Technical and Vehicle Safety flashcards

Front

What is the minimum legal tread depth for car tyres in Ireland?

Back

1.6 mm — The law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre's width and around the entire circumference.

Front

Under-inflated tyres are dangerous mainly because they:

Back

Cause increased tyre wear on the outer edges and reduce steering response — Under-inflation causes the tyre sidewalls to flex excessively, wearing the outer edges faster and generating heat that can lead to a blowout.

Front

When should you check your tyre pressures?

Back

When the tyres are cold, before a long journey — Tyre pressure should be checked when the tyres are cold because driving heats the air inside, giving a falsely high reading.

Front

Is it legal to fit tyres of different size or construction type on the same axle?

Back

No; mixing different sizes or construction types on the same axle is illegal and dangerous — Mixing tyre sizes or construction types (radial/cross-ply) on the same axle is illegal and dangerous because it creates uneven handling.

Front

Over-inflated tyres mainly cause:

Back

Excessive wear in the centre of the tread and a harsher ride — Over-inflation makes the centre of the tread bulge and carry most of the load, wearing it unevenly and reducing the tyre's ability to absorb road shocks.

Front

A tyre with a visible cut or bulge in the sidewall:

Back

Must not be used and should be replaced immediately — A bulge or cut in a tyre sidewall indicates structural damage that could cause a sudden blowout; the tyre must be replaced.

Front

What effect does correct tyre inflation have on fuel economy?

Back

It improves fuel economy by reducing rolling resistance — Properly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work less and consumes less fuel.

Front

Which of the following best describes the danger of mixing radial and cross-ply tyres on the same vehicle?

Back

It causes unpredictable handling, particularly when cornering — Radial and cross-ply tyres have different flex characteristics; mixing them creates uneven grip and handling that can cause the driver to lose control.

Front

When must you use dipped headlights during daytime?

Back

Whenever visibility is seriously reduced due to poor weather — Dipped headlights must be used any time visibility is poor, such as in heavy rain, fog, or snow, even during daylight hours.

Front

When should you switch from full beam to dipped headlights?

Back

When an oncoming vehicle is approaching or you are following another vehicle — Full beam can dazzle oncoming drivers and drivers ahead of you; switch to dipped headlights to avoid blinding them.

Front

When may front fog lights be used?

Back

Only in fog or falling snow where visibility is seriously reduced — Front fog lights must only be used in fog or falling snow where visibility is seriously reduced. Using them in clear conditions can dazzle other road users.

Front

When is it permissible to use rear fog lights?

Back

Only in fog or falling snow when visibility is seriously reduced — Rear fog lights are very bright and can mask your brake lights; they should only be switched on when visibility is seriously reduced.

Front

How can you check that your brake lights are working when you are alone?

Back

Reverse close to a reflective surface such as a wall or another vehicle and press the brake pedal — By reversing close to a wall or garage door you can see the reflection of the brake lights in your mirrors when you press the pedal.

Front

A vehicle's hazard warning lights should be used:

Back

To warn other drivers of a breakdown or obstruction ahead — Hazard lights are intended as a warning device for stationary breakdowns or to alert following traffic to a sudden hazard; they should not be used while driving normally.

Front

Which of the following is a sign that your brakes may need attention?

Back

The vehicle pulls to one side when braking — Pulling to one side during braking usually indicates uneven brake wear or a fault such as a seized calliper, which requires immediate inspection.

Front

What does ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) do under heavy braking?

Back

It prevents the wheels from locking, allowing the driver to steer while braking — ABS rapidly modulates the brakes to prevent wheel lock-up, which maintains steering control and helps reduce stopping distances on most surfaces.

Front

What should you do if your ABS warning light stays on while driving?

Back

Have the ABS system checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible — A permanently illuminated ABS light means the system has detected a fault and may not function correctly; the vehicle should be inspected promptly.

Front

When using a vehicle equipped with ABS in an emergency stop, you should:

Back

Apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal and steer around the obstacle if necessary — With ABS you should press the brake pedal firmly and hold it; the system modulates braking automatically, and you can continue steering to avoid the hazard.

Front

Which sound is a classic warning sign of worn brake pads?

Back

A high-pitched squealing or grinding noise when the brakes are applied — Most modern brake pads have a metal wear indicator that produces a squealing sound when pads are thin; a grinding noise means the pads are fully worn.

Front

What does a spongy or soft brake pedal indicate?

Back

A possible fault such as air in the system or a fluid leak, which must be fixed — A spongy brake pedal usually indicates air in the hydraulic braking system or a fluid leak, both of which reduce braking effectiveness and must be fixed.

Front

Which of these is a warning sign of a possible steering or suspension problem?

Back

The vehicle wanders or drifts without the driver making steering inputs — Wandering or pulling to one side when the steering wheel is released can indicate worn steering or suspension components and should be inspected.

Front

Excessive vibration through the steering wheel at higher speeds most likely indicates:

Back

Unbalanced or improperly inflated tyres or worn wheel bearings — Steering vibration at speed is commonly caused by wheel imbalance, incorrect tyre pressure, or worn wheel bearings, all of which affect safe handling.

Front

Your vehicle bounces excessively after going over a bump. What could this indicate?

Back

Worn shock absorbers — Shock absorbers dampen suspension movement. Worn shocks let the vehicle continue bouncing, reducing tyre contact with the road and compromising control.

Front

A knocking noise from the front suspension when going over bumps or when turning could indicate:

Back

Worn or loose suspension joints such as ball joints or anti-roll bar links — Knocking from the suspension area often points to worn ball joints, anti-roll bar bushes, or other linkage components that need replacement.

Front

When must your windscreen wipers be in good working condition?

Back

At all times, as they are required for roadworthiness — Working windscreen wipers are a legal requirement; worn or faulty wipers reduce visibility in rain and will fail an NCT inspection.

Front

Why should you keep the windscreen washer fluid reservoir topped up?

Back

Because operating wipers on a dry screen can damage both the blades and the windscreen — Running wipers on a dry screen causes smearing, possible scratching of the glass, and rapid deterioration of the rubber wiper blades, so the reservoir should be kept topped up.

Front

Which of these conditions would cause a windscreen to fail the NCT?

Back

A crack or chip within the driver's critical vision area — Cracks or chips in the driver's forward vision zone are an NCT failure item because they distort or restrict the driver's view of the road.

Front

What colour is the exhaust smoke if engine oil is being burnt?

Back

Blue/grey — Blue or grey smoke from the exhaust indicates that oil is burning in the combustion chamber, which points to worn piston rings or valve stem seals.

Front

Black smoke from a petrol engine exhaust most likely indicates:

Back

A rich fuel mixture — too much fuel is being burned — Black smoke from a petrol engine usually means incomplete combustion due to an overly rich air-fuel mixture, often caused by a faulty sensor or injector.

Front

On a cold morning, a small amount of white steam comes from your exhaust. What does this indicate?

Back

Normal condensation that clears once the engine warms up — Condensation in the exhaust system produces harmless white steam when starting a cold engine; it disappears once the engine warms up.

Front

Continuous white smoke from the exhaust, combined with the coolant level dropping regularly, most likely indicates:

Back

A failed head gasket allowing coolant into the combustion chamber — A blown head gasket lets coolant enter the cylinders; it burns and exits as thick white smoke while the coolant reservoir gradually empties.

Front

What does the NCT stand for?

Back

National Car Test — The NCT (National Car Test) is Ireland's mandatory roadworthiness test for private cars, administered by NCTS on behalf of the RSA.

Front

What is the purpose of the NCT?

Back

To assess whether a vehicle meets minimum roadworthiness and safety standards — The NCT examines key safety and emissions items to ensure vehicles on Irish roads meet the required standard for safe operation.

Front

What happens if you drive a vehicle on a public road when its NCT certificate is required but has not been obtained?

Back

It is an offence that can result in a fine and penalty points — It is a legal requirement to have a valid NCT certificate once the vehicle is due for testing; driving without one is an offence that can result in a fine and penalty points.