Step 1. The big picture
In one sentence…
Road safety combines prevention, occupant protection and the correct reaction to an emergency. The theory exam usually mixes active safety, passive safety and the PAS response within the same question, so always study cause, consequence and safe conduct together.
Step 2. The syllabus
2.1Active safety
Active safety helps to avoid the accident: brakes, steering, tyres, suspension, lighting and electronic aids all work before the impact.
- These elements only work well if the driver maintains the vehicle and adapts their driving. A poor tyre or badly used light reduces your margin before danger strikes.
- In the exam, a question may mention rain, a bend or braking to check whether you know active safety also depends on grip and anticipation.
- Don't confuse electronic aids with permission to take risks. Their role is to support, not to compensate for inadequate speed or insufficient distance.
2.2Passive safety
Passive safety reduces injuries once the accident can no longer be avoided: seatbelt, headrest, airbags, the vehicle's structure and child restraint systems.
- A badly adjusted headrest or a loose seatbelt can turn an apparently minor rear-end collision into a serious injury for any occupant.
- The airbag does not replace the seatbelt. In questions about occupants, the correct answer usually requires both systems to work together.
- Passive protection starts before you set off: seat, backrest, headrest, seatbelts and loose objects must all be under control so as not to increase harm.
2.3Seatbelt and posture
The seatbelt must be used whenever the vehicle is fitted with one, and it must be well adjusted, without slack or twists.
- Correct posture lets you control the pedals, steering wheel, mirrors and controls without stretching. It also helps the seatbelt, headrest and airbag protect you as they should.
- Don't fit clips, cushions or thick clothing that leave dangerous slack. In an impact, these details change how effective the system really is.
- In tests, be wary of answers that accept wearing the seatbelt any old way for short trips, low speed or rear seats.
2.4Child restraint systems
Minors must travel in the child restraint system suited to their height, weight and type approval, following the seating positions and conditions set out in law.
- The driver must make sure the system is installed and used correctly. It's not enough for the minor to be sitting in just any device.
- The question may not ask for a figure: it may ask for the principle. A minor travels protected when the system matches their characteristics and is fitted correctly.
- If in doubt between comfort and safety, choose safety. The rule aims to reduce injuries even if the trip is short or the minor complains.
2.5The PAS response
The safe sequence follows the PAS principle: protect the area, alert the emergency services and assist without worsening injuries or creating another danger.
- Protecting means preventing further collisions before helping. Park safely, make yourself visible and assess the traffic so you don't become another victim.
- Alerting requires clearly conveying where you are and what has happened. Don't improvise rescue manoeuvres that could worsen injuries unless they are essential.
- Assisting doesn't always mean moving the injured person. In the exam, the cautious answer is usually to stay with them, avoid additional risks and wait for qualified help when appropriate.
2.6Breakdown and immobilisation
Since 1 January 2026, the connected V16 light is the official reference for pre-signalling an immobilised vehicle for those vehicles required to carry the device.
- Before helping, avoid becoming a new victim: park safely, use visibility items and don't step onto the carriageway without controlling the risk.
- In a breakdown, the priority is not to get the vehicle moving quickly again, but to reduce your own exposure and that of other road users.
- Questions often pit haste against safety. Always choose the orderly response: protect first, alert next, and only assist if you don't worsen the danger.
2.7Exam preparation
Classify each element as active or passive and say what risk it reduces. This method stops you learning lists without understanding why they appear together in a question.
- Practise cases: rear-end collision, rollover, rain, a night-time breakdown and a child occupant. In each one, decide which system prevents and which protects.
- The B theory test is 30 questions with a maximum of 3 errors in 30 minutes. It pays to master these topics because they tend to appear with very everyday scenarios.
- When an answer plays down a measure because the trip is short, it's usually suspect. Road safety applies whenever you're driving.
Step 3. Key points
If you only have a minute before the exam, revise this.
- 1.Tell active and passive safety apart with real examples.
- 2.Adjust the seat, seatbelt and headrest before setting off.
- 3.Use the seatbelt, airbag and child restraint systems correctly.
- 4.Apply PAS without putting yourself in danger or worsening injuries.
- 5.Know the official reference for the connected V16 light in 2026.
- 6.Link basic maintenance to the effectiveness of brakes, lights and tyres.
- 7.Be wary of answers that justify skipping measures on short trips.
Step 4. Exam traps
Mistakes the DGT uses again and again on this topic.
- Thinking that wearing the seatbelt any old way is enough.
- Confusing an active safety element with a passive one.
- Getting out of the vehicle without assessing the road's risk during a breakdown or accident.
- Believing the airbag replaces the seatbelt.
- Moving an injured person unnecessarily and without assessing whether you might worsen their injuries.
- Forgetting that the connected V16 is the official reference from 1 January 2026.
Step 5. Quick check
Four real exam questions on what you have just read.
Question 1/4
Under the current Annex VII, which pictogram accompanies the M+S, M&S or M. S marking on snow tyres approved for severe snow conditions?
Step 6. Frequently asked questions about tyres and grip
- How many rear-view mirrors must a two-wheeled moped carry as a mandatory requirement?
- One, the left-hand external mirror. Two-wheeled mopeds must mandatorily carry a left-hand external rear-view mirror to improve visibility and ensure safer driving. The right-hand mirror is therefore optional but recommended.See full question
- Regarding ageing of passenger-car tyres, which action is appropriate?
- Inspect them regularly and replace according to their condition and manufacturer recommendations. A tyre’s service life is not determined solely by its age or tread depth: use, damage, storage and maintenance also matter. Michelin recommends professional inspection at least annually after 5 years of use and precautionary replacement 10 years after manufacture if still in service. Replace sooner when their condition requires it and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.See full question
- Besides checking before long trips or whenever necessary, how often should tyre pressure normally be checked?
- At least once a month. Check pressure at least monthly with cold tyres, and before long trips. Set it to the manufacturer’s specified value for the relevant load and check sooner if pressure loss is suspected. Waiting for the technical inspection or checking only twice a year is insufficient. Do not deflate a hot tyre to the value specified for cold tyres.See full question
- Correct tyre inflation pressure...
- reduces the risk of a tyre blowout. The manufacturer’s specified pressure for the relevant load helps reduce blowout risk and abnormal wear. Underinflation increases tyre deformation and heat. Check pressure regularly when cold, at least monthly and before long trips, following manufacturer guidance; correct pressure cannot prevent every blowout.See full question
- With the engine already running, why may it be difficult to move off on snow?
- Because of low grip: wheels may spin and may sink in deep snow. Snow reduces grip and the driven wheels may spin; in deep snow they may also sink. Move off gently without sudden acceleration, following the vehicle instructions. This question is not about starting the engine.See full question