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Safety and Your Vehicle: all 42 questions and answers

Question 1

What is the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres?

  1. 1 mm
  2. 1.6 mm
  3. 2 mm
  4. 2.5 mm

The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around its entire circumference.

Question 2

When should you check the engine oil level?

  1. When the engine is hot
  2. When the engine is cold
  3. Immediately after a long journey
  4. While the engine is running

You should check the engine oil level when the engine is cold for an accurate reading. Checking when hot can give a false reading and you risk burning yourself.

Question 3

What does it mean if your steering feels heavy?

  1. The front tyres are over-inflated
  2. The power steering may not be working
  3. The rear brakes are worn
  4. The engine is overheating

Heavy steering is often a sign of a power steering failure. If this happens, pull over safely and have the system checked. Under-inflated front tyres can also cause heavy steering.

Question 4

How can you reduce the damage your vehicle causes to the environment?

  1. Use leaded petrol
  2. Keep your engine properly tuned
  3. Drive faster to reduce time on the road
  4. Use higher-octane fuel

A properly tuned engine runs more efficiently, produces fewer harmful emissions, and uses less fuel. Regular servicing helps reduce your vehicle's environmental impact.

Question 5

You notice a strong smell of fuel in your car. What should you do?

  1. Continue driving and open the windows
  2. Stop and investigate the problem
  3. Drive to the nearest petrol station
  4. Top up the fuel tank

A strong smell of fuel could indicate a leak, which is a serious fire hazard. Stop safely and investigate the problem before continuing your journey.

Question 6

What is the main purpose of a catalytic converter?

  1. To reduce fuel consumption
  2. To reduce harmful exhaust emissions
  3. To increase engine power
  4. To cool the exhaust gases

A catalytic converter reduces the toxic gases in the exhaust. It converts harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into less harmful substances.

Question 7

Excessive or uneven tyre wear can be caused by faults in the

  1. Gearbox
  2. Braking system
  3. Suspension
  4. Exhaust system

Faulty suspension, including worn shock absorbers or incorrect wheel alignment, can cause uneven or excessive tyre wear. Regular checks can help identify these issues early.

Question 8

Why should you make sure that you have the correct air pressure in your tyres?

  1. So that the car can travel faster
  2. To help prevent skidding and improve control
  3. To make the ride more comfortable
  4. To reduce engine wear

Correct tyre pressure ensures optimum grip with the road surface. Incorrect pressure can affect braking, steering, and fuel consumption, and increases the risk of a blowout.

Question 9

You have to make an emergency stop. You have ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). How should you use the footbrake?

  1. Pump the brake pedal rapidly
  2. Apply the brake gently then firmly
  3. Apply maximum pressure to the brake pedal
  4. Apply light pressure to the brake pedal

With ABS, you should apply maximum pressure to the brake pedal and keep it pressed firmly. The ABS will prevent the wheels from locking, so you don't need to pump the brakes.

Question 10

What should you do if your vehicle pulls to one side when braking?

  1. Change gear and brake again
  2. Pump the brake pedal
  3. Use your handbrake
  4. Have your brakes checked immediately

If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, it suggests a brake fault such as uneven brake pad wear, a sticking caliper, or a fluid leak. Have it checked immediately.

Question 11

How should you dispose of a used vehicle battery?

  1. Put it in the household waste
  2. Take it to a local authority disposal site
  3. Leave it on a grass verge
  4. Bury it in the garden

Vehicle batteries contain harmful acids and heavy metals. They must be disposed of at an appropriate local authority site or returned to a garage for safe recycling. Never put them in household waste.

Question 12

What does the head restraint on your seat primarily protect against?

  1. Tiredness on long journeys
  2. Neck and spinal injuries in a collision
  3. Poor visibility to the rear
  4. Discomfort during driving

Head restraints are designed to reduce the risk of neck and spinal injuries (whiplash) in the event of a rear-end collision. They should be adjusted so the centre is level with your eyes.

Question 13

You're driving a car fitted with seat belts. What does the law say about wearing yours?

  1. You must wear it
  2. You only need to wear it on motorways
  3. It's optional if you're travelling under 30 mph
  4. You only need to wear it in the front seats

You MUST wear a seat belt in cars, vans and other goods vehicles if one is fitted, with only limited exemptions (Highway Code Rule 99).

Question 14

Who is responsible for making sure a 12-year-old passenger in a car wears a seat belt or uses an approved child restraint?

  1. The child
  2. The child's parents, wherever they are
  3. The driver
  4. The front-seat passenger

The driver MUST ensure that all children under 14 years of age wear seat belts or sit in an approved child restraint (Highway Code Rule 100).

Question 15

Below what height must a child normally use an appropriate child seat or booster in a car?

  1. 1.25 metres
  2. 1.5 metres
  3. 1.0 metre
  4. 1.35 metres

Children under 1.35 metres tall must use an appropriate baby seat, child seat, booster seat or booster cushion fitted according to the manufacturer's instructions (Highway Code Rule 100).

