Annex 6 - Vehicle maintenance, safety and security
Information and rules about vehicle maintenance, safety and security.
Vehicle maintenance
Take special care that lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, demisters, wipers, washers and any audible warning systems are all working. Also
- lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear
- windscreens and windows MUST be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision
- lights MUST be properly adjusted to prevent dazzling other road users.
- Extra attention needs to be paid to this if the vehicle is heavily loaded
- exhaust emissions MUST NOT exceed prescribed levels
- ensure your seat, seat belt, head restraint and mirrors are adjusted correctly before you drive
- ensure that items of luggage are securely stowed.
Warning displays. Make sure that you understand the meaning of all warning displays on the vehicle instrument panel. Do not ignore warning signs, they could indicate a dangerous fault developing.
- When you turn the ignition key, warning lights will be illuminated but will go out when the engine starts (except the handbrake warning light). If they do not, or if they come on while you are driving, stop and investigate the problem, as you could have a serious fault.
- If the charge warning light comes on while you are driving, it may mean that the battery isn’t charging. This should also be checked as soon as possible to avoid loss of power to lights and other electrical systems.
Window tints. You MUST NOT use a vehicle with excessively dark tinting applied to the windscreen, or to the glass in any front window to either side of the driver. Window tinting applied during manufacture complies with the Visual Light Transmittance (VLT) standards. There are no VLT limits for rear windscreens or rear passenger windows.
Tyres. Tyres MUST be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for the load being carried. Always refer to the vehicle’s handbook or data. Tyres should also be free from certain cuts and other defects.
Cars, light vans and light trailers MUST have a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference.
Motorcycles, large vehicles and passenger-carrying vehicles MUST have a tread depth of at least 1 mm across three-quarters of the breadth of the tread and in a continuous band around the entire circumference.
Mopeds should have visible tread.
Be aware that some vehicle defects can attract penalty points.
Tyre age. Tyres over 10 years old MUST NOT be used on the front axles of:
- goods vehicles with a maximum gross weight of more than 3.5 tonnes
- passenger vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats
Additionally, they MUST NOT be used on the rear axles of passenger vehicles with 9 to 16 passenger seats, unless equipped with twin wheels.
To prove the age of a tyre, it is further required that the date of tyre manufacture marking MUST always be legible.
Vehicles currently excluded from tyre roadworthiness regulations and vehicles of historical interest which are not used for commercial purpose are exempt from these requirements.
If a tyre bursts while you are driving, try to keep control of your vehicle. Grip the steering wheel firmly and allow the vehicle to roll to a stop at the side of the road.
If you have a flat tyre, stop as soon as it is safe to do so. Only change the tyre if you can do so without putting yourself or others at risk - otherwise call a breakdown service.
Tyre pressures. Check weekly. Do this before your journey, when tyres are cold. Warm or hot tyres may give a misleading reading.
Your brakes and steering will be adversely affected by under-inflated or over-inflated tyres. Excessive or uneven tyre wear may be caused by faults in the braking or suspension systems, or wheels which are out of alignment. Have these faults corrected as soon as possible.
Fluid levels. Check the fluid levels in your vehicle at least weekly. Low brake fluid may result in brake failure and a crash. Make sure you recognise the low fluid warning lights if your vehicle has them fitted.
Before winter. Ensure that the battery is well maintained and that there are appropriate anti-freeze agents in your radiator and windscreen bottle.
Other problems. If your vehicle
- pulls to one side when braking, it is most likely to be a brake fault or incorrectly inflated tyres. Consult a garage or mechanic immediately
- continues to bounce after pushing down on the front or rear, its shock absorbers are worn. Worn shock absorbers can seriously affect the operation of a vehicle and should be replaced
- smells of anything unusual such as burning rubber, petrol or an electrical fault; investigate immediately. Do not risk a fire.
Overheated engines or fire. Most engines are water-cooled. If your engine overheats, you should wait until it has cooled naturally. Only then remove the coolant filler cap and add water or other coolant.
