Safety equipment, vehicle condition and load rules
This domain tests whether the vehicle is fit to be on the road and whether its load is safe. A defect or an unsecured load can turn a routine trip into a crash, and exam questions often target the items drivers forget to check.
Equipment and condition
Seatbelts must work and be worn front and rear; motorcyclists need approved helmets. Carry a warning triangle, reflective vest, spare wheel, jack and wheel brace, and a first-aid kit and extinguisher where required. Tyres need at least 1.6 mm tread and correct pressure; check lights, brakes, steering and fluid levels.
Load rules
Secure every load so it cannot shift. Do not overload beyond the permitted weight. Mark any load that overhangs the rear with a reflective flag or light. No passengers in the load area. Keep lights, mirrors and plates visible.
Worked example
A load of timber extends 1 m beyond the rear of a van. Reasoning: the load must be secured, and the overhang must be marked so following drivers see it. The driver should also check that the rear lights and plate are not obscured.
Traps
Driving on worn tyres; carrying an unsecured load; forgetting the triangle; overloading without adjusting tyre pressure; obscuring lights or plates.