Cheat sheet

Safety & Your Vehicle

Tyres, brakes, lights, loading, fuel efficiency and the vehicle checks that keep you and your car roadworthy.

The facts to remember, in one place. Drill them with mock exams and spaced repetition in Car Theory Test.

Drink drive limits in the UK

◆ England and Wales: 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (35 micrograms per 100 ml of breath).
◆ Scotland: a lower limit of 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood (22 micrograms per 100 ml of breath).
◆ The amount of alcohol that puts you over the limit varies by person -- there is no safe way to calculate it.
◆ Penalties include a minimum 12-month driving ban, a large fine and a criminal record.
◆ Alcohol can still affect you the morning after a heavy night out.

◆ The legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6 mm.
◆ That depth must be across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its whole circumference.
◆ Tyres must be free from dangerous cuts, lumps and bulges.
◆ Each defective tyre can mean a fine and 3 penalty points.
◆ Check tyre pressures when tyres are cold, including before a long or fully loaded journey.

◆ In rain, allow at least double the normal stopping distance.
◆ Use dipped headlights in poor daytime visibility so others can see you.
◆ Use fog lights only when visibility drops below 100 metres, and switch them off when it improves.
◆ In icy conditions, stopping distances can be ten times longer than on a dry road.
◆ If you aquaplane, ease off the accelerator and do not brake harshly until grip returns.

◆ Use dipped headlights at night in built-up areas and whenever visibility is poor.
◆ Dip your headlights for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle closely.
◆ Use full beam on unlit roads but switch to dipped if it could dazzle others.
◆ Only use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced (below 100 metres).
◆ Use hazard warning lights when stopped and temporarily obstructing traffic, or to warn of a hazard on a motorway.

◆ Drive smoothly: gentle acceleration and braking use less fuel than harsh inputs.
◆ Read the road ahead so you can ease off early rather than braking late.
◆ Change up to a higher gear as soon as it is safe to keep revs lower.
◆ Remove unnecessary weight and roof racks to cut drag and fuel use.
◆ Switching off the engine when stationary for a while reduces fuel use and emissions.

◆ You and your passengers must wear a seat belt where one is fitted, unless exempt.
◆ Children under 12 years or under 135 cm tall must normally use an appropriate child car seat.
◆ The driver is legally responsible for ensuring children under 14 are properly restrained.
◆ A rear-facing baby seat must never be used in a front seat protected by an active airbag.
◆ Exemptions include some medical reasons and certain delivery drivers travelling short distances.

◆ A red warning light usually means a serious fault -- stop as soon as it is safe to do so.
◆ The oil pressure warning light means you should stop and check the oil; low oil pressure can wreck the engine.
◆ The brake system warning light may mean low brake fluid or a fault -- do not ignore it.
◆ The engine management (check engine) light points to a fault with the engine or emissions system.
◆ The battery charge warning light means the battery is not charging, so the engine may soon stop.

◆ ABS stops the wheels from locking under heavy braking, helping you keep steering control.
◆ To use ABS in an emergency, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal.
◆ You may feel the pedal pulse or hear a noise -- this is normal; keep the pressure on.
◆ ABS does not necessarily shorten your overall stopping distance.
◆ ABS is far less effective on loose, wet or icy surfaces, so still drive to the conditions.