03 - Safety and Your Vehicle

Question 1

What causes uneven tyres?

Answer 1

Faults in the braking system, suspension or tracking

Question 2

What is the problem with uneven tyres?

Answer 2

If the front wheel is unbalanced, they could make the steering vibrate

Question 3

When should you check tyre pressures?

Answer 3

Once a week, when the tyres are cold

Question 4

What is the problem with under-inflated tyres? (3)

Answer 4

Makes the steering feel heavy
Increases fuel consumption
Increases your stopping distance

Question 5

What is the problem with low brake fluid?

Answer 5

Air may enter the system and the brakes won’t work properly

Question 6

When are oil and coolant levels particularly important to check?

Answer 6

Before long journeys

Question 7

What should you check with your windscreen?

Answer 7

That it’s free of chips and cracks

Question 8

What should you check with the battery?

Answer 8

If it needs topping up with distilled water (unless it’s a maintenance-free battery)

Question 9

What must the tread on car and trailer wheels be

Answer 9

At least 1.6mm deep across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference

Question 10

What is dry steering?

Answer 10

When you turn the steering wheel while the car isn’t moving. It can cause wear to the tyres and steering mechanism

Question 11

How can you check the condition of the shock absorbers

Answer 11

Bounce the vehicle by pushing down hard over each wheel: there should be no more than one rebound when released

Question 12

When should the ABS (anti-lock braking system) warning light go out?

Answer 12

When the car’s travelling at 5-10 mph

Question 13

What is brake-fade?

Answer 13

When the brakes become less effective because of overheating

Question 14

When should you visit a garage ASAP?

Answer 14

When the steering vibrates (tyres need balancing)

The vehicle pulls to one side when you brake (brakes need adjusting)

Question 15

Who MUST wear a seatbelt?

Answer 15

Adults 14 and over, and children over 1.35 metres

Question 16

Who MUST use a child restraint (or a seat belt if there’s no suitable child restraint)?

Answer 16

Children 3-12 or up to 1.35m

Question 17

Who MUST use a suitable child seat?

Answer 17

Children under 3

Never fit a rear-facing baby seat in a seat protected by an active airbag

Question 18

What must you do when you get into the car?

Answer 18

Adjust the seat
Adjust the head restraint
Wear suitable shoes
Adjust the mirrors

Question 19

What must you do when leaving your car on a two-way road at night?

Answer 19

Park in the direction of the traffic

(if the speed limit is more than 30mph or 46km/h) switch on your parking lights

Question 20

When should you use hazard warning lights?

Answer 20

When you’ve broken down

Queuing traffic on a dual carriageway or motorway

Question 21

What can you do to make your car harder to steal

Answer 21

Use a steering lock
Remove keys and lock the car
Lock any contents out of sight
Don't leave vehicle registration details in the car
Park in a well-lit area

Question 22

Can you leave your engine running while unattended

Answer 22

No

Question 23

Where must you avoid parking

Answer 23

Where your car would block access or visibility for others

On zigzag lines at a pedestrian crossing

Question 24

What guidelines can you follow to make your driving eco-safe

Answer 24

Reduce your speed
Plan well ahead so you can drive smoothly
Use selective gear changing
Have your vehicle regularly serviced
Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated

Question 25

What is the rule when it comes to noise pollution?

Answer 25

You must not use your car horn between 11:30 pm and 7:00 am in built-up areas unless another vehicle poses a danger

Question 26

How can you avoid congestion?

Answer 26

Plan your route
Avoid driving at busy times
Allow plenty of time for your journey

Question 27

How can you plan your route? (4)

Answer 27

Look at a map
Use satellite navigation equipment
Check for roadworks etc
Use a route planner

Question 28

Who is exempt from paying congestion charges in London

Answer 28

Disabled people who hold a Blue Badge
Riders of two-wheeled vehicles
People living within the area

Question 29

When should your ABS warning light go out

Answer 29

When the vehicle is travelling at 5-10 mph