Question 16

Why must a rear-facing baby seat never be fitted to a seat protected by an active frontal airbag?

  1. The seat belt won't reach around the baby seat
  2. In a crash the airbag could cause serious injury or death to the child
  3. It blocks the driver's view of the nearside mirror
  4. The airbag warning light would stay on

A rear-facing baby seat MUST NOT be fitted into a seat protected by an active frontal airbag, as in a crash the airbag can cause serious injury or death to the child (Highway Code Rule 101).

Question 17

You're carrying children in your car. Which side of the vehicle should they use to get in and out?

  1. Either side, whichever is quicker
  2. The driver's side, so you can watch them
  3. The kerb-side door
  4. The rear tailgate

You should ensure children enter and leave the vehicle through the door nearest the kerb, away from passing traffic (Highway Code Rule 102).

Question 18

Before setting off on a journey, what should you do with your mirrors and head restraint?

  1. Adjust them properly for your seating position
  2. Fold the mirrors in to protect them
  3. Remove the head restraint for better rear vision
  4. Leave them as the last driver set them

Before setting off you should adjust your mirrors and head restraint properly, as well as checking your vehicle is legal and roadworthy (Highway Code Rule 97).

Question 19

Which regulations must your vehicle and any trailer comply with regarding their condition?

  1. The Motorway Traffic Regulations only
  2. The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) and Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations
  3. The Highway Maintenance Regulations
  4. Local council vehicle bylaws

You MUST ensure your vehicle and trailer comply with the full requirements of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (Highway Code Rule 89).

Question 20

You need to pop into a shop for a minute. Can you leave your parked car unattended with the engine running?

  1. Yes, if you'll be less than five minutes
  2. Yes, if the handbrake is applied
  3. Only in cold weather to keep the car warm
  4. No, you must not leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running

You MUST NOT leave a parked vehicle unattended with the engine running or leave an engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road (Highway Code Rule 123).

Question 21

You're stationary in a car park waiting for a friend and likely to wait more than a couple of minutes. What should you do?

  1. Keep the engine idling to stay ready to move
  2. Apply the parking brake and switch off the engine
  3. Rev the engine occasionally to keep the battery charged
  4. Leave the engine on with the handbrake off

If you're likely to be stationary for more than a couple of minutes, you should apply the parking brake and switch off the engine to reduce emissions and noise (Highway Code Rule 123).

Question 22

When may you use hazard warning lights while your vehicle is moving?

  1. When you're being towed on any road
  2. When parking on double yellow lines
  3. On a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway to warn drivers behind of a hazard ahead
  4. Whenever you're driving slower than surrounding traffic

You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you're on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and need to warn drivers behind of a hazard ahead (Highway Code Rule 116).

Question 23

You've been using your rear fog lights in thick fog. The fog has now lifted. What must you do?

  1. Switch them off
  2. Leave them on until you finish your journey
  3. Switch to main beam instead
  4. Leave them on if it's still cloudy

You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced, and you MUST switch them off when visibility improves, as they can dazzle other road users (Highway Code Rule 114).

Question 24

Between sunset and sunrise, which lights must be lit on your vehicle?

  1. Main beam headlights at all times
  2. Front fog lights
  3. Hazard warning lights
  4. Sidelights and rear registration plate lights

You MUST ensure all sidelights and rear registration plate lights are lit between sunset and sunrise (Highway Code Rule 113).

Question 25

You've just driven through a deep ford and your brakes aren't fully effective. What should you do?

  1. Pump the clutch several times
  2. Gently apply light pressure to the brakes while driving slowly to dry them out
  3. Stop and wait an hour for them to dry
  4. Drive fast so the airflow dries them

After driving through deep water, test your brakes at the first safe opportunity. If they aren't fully effective, gently apply light pressure while driving slowly to dry them out (Highway Code Rule 121).

Question 26

Why does coasting downhill in neutral reduce your control of the vehicle?

  1. The power steering switches off
  2. The handbrake becomes less effective
  3. Engine braking is eliminated and your speed can increase quickly
  4. The ABS stops working

Coasting in neutral or with the clutch pressed down eliminates engine braking, so speed downhill increases quickly and increased footbrake use can reduce its effectiveness (Highway Code Rule 122).

Question 27

You're parking facing downhill on a road with a kerb. Which way should you turn your front wheels?

  1. Towards the kerb
  2. Away from the kerb
  3. Keep them straight ahead
  4. It doesn't matter if the handbrake is on

When parking downhill, turn your wheels towards the kerb so the kerb stops the car if it rolls; turn them away from the kerb when facing uphill (Highway Code Rule 252).

Question 28

What is the 'Dutch Reach' technique used for when you've parked your car?

  1. Reaching for the handbrake with your left hand
  2. Opening the door with the hand on the opposite side, making you look over your shoulder for cyclists and traffic
  3. Adjusting the door mirror from the passenger seat
  4. Reversing while looking through the rear window

Opening the door with your opposite hand turns your body so you naturally look over your shoulder, helping you spot cyclists and passing traffic before opening the door (Highway Code Rule 239).

Question 29

At night, on what roads must a parked car display parking lights?

  1. All roads without exception
  2. Only motorways and dual carriageways
  3. Roads with a speed limit greater than 30 mph
  4. Only roads without street lighting of any kind

Parking lights are required when a vehicle is parked at night on a road with a speed limit exceeding 30 mph (Highway Code Rule 249).

Question 30

You've bought a brand-new car. When will it first need an MOT test?

  1. One year after first registration
  2. Two years after first registration
  3. Five years after first registration
  4. Three years after first registration

An MOT is required three years after a vehicle is first registered, and then annually (Highway Code, Annexe: The road user and the law).

Question 31

A police officer asks to see your driving licence and insurance certificate, but you don't have them with you. What can you do?

  1. Produce them at a police station within 7 days
  2. Post copies to the officer within 28 days
  3. Nothing - it's an automatic fine
  4. Email them to the police within 24 hours

If you cannot produce your documents when asked, you may present them at a police station within 7 days (Highway Code, Annexe: The road user and the law).

Question 32

How often should you check your brake fluid level?

  1. Only at the annual MOT
  2. Weekly
  3. Every two years when the fluid is changed
  4. Only when the warning light comes on

Brake fluid should be checked weekly - a low brake fluid level risks brake failure (Highway Code, Annexe: Vehicle maintenance).

Question 33

What is the legal minimum tread depth for motorcycle tyres?

  1. 1.6 mm
  2. 2 mm
  3. 1 mm
  4. 3 mm

The minimum tread depth for motorcycles and large vehicles is 1 mm, compared with 1.6 mm for cars and vans (Highway Code, Annexe: Vehicle maintenance).

Question 34

You're towing a caravan and it starts to snake from side to side. What should you do?

  1. Brake hard immediately
  2. Steer sharply to correct each swing
  3. Accelerate to pull the caravan straight
  4. Ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently

If a trailer or caravan starts to snake or swerve, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently to regain control (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 35

You're loading heavy items into your car for a long trip. How should the weight be arranged?

  1. Distributed evenly, without overloading the vehicle
  2. All at the back to help traction
  3. All on the roof to keep the boot free
  4. On the back seat so you can see it

You must not overload your vehicle; weight should be distributed evenly and loads secured safely (Highway Code Rule 98).

Question 36

What is the only message you should intend when flashing your headlights at another road user?

  1. That they may pull out in front of you
  2. To let them know you are there
  3. That you are giving way to them
  4. That there is a hazard ahead

Only flash your headlights to let other road users know you are there. Do not flash them to convey any other message or to intimidate (Highway Code Rule 110).

Question 37

You're dazzled by the headlights of an oncoming vehicle at night. What should you do?

  1. Flash your main beam back at them
  2. Close one eye until they pass
  3. Slow down, or stop if necessary
  4. Speed up to pass them sooner

If you are dazzled by oncoming headlights, slow down and, if necessary, stop (Highway Code Rule 115).

Question 38

Your car begins to skid. What is usually the cause of a skid?

  1. A fault with the road surface only
  2. Low engine oil
  3. Worn brake pads alone
  4. The driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly, or driving too fast for the conditions

Skidding is usually caused by the driver braking, accelerating or steering too harshly or driving too fast for the road conditions (Highway Code Rule 119).

Question 39

When must you use your headlights during the day?

  1. When visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres (328 feet)
  2. Whenever it is raining, however lightly
  3. On all rural roads
  4. Whenever you're driving above 50 mph

You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres, or 328 feet (Highway Code Rule 226).

Question 40

A police car behind you flashes its blue lights and indicates you should pull over. What must you do?

  1. Continue to the next town before stopping
  2. Pull over and stop as soon as it's safe, then switch off your engine
  3. Slow down but keep driving until they overtake
  4. Stop immediately wherever you are, even mid-junction

If the police want to stop your vehicle, you MUST pull over and stop as soon as it is safe to do so, then switch off your engine (Highway Code Rule 106).

Question 41

Which classic cars are exempt from the annual MOT test?

  1. Any car over 25 years old
  2. Cars used only at weekends
  3. Vehicles over 40 years old, unless substantially modified in the preceding 30 years
  4. No cars are ever exempt

Vehicles over 40 years old are exempt from the MOT unless they have been substantially modified within the previous 30 years (Highway Code, Annexe: The road user and the law).

Question 42

Which of these items must be in proper working order for your car to be roadworthy?

  1. Air conditioning, radio and heated seats
  2. Cup holders and interior lights
  3. Sat nav and parking sensors
  4. Lights, brakes, steering, wipers, washers and horn

Lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers, washers and the horn must all function properly for the vehicle to be roadworthy (Highway Code, Annexe: Vehicle maintenance).

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