DVSA Vehicle Safety and Maintenance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the legal requirement for windscreen washers?
- They are optional on modern cars
- They must provide enough fluid to keep the windscreen clean while driving (Correct answer)
- They only need to work for the MOT test
- They are only required on motorways
Correct answer: They must provide enough fluid to keep the windscreen clean while driving
Windscreen washers must be working and have sufficient fluid to keep the windscreen clean in conjunction with the wipers. Driving without working washers can result in a fine.
Question 2: Which of these dashboard warning lights is amber and indicates a non-urgent issue?
- Brake system warning
- Oil pressure warning
- Engine management light (Correct answer)
- Battery charge warning
Correct answer: Engine management light
An amber engine management light indicates a fault that should be checked soon but is not immediately dangerous. Red lights (brakes, oil, battery) indicate urgent issues requiring immediate attention.
Question 3: What should you check about your brake lights?
- They only need checking at the MOT
- They should be checked regularly by asking someone to watch while you press the brake pedal (Correct answer)
- They are self-checking on modern cars
- Only the rear brake lights matter
Correct answer: They should be checked regularly by asking someone to watch while you press the brake pedal
Brake lights should be checked regularly. The easiest way is to ask someone to stand behind the vehicle while you press the brake pedal, or use a reflection in a window or wall.
Question 4: What is the minimum tread depth for a motorcycle tyre in the UK?
- 1.0mm (Correct answer)
- 1.6mm
- 2.0mm
- There is no minimum
Correct answer: 1.0mm
Motorcycles with engines over 50cc must have a minimum tread depth of 1.0mm across three-quarters of the breadth and around the entire circumference. This differs from the 1.6mm required for cars.
Question 5: What could excessive or uneven tyre wear indicate?
- The tyres are of good quality
- A fault with the braking system, suspension, or wheel alignment (Correct answer)
- The car has been driven carefully
- The tyres need more air
Correct answer: A fault with the braking system, suspension, or wheel alignment
Excessive or uneven tyre wear can indicate faults with wheel alignment, suspension, or brakes. It should be investigated by a qualified mechanic.
Question 6: When must you use sidelights on your vehicle?
- Whenever driving at night
- When parked on a road with a speed limit over 30 mph at night (Correct answer)
- Only in fog
- Only on motorways at night
Correct answer: When parked on a road with a speed limit over 30 mph at night
You must leave sidelights (parking lights) on when parked at night on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph. On roads with 30 mph limits, you may park without lights if certain conditions are met.
DVSA Vehicle Safety and Maintenance 3
What is the legal requirement for windscreen washers?