DTT Vehicle Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle and where can you find this information?
- It varies by vehicle and load — check the manufacturer's plate (usually inside the driver's door frame or in the owner's manual) (Correct answer)
- All cars use the same tyre pressure of 30 PSI
- The tyre pressure is stamped on the tyre itself
- Ask the NCT centre for the correct pressure
Correct answer: It varies by vehicle and load — check the manufacturer's plate (usually inside the driver's door frame or in the owner's manual)
Correct tyre pressure varies by vehicle make, model, and load. The manufacturer's recommended pressures are typically found on a sticker inside the driver's door frame, inside the fuel filler cap, or in the owner's manual. The number on the tyre is the MAXIMUM pressure, not the recommended pressure.
Question 2: What should you do if you experience a tyre blowout while driving?
- Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator gradually, and steer gently to a safe stopping place — do not brake sharply (Correct answer)
- Brake as hard as possible immediately
- Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left
- Accelerate to maintain control
Correct answer: Hold the steering wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator gradually, and steer gently to a safe stopping place — do not brake sharply
In a blowout, the car may pull to one side. Grip the steering wheel firmly, gradually reduce speed by easing off the accelerator, and steer gently towards a safe stopping area. Harsh braking or sudden steering can cause loss of control.
Question 3: How do you check that your brake lights are working if you are alone?
- Reverse close to a wall or window and press the brake pedal while checking the reflection, or ask someone to check (Correct answer)
- Brake lights cannot be checked by a solo driver
- Only check them at the NCT
- Press the brake and look in the rear-view mirror
Correct answer: Reverse close to a wall or window and press the brake pedal while checking the reflection, or ask someone to check
You can check brake lights alone by reversing close to a reflective surface (wall, window, garage door) and pressing the brake pedal. The reflection should show the red brake lights illuminated. Alternatively, ask another person to observe.
Question 4: What is the purpose of the catalytic converter in a vehicle's exhaust system?
- To reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances (Correct answer)
- To reduce engine noise
- To improve fuel efficiency
- To filter water from the exhaust
Correct answer: To reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances
The catalytic converter is an emissions control device that converts harmful exhaust gases (carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides) into less harmful substances (carbon dioxide, water, nitrogen) through chemical reactions.
Question 5: When should you use hazard warning lights on your vehicle?
- When your vehicle is temporarily obstructing traffic, broken down, or to warn other drivers of a hazard ahead on a motorway (Correct answer)
- Whenever you are parked illegally to avoid a ticket
- At all times when driving in heavy rain
- When overtaking on a motorway
Correct answer: When your vehicle is temporarily obstructing traffic, broken down, or to warn other drivers of a hazard ahead on a motorway
Hazard warning lights should be used when your vehicle is broken down or temporarily obstructing traffic, and on motorways to warn following traffic of a hazard ahead (such as a queue of traffic). They should not be used while driving normally or to excuse illegal parking.
Question 6: What is the minimum level of motor insurance required by law in Ireland?
- Third-party insurance covering injury to others and damage to their property (Correct answer)
- Fully comprehensive insurance
- Third-party, fire, and theft
- No insurance is legally required
Correct answer: Third-party insurance covering injury to others and damage to their property
Irish law requires a minimum of third-party motor insurance, which covers injury to other people and damage to their property. Third-party fire and theft, and fully comprehensive are optional upgrades but not legally required.
DTT Vehicle Safety 2
What is the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle and where can you find this information?