If your vehicle catches fire, get the occupants out of the vehicle quickly and to a safe place. Do not attempt to extinguish a fire in the engine compartment, as opening the bonnet will make the fire flare. Call the fire brigade.
Petrol stations/fuel tank/fuel leaks. Ensure that, when filling up your vehicle’s tank or any fuel cans you are carrying, you do not spill fuel on the forecourt. Any spilled fuel should be immediately reported to the petrol station attendant. Diesel spillage is dangerous to other road users, particularly motorcyclists, as it will significantly reduce the level of grip between the tyres and road surface. Double-check for fuel leaks and make sure that
- you do not overfill your fuel tank
- the fuel cap is fastened securely
- the seal in the cap is not torn, perished or missing
- there is no visual damage to the cap or the fuel tank.
Emergency fuel caps, if fitted, should form a good seal.
Never smoke, or use a mobile phone, on the forecourt of petrol stations as these are major fire risks and could cause an explosion.
Undertake all aspects of the daily walkaround checks for commercial vehicles, as recommended by DVSA (www.gov.uk/dvsa/commercial-vehicle-safety) and the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (www.fors-online.org.uk).
Vehicle security
When you leave your vehicle you should
- remove the ignition key and engage the steering lock
- lock the car, even if you only leave it for a few minutes
- close the windows completely
- never leave children or pets in an unventilated car
- take all contents with you, or lock them in the boot. Remember, for all a thief knows a carrier bag may contain valuables
- never leave vehicle documents in the car.
For extra security fit an anti-theft device such as an alarm or immobiliser. If you are buying a new car it is a good idea to check the level of built-in security features. Consider having your registration number etched on all your car windows. This is a cheap and effective deterrent to professional thieves.
Vehicle Maintenance, Safety and Security: What You Need to Know for the Theory Test
The key principles are simple: keep the vehicle roadworthy, recognise warning signs, maintain tyres and controls, deal safely with faults and secure the vehicle when you leave it.
Keep essential systems working
Lights, brakes, steering, exhaust, seat belts, demisters, wipers, washers and warning systems should all be working correctly. Lights, indicators, reflectors and number plates must also be clean and clear.
Do your checks before driving
Before setting off, make sure your view is clear, mirrors and controls are adjusted, luggage is secure and the vehicle appears safe to drive.
What should you check before driving?
Expect questions about visibility, lights, tyres, brakes, mirrors, seat belts, warning displays and securely stored luggage.
Never ignore a warning display
Understand what the warning displays mean. If a warning remains illuminated after starting or appears while driving, investigate the problem and take appropriate action.
Treat new faults seriously
A new warning light, unusual smell, loss of power or change in handling can indicate a developing fault. Do not simply continue driving and hope it disappears.
What does a warning light mean?
The important principle is not to ignore an unfamiliar warning. Questions may test what you should do when a fault indicator appears while driving.
Correct pressure and condition matter
Tyres should be correctly inflated for the vehicle and load and checked for damage and excessive or uneven wear. Use the manufacturer's specification rather than guessing.
Check tyres when cold
Tyre pressure should be checked before a journey when the tyres are cold. Under- or over-inflation can affect braking, steering and tyre wear.
Why is tyre pressure important?
Remember the chain: incorrect pressure can affect vehicle handling, braking and tyre wear. Always use the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure.
Stay in control after a burst
If a tyre bursts, grip the steering wheel firmly, keep control and allow the vehicle to slow down and stop safely. Do not make sudden steering movements.
A flat tyre is a safety decision
Stop as soon as it is safe. Only change a tyre if you can do so without putting yourself or others at risk; otherwise use appropriate breakdown assistance.
What should you do after a tyre burst?
The priority is control and safety: keep a firm grip, slow down smoothly and stop somewhere safe rather than attempting an immediate repair in a dangerous location.
Take changes in handling seriously
Pulling to one side when braking, excessive bouncing or unusual smells can indicate faults with brakes, tyres, suspension or other components.
