Passing your theory test is the confidence boost every new driver needs!
In the UK, the driving theory test includes 50 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception section. As one of the most important parts of your car, tyres are a key feature in several of these questions! While the exact wording and examples may change from year to year, or test to test, the key points around tyre safety remain the same.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up some key tyre facts every new driver should know, complete with example questions to help you practice, pass your test and feel confident behind the wheel.
Theory test practice questions about tyres
Tyre-related questions in your theory test usually focus on one of two areas: the physical properties of tyres, such as tread, pressure and condition, and the practical consequences of driving with poorly maintained or illegal tyres in different road conditions.
Tyre pressure facts
Learn all about tyre pressure for your theory test:
| Fact | Explanation/ Key points |
| Tyre pressure checks | Check at least once a month, before long journeys, and when the tyres are cold. |
| How to check tyre pressure | Use a tyre pressure gauge, or a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for accurate measurement; don’t rely on visual inspection alone. |
| Recommended pressure | Follow the vehicle handbook or the sticker inside the driver’s door; note that front and rear pressures may differ. |
| Under-inflated tyres | Can make steering heavier, reduce fuel efficiency, increase stopping distances, and cause uneven wear on the outer edges of the tyre. May also increase the risk of the tyre overheating and failing. |
| Over-inflated tyres | Can reduce grip and traction, cause uneven wear on the centre of the tread, make the ride more uncomfortable and increase the risk of damage from potholes. |
Example tyre pressure questions
- You notice your steering feels heavier than usual. What’s the most likely cause?
- When should you check your tyre pressures?
- Where do you find recommended tyre pressures, and how do you check them?
- How would over-inflated tyres affect your vehicle?
- What should you use to check your tyre pressures?
- What could uneven tyre wear indicate?
Tyre tread facts
Find all the tyre tread facts you’ll need to know for your driving theory preparation.
| Fact | Explanation/ Key points |
| Legal minimum tread depth | 1.6mm across the central-three-quarters of the tyre. |
| Checking tread depth | Use a tread death gauge or do the 20p coin test. Test at several points across the tyre. |
| Why tread matters | Provides grip, channels water on the road surface away and reduces the risk of aquaplaning. |
| Risks of low tread | Can increase stopping distances, reduce grip, and increase the risk of skidding or hydroplaning. |
Example tyre tread questions
- What is the legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK?
- How do you check your tyres have sufficient tread depth and are safe?
- Tyres on cars, light vans and trailers must have a continuous tread depth of at least 1.6 mm. How much of the tyre must have this tread depth?
- Why is adequate tyre tread important?
- If water builds up under your tyres when driving on wet roads, what is likely to happen with worn tread?
- Which tool can help you check if your tyre tread is above the legal limit?
Tyre condition facts
Find quick facts about tyre condition to prepare for your theory test:
| Fact | Explanation/ Key points |
| What to check for | Check for cuts, bulges, uneven wear, punctures, cracking or embedded debris. You may also notice vibrations through the steering wheel or unusual noises while driving. |
| Embedded debris | Stones and other objects should be removed carefully. Check for any damage that might have been caused.
If you notice a nail embedded in your tyre while driving, leave it in place as it may be preventing your tyre from deflating – drive carefully to a tyre professional. |
| Slow punctures | Even slow punctures should be taken seriously. Get your tyre inspected by a tyre professional and replaced as soon as possible. |
| Cracking and