Vehicle Safety, Documentation and Emergency Procedures
Vehicle safety and emergency procedures test pre-trip checks and what you do at a breakdown or crash. The exam rewards a calm, sequenced response rather than panic.
Pre-trip checks
- Tyres: pressure, tread and sidewalls; check the spare.
- Lights, brakes, wipers, fluids and mirrors.
- Safety equipment: warning triangle, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, jack and wheel brace.
- Documents: licence, registration, insurance and inspection certificate.
Breakdown
- Pull as far off the carriageway as possible.
- Switch on hazard lights.
- Place the warning triangle behind the vehicle - further back on a fast road - and stand away from traffic.
- Call for help; do not stand between the car and oncoming traffic.
Crash
- Stop, warn other traffic and call the emergency services.
- Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.
- Exchange details and report the crash as required.
Worked example
A front tyre bursts at 100 km/h. Reasoning: hard braking or jerking the wheel can cause a spin. Action: hold the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, let the car slow, steer gently to the shoulder, then hazard lights and triangle. Do not brake hard until the car is controlled and slow.
Traps that cost marks
- Slamming the brakes during a blowout.
- Standing behind the car on the traffic side.
- Moving an injured driver who may have a spinal injury.
- Driving on after a crash without exchanging details.