Learner driver and instructor preparing beside a parked learner car

Car study notes

Safety and Your Vehicle

Vehicle checks, tyres, lights, fluids, security and the environment.

What this topic covers

Vehicle checks, tyres, lights, fluids, security and the environment. The full Car Driving Theory Test app contains 82 questions on this topic.

In the app's syllabus: Fault detection, Defects and their effect on safety, Use of safety equipment, Emissions, Noise, Vehicle security.

Worked examples

Here are a few practice questions from this topic. Try answering each before reading the explanation.

Example 1

What part of the car does the law require you to keep in good condition?

A. The seat belts ✓ correct
B. The door locks
C. The transmission
D. The gearbox

Explanation: Unless exempt, you and your passengers must wear a seat belt (or suitable child restraint). The seat belts in your car must be in good condition and working properly; they'll be checked during its MOT test.

Example 2

How should you drive when you're driving along a road that has road humps?

A. Drive slowly at school times only
B. Always keep to the maximum legal speed
C. Accelerate quickly between the humps
D. Maintain a reduced speed throughout ✓ correct

Explanation: Road humps are there for a reason – to protect vulnerable road users by reducing the speed of traffic. Do not accelerate harshly between the humps. Put the safety of others first and maintain a reduced speed throughout the zone.

Example 3

How can you plan your route before starting a long journey?

A. Consult a travel agent
B. Use a route planner on the internet ✓ correct
C. Ask your local garage
D. Check your vehicle handbook

Explanation: Various route planners are available on the internet. Most of them give you several options, allowing you to choose between the most direct route and quieter roads. They may also identify rest and fuel stops. Print off the directions and take them with you.

Example 4

How can you reduce the chances of your car being broken into when leaving it unattended?

A. Park near a fire station
B. Place any valuables on the floor
C. Park near a taxi rank
D. Take all valuables with you ✓ correct

Explanation: When leaving your car, take all valuables with you if you can. Otherwise, lock them out of sight.

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More Car study notes

Get all 82 questions on this topic in the Car Driving Theory Test app.