What does it mean if this light comes on while you’re driving?
A. A fault in the braking system
D. Your seat belt isn’t fastened
If this light comes on, you should have the brake system checked immediately. A faulty braking system could have dangerous consequences.
What’s the legal minimum depth of tread for car tyres?
A. 1 mm
B. 1.6 mm
D. 4 mm
Car tyres must have sufficient depth of tread to give them a good grip on the road surface. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm. This depth should be across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference.
You’re carrying two 13-year-old children and their parents in your car. Who’s responsible for seeing that the children wear seat belts?
A. The children’s parents
D. The children
Seat belts save lives and reduce the risk of injury. If you’re carrying passengers under 14 years old, it’s your responsibility as the driver to ensure that their seat belts are fastened or they’re seated in an approved child restraint.
How can drivers help the environment?
D. By driving faster
Rapid acceleration and heavy braking lead to increased
• fuel consumption
• wear on your vehicle.
Having your vehicle serviced regularly will maintain its efficiency, produce cleaner emissions and reduce the risk of a breakdown.
How can you avoid wasting fuel?
D. By driving at higher speeds where possible
If you don’t have your vehicle serviced regularly, the engine will gradually become less efficient. This will cause increased fuel consumption and, in turn, an increase in the amount of harmful emissions it produces.
What could you do to reduce the volume of traffic on the roads?
D. Travel by car at all times
Try not to use your car as a matter of routine. For shorter journeys, consider walking or cycling instead – this is much better for both you and the environment.
What’s most likely to waste fuel?
C. Using different brands of fuel
D. Under-inflated tyres
Wasting fuel costs you money and also causes unnecessary pollution. Ensuring your tyres are correctly inflated, avoiding carrying unnecessary weight and removing a roof rack that’s not in use will all help to reduce your fuel consumption.
What will happen if your car’s wheels are unbalanced?
A. The steering will pull to one side
D. The tyres will deflate
If your wheels are out of balance, it will cause the steering to vibrate at certain speeds. This isn’t a fault that will put itself right, so take your vehicle to a garage or tyre fitter to have the wheels rebalanced.
What should you do when leaving your vehicle parked and unattended?
A. Park near a busy junction
D. Leave the left indicator on
An unlocked car is an open invitation to thieves. Leaving the keys in the ignition not only makes your car easy to steal but could also invalidate your insurance.
How can you reduce the damage your vehicle causes to the environment?
A. Use narrow side streets
B. Brake heavily
D. Anticipate well ahead
By looking well ahead and recognising hazards in good time, you can avoid late and heavy braking. Watch the traffic flow and look well ahead for potential hazards so you can control your speed in good time. Avoid over-revving the engine and accelerating harshly, as this increases wear to the engine and uses more fuel.