Do not risk driving with a serious fault
If the vehicle behaves differently or you notice burning, fuel or electrical smells, stop safely and have the problem investigated.
What does pulling to one side suggest?
A vehicle that pulls to one side during braking may have a brake fault or incorrectly inflated tyres. Treat the problem as a safety issue rather than a minor inconvenience.
React safely to fire or overheating
If the engine overheats, allow it to cool naturally before opening the coolant system. If the vehicle catches fire, get everyone out and move to a safe place.
Never open the bonnet on an engine fire
Opening the bonnet can feed an engine fire with oxygen. Get occupants away from the vehicle and call the fire and rescue service.
What is the priority during a vehicle fire?
People first. Get occupants out quickly, move away to a safe location and call the emergency services. Do not attempt to fight an engine-compartment fire.
Treat fuel as a fire risk
Avoid spills, report any fuel that is spilled and make sure the fuel cap and tank are secure. Never smoke or use a mobile phone on a petrol station forecourt.
Remember diesel can reduce grip
Fuel spilled on the road can create a serious skid risk, particularly for motorcyclists. Report spills immediately so they can be dealt with safely.
What is prohibited at a petrol station?
Smoking and mobile-phone use on the forecourt are major fire risks. Theory questions may test whether you recognise the safety reason behind the rule.
Secure the vehicle when leaving it
Remove the ignition key, lock the vehicle, close the windows and take valuables with you or secure them out of sight. Never leave vehicle documents inside.
Think like a thief
Even an ordinary bag can attract attention. Remove visible valuables and use sensible security measures such as an alarm or immobiliser where appropriate.
What should you never leave in the vehicle?
Do not leave children or pets in an unventilated vehicle, and do not leave vehicle documents or obvious valuables where they can attract thieves.
Remember Before the Theory Test
Don't Mix These Up on the Theory Test
Vehicle maintenance questions often test the difference between a routine check, a developing fault and an emergency situation.
Vehicle Maintenance, Safety and Security: Theory Test FAQ
What should I check before driving?
Make sure the vehicle is roadworthy and that essential systems such as lights, brakes, steering, tyres, seat belts, wipers and washers are working correctly. Your view should be clear and luggage securely stored.
What should I do if a warning light comes on while driving?
Do not ignore it. A warning display can indicate a developing fault, so take appropriate action and stop to investigate when it is safe to do so.
Why should tyre pressures be checked when tyres are cold?
Heat generated during driving can affect tyre pressure and give a misleading reading. Check cold tyres and use the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
What can incorrect tyre pressure affect?
Under- or over-inflation can adversely affect braking, steering, handling and tyre wear. The correct pressure depends on the vehicle and load, so use the manufacturer's specification.
What should I do if a tyre bursts while driving?
Grip the steering wheel firmly, maintain control and allow the vehicle to slow down smoothly. Stop at the side of the road when it is safe to do so.
What should I do if my vehicle pulls to one side when braking?
It may indicate a brake fault or incorrectly inflated tyres. The problem should be investigated promptly because it can affect the vehicle's ability to stop safely.
What should I do if my engine overheats?
Allow the engine to cool naturally. Do not open the coolant filler cap while the engine is hot, as the cooling system may be pressurised.
What should I do if my vehicle catches fire?
Get everyone out immediately. Move to a safe place and call the fire and rescue service. Do not attempt to extinguish a fire in the engine compartment by opening the bonnet.
Can I use my mobile phone at a petrol station forecourt?
The Highway Code advises against mobile-phone use on petrol station forecourts because of the fire risk. Smoking is also prohibited as a major fire hazard.
What should I do if I spill fuel at a petrol station?
Report the spill to the petrol station attendant immediately. Fuel on the forecourt or road can create a serious fire or skid risk.
How should I secure my vehicle when I leave it?
Remove the ignition key, lock the vehicle, close the windows and take valuables with you or secure them out of sight. Never leave vehicle documents inside the car.
Why is securely storing luggage important?
Loose luggage can move during braking or a collision and may interfere with your controls or visibility. Secure all items before starting your journey.