Safety questions on the practical test - complete reference with answers
The safety questions on the practical test are short but important. You demonstrate a basic safety check, understand the consequences of faults, and use correct procedures. This article summarises the questions and what to show or answer.
For an introduction to the test itself, see Practical test – complete guide . For a step-by-step walk-through of the drive, read Driving test step by step .
What the examiner looks for
- Systematic execution and calm working method
- Correct use of the car’s functions and instruments
- Understanding of consequences of faults and deviations
- Ability to explain what you do and why
A sequence that works
One simple order that covers the most typical items:
- Outside the car: lights, tyres, number‑plate light
- Inside the car: seat, mirrors, seatbelt
- Lights and signals: dipped beam, main beam, hazard lights, fog lights
- Brakes: brake lights, brake booster, brake fluid
- Steering and stability: power steering, directional stability
Illustration: Safety‑check flow
Questions and what to show
| Question | What to show/do |
|---|---|
| Max permitted trailer total weight for this car | Show the registration document |
| Consequences of towing too heavy a trailer | Less front‑axle grip, reduced stability, longer braking, headlight glare from raised front |
| Payload this car can carry in addition to occupants | Show the registration document |
| Disadvantages of too heavy load in the car | Worse handling, longer braking, headlight glare if the front lifts |
| Trailer total weight allowed with B licence | Show registration document or regulations |
| Consequences of trailer with too high permitted weight | Illegal; less grip, less stability, longer braking, glare from weight on towbar |
| Check tyres and rims for damage | Visual check; look for anything unusual |
| Most common tyre/rim damage | Sidewall cuts, rim dents, sidewall bulges |
| Check wear on both front tyres | Visual: is wear even across the tread? |
| What uneven wear can mean | Low pressure: wear on shoulders; high pressure: centre wear; one‑sided wear: misalignment |
| Check tread depth on both rear tyres | Visual or depth gauge; summer ≥ 1.6 mm, winter ≥ 3.0 mm |
| Risk with too low tread depth | Poor grip, higher aquaplaning risk |
| Find the reflective vest | Accessible from the driver’s seat |
| Place the warning triangle | Clearly visible. Outside urban areas: 100–200 m before the car, adapt inside urban areas |
| Correct front‑tyre pressure | Owner’s manual or labels (fuel flap/door jamb) |
| Check pressure in front tyres | Visual for even wear, or gauge; some tyres require higher pressure than listed |
| Check that front tyres have enough tread | Visual, depth gauge or wear markers |
| Tread‑depth requirements | Winter ≥ 3.0 mm; Summer ≥ 1.6 mm |
| Correct tyre dimension | Check registration document |
| Check that front tyres have correct dimension | Visual check |
| Minimum load index for tyres | Check registration; read marking |
| Check that rear tyres have correct load index | Visual; read the tyre |
| Check that all brake lights work | Use reflections or ask the examiner to help |
Illustration: Warning triangle outside urban areas
Test‑day tips
- Say briefly what you are doing as you work
- Use the handbook or registration document when appropriate
- Be systematic, avoid jumping around
- If unsure, start with something you know well