Vehicle knowledge and maintenance
What this domain tests
Vehicle knowledge questions check that you can spot defects before they become failures: tyres, lights, brakes, fluids and warning lights. You are expected to know basic checks and when to stop driving.
Checks and limits
- Check tyre pressures when cold. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm for normal tyres; winter tyres need at least 4 mm. Look for cuts, bulges and uneven wear.
- Test lights regularly: headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazards and number-plate light. Replace failed bulbs promptly and keep lenses clean.
- Check brake fluid, coolant, engine oil and washer fluid at the correct level. A spongy brake pedal or pulling to one side needs attention.
- Red warning lights usually mean stop safely and investigate; amber lights mean check soon. Do not ignore oil-pressure, battery or coolant warnings.
- Carry winter equipment when conditions require it, including winter tyres or chains, a scraper and suitable washer fluid.
Worked example
The tyre-pressure warning light comes on while driving. Stop at a safe place, not on a blind bend. Check pressures when the tyres are cold and inflate to the manufacturer’s figures. If one tyre is repeatedly low, look for a nail or a damaged valve. Do not simply reset the light and continue at speed.
Traps that cost marks
Thinking tread depth only matters in winter; overinflating tyres “for economy”; treating a red warning light as a reminder; and checking pressure after a long fast drive, when readings are falsely high.