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Vehicle Safety
Tyres, brakes, lights, loads and pre-drive checks (POWDER / FLOWER).
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Slide 1
Hazard Warning Lights
When to Use Hazard Lights
Hazard warning lights help alert other road users to a danger ahead, such as:
- Vehicle breakdowns.
- Queuing traffic on motorways or dual carriageways.
- Emergency situations.
Important
Do not use hazard lights as an excuse to park illegally.
What it means
Keeping your car roadworthy: tyres, brakes, lights, fluids and loads — plus pre-drive checks.
Why it matters
A faulty car is dangerous and illegal. Bald tyres or broken lights can fail your MOT and cause crashes.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring warning lights on the dashboard.
- Driving with under-inflated tyres (poor grip, more fuel used).
- Overloading the boot so the headlights point upwards.
Exam tips
- Minimum legal tyre tread in the UK is 1.6 mm across the central ¾ of the tyre.
- POWDER check: Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics, Rubber.
- Check tyre pressures cold, at least once a month and before a long trip.
- A red warning light usually means stop as soon as it's safe.
Real driving examples
- Pulling away and the brake warning light stays on — stop and check immediately.
- Before a long drive, walk round the car checking lights, tyres and washer fluid.
Key facts to memorise
- Minimum legal tyre tread: 1.6 mm across the central ¾.
- Check tyre pressures cold, at least monthly.
- Red dashboard light = stop as soon as safe.
Test your knowledge
10 questions, instant feedback, scored to your dashboard.
Start Vehicle Safety quiz