DTT Vehicle Safety — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How often must a car undergo a National Car Test (NCT) in Ireland for a vehicle first registered more than 10 years ago?
- Every year (Correct answer)
- Every two years
- Every three years
- Every six months
Correct answer: Every year
Cars over 10 years old must undergo the NCT annually. Cars that are 4-10 years old are tested every two years. The first NCT is due when the car is 4 years old.
Question 2: What is the correct procedure for checking your car's engine oil level?
- Park on level ground, wait for the engine to cool, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, then remove again to read the level (Correct answer)
- Check it while the engine is running for an accurate reading
- Only check it at the NCT centre
- Add oil without checking the level
Correct answer: Park on level ground, wait for the engine to cool, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, then remove again to read the level
To get an accurate oil reading, the car should be on level ground with a cooled engine. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then remove it again. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Question 3: What should you check before starting a long journey in your car?
- Tyre pressure and condition, oil level, coolant level, lights, windscreen washer fluid, and fuel (Correct answer)
- Only fuel level
- Nothing — the NCT covers everything
- Only the tyre pressure
Correct answer: Tyre pressure and condition, oil level, coolant level, lights, windscreen washer fluid, and fuel
Before a long journey, you should check tyres (pressure, tread depth, condition), engine oil, coolant, all lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators), windscreen washer fluid, fuel level, and that mirrors are properly adjusted.
Question 4: What does the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) warning light on the dashboard indicate when illuminated while driving?
- A fault with the anti-lock braking system that needs professional attention (Correct answer)
- The ABS system is working correctly
- The brakes are overheating
- You are driving too fast
Correct answer: A fault with the anti-lock braking system that needs professional attention
If the ABS warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a fault in the anti-lock braking system. Normal braking should still work, but the ABS function may not activate in an emergency stop. Have it checked by a mechanic promptly.
Question 5: What is the purpose of the head restraint (headrest) in a vehicle?
- To reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision by supporting the head and neck (Correct answer)
- To provide comfort for sleeping during long journeys
- To improve the driver's posture
- To keep the driver alert by being uncomfortable
Correct answer: To reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision by supporting the head and neck
Head restraints are a safety feature designed to reduce whiplash injuries by limiting the rearward movement of the head in a rear-end collision. They should be adjusted so the centre of the restraint is level with the top of your ears.
Question 6: What action should you take if a red oil pressure warning light comes on while driving?
- Stop as soon as it is safe, turn off the engine, and check the oil level before driving further (Correct answer)
- Continue driving to the nearest garage
- Ignore it if the car seems to be running fine
- Add water to the engine immediately
Correct answer: Stop as soon as it is safe, turn off the engine, and check the oil level before driving further
A red oil pressure warning light indicates critically low oil pressure, which can cause severe engine damage within minutes. Stop safely as soon as possible, turn off the engine, wait for it to cool, then check the oil level. Do not continue driving.
DTT Vehicle Safety
How often must a car undergo a National Car Test (NCT) in Ireland for a vehicle first registered more than 10 years ago?