DVSA Vehicle Safety and Maintenance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How often should you check your vehicle's tyre pressures?
- Once a year during the MOT
- Every month and before long journeys (Correct answer)
- Only when the tyres look flat
- Every time you fill up with fuel
Correct answer: Every month and before long journeys
Tyre pressures should be checked at least once a month and before any long journey, when the tyres are cold. Incorrect tyre pressure affects handling, braking, fuel consumption, and tyre wear.
Question 2: Your vehicle pulls to one side when braking. What is the most likely cause?
- A punctured tyre
- Uneven brake pad wear or a sticking brake calliper (Correct answer)
- Low engine oil level
- A faulty alternator
Correct answer: Uneven brake pad wear or a sticking brake calliper
If the vehicle pulls to one side during braking, it usually means the brakes are not being applied evenly. This could be due to worn brake pads on one side, a seized calliper, or contamination of the brake disc or pad.
Question 3: What is the purpose of the catalytic converter in a vehicle's exhaust system?
- To reduce engine noise
- To improve fuel efficiency
- To reduce harmful exhaust emissions (Correct answer)
- To prevent exhaust fumes entering the cabin
Correct answer: To reduce harmful exhaust emissions
The catalytic converter converts harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburnt hydrocarbons into less harmful substances like carbon dioxide and water vapour. It is a legal requirement for petrol vehicles.
Question 4: When should you use your rear fog lights?
- Whenever it rains heavily
- When visibility is seriously reduced below 100 metres (Correct answer)
- At night on all unlit roads
- Whenever you use dipped headlights
Correct answer: When visibility is seriously reduced below 100 metres
Rear fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres. Using them at other times is illegal because they can dazzle drivers behind you and obscure your brake lights.
Question 5: What colour is the engine oil warning light on the dashboard?
- Green
- Blue
- Red (Correct answer)
- Amber
Correct answer: Red
The engine oil warning light is red, indicating a serious problem that requires immediate attention. If this light comes on while driving, you should stop as soon as safely possible and check the oil level. Continuing to drive could cause severe engine damage.
Question 6: Your vehicle's head restraint should be adjusted so that it is:
- Level with the base of your skull
- At the same height as the top of your head (Correct answer)
- At shoulder height
- As low as possible for visibility
Correct answer: At the same height as the top of your head
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as the top of your eyes, ideally the top of your head. This position provides the best protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision.
DVSA Vehicle Safety and Maintenance 1
How often should you check your vehicle's tyre pressures?