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Safety and your vehicle: what you need to know Keeping the car roadworthy, and driving in a way that is efficient and clean. Read the key points below, then take the short quiz to check it has stuck. Every point is grounded in the Highway Code .
Key points: safety and your vehicle Car tyres need at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters, and the correct pressures for safe steering and braking (rule 89, annex 6). Anti-lock brakes (ABS) help you keep steering while braking hard, but do not always shorten the stopping distance (rule 120). A red warning light or a spongy brake pedal means you stop and get the fault checked before driving on. Most cars need their first MOT once they are three years old, then every year. Drive smoothly, read the road ahead and change up early to cut fuel use and emissions (rule 123). Switch the engine off when parked. Idling on a public road wastes fuel, pollutes, and can be an offence (rule 123). Now test yourself on safety and your vehicle 8 questions on this topic, with the answer and the cited rule shown the moment you choose. If you miss any, the points above are where to look.
Practice quiz
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Each question shows the correct answer and the Highway Code rule the moment you choose.
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Easy set · 4 Hard set · 4
Learn another topic Alertness Alertness Observation, anticipation, concentration and avoiding distractions at the wheel. Learn this topic Attitude Attitude Following distances, courtesy, priority and how to behave around other road users. Learn this topic Safety margins Safety margins Stopping distances, the two-second rule and driving in rain, ice and fog. Learn this topic Hazard awareness Hazard awareness Spotting developing hazards, plus the effects of alcohol, tiredness and medicines. Learn this topic Vulnerable road users Vulnerable road users Pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and the 2022 hierarchy of road users. Learn this topic Other types of vehicle Other types of vehicle Lorries, buses, motorcycles, trams and how to share the road with them safely. Learn this topic Vehicle handling Vehicle handling Control in different weather, road surfaces, gradients and at night. Learn this topic Motorway rules M Motorway rules Lane discipline, speed limits, the hard shoulder and smart-motorway signals. Learn this topic Rules of the road Rules of the road Speed limits, parking, junctions, roundabouts and right of way. Learn this topic Road and traffic signs Road and traffic signs Sign shapes and colours, road markings and what each one tells you to do. Learn this topic Documents Essential documents Licence, insurance, MOT, vehicle tax and what the law requires you to hold. Learn this topic Incidents, accidents and emergencies Incidents and emergencies What to do at the scene, first aid basics and breakdown procedure. Learn this topic Vehicle loading Vehicle loading Loads, roof racks, towing and keeping the vehicle stable and legal. Learn this topic Original revision notes and practice questions covering the same topics as the official DVSA theory test. Not the real exam questions, and not affiliated with or endorsed by the DVSA. Based on The Highway Code and Know Your Traffic Signs under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Always check the current Highway Code on gov.uk.