Vehicle safety, roadworthiness and basic checks
Vehicle safety and roadworthiness questions check that you can spot a dangerous vehicle before it becomes a crash. The examiner expects a routine pre-drive check and knowledge of what a warrant of fitness does and does not cover.
Pre-drive walk-around
- Tyres: tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the main grooves, correct pressure checked cold, no cuts, bulges or exposed cord, and a serviceable spare.
- Lights: headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights and number plate light all working.
- Fluids: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering, washer bottle; look for leaks under the car.
- Wipers and mirrors: clean windscreen, working wipers, mirrors adjusted before you move.
- Seatbelts: all belts present, not frayed, and used by every occupant.
- Load: secured, within the vehicle's limits, and not blocking your view.
Roadworthiness
- A warrant of fitness or inspection shows the vehicle passed the required checks on that date; it does not guarantee it stays safe.
- Brakes pulling to one side, a spongy pedal, vibration through the steering or unusual noises need attention immediately.
- Mixing tyre types across an axle, or fitting oversized wheels, can affect handling and legality.
Worked example
A driver checks tyre pressures after a long highway run and finds them 8 psi above the recommended figure, so they release air to match. Is that right? No. Tyres heat up in use and pressure rises. Pressures should be set when the tyres are cold, using the vehicle manufacturer's figures. Releasing air from hot tyres leaves them underinflated when cold, which builds heat and increases the risk of a blowout.
Traps
- Treating a current warrant of fitness as proof the car is safe today.
- Checking pressures when hot and adjusting to the hot reading.
- Ignoring a bulging sidewall or a cut.
- Overloading the roof or boot, which alters braking and stability.
- Driving with a cracked windscreen or failed brake light because 'it is only a short trip'.