates.
- Warning lights and intermittent faults need repair, not observation.
- Category F vehicles often need extra checks for cab, ROPS and hitch.