Vehicle Safety, Lights, Tyres and Basic Maintenance
What the exam tests
This domain checks whether you can spot unsafe equipment before it causes a crash. Questions cover tyre condition, lighting, brakes, fluids and the daily or weekly checks a driver should perform.
Core rules
- Tyres need at least 1.6 mm tread across the central tread area and no cuts, bulges or exposed cords. Check pressure when cold and include the spare.
- Lights must work: headlights, brake lights, indicators, side lights and number-plate light. Use dipped headlights at night and in rain or fog; do not use rear fog lights in clear weather.
- Brakes should feel firm and pull straight. A spongy pedal, pulling or unusual noise needs inspection.
- Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid regularly. Top up only to the marked level.
- Keep the windscreen, mirrors and lights clean. Worn wipers reduce vision in rain.
Worked example
A front tyre shows 1.5 mm tread on the centre and a bulge on the sidewall. The correct action is to replace it before driving. Reasoning: it is below the legal minimum and the bulge indicates structural damage, so it risks a blowout under load or heat.
Traps
Checking pressure after a long drive when tyres are hot; ignoring the spare; using rear fog lights in clear weather and dazzling following drivers; topping up brake fluid with the wrong type; assuming a warning light will reset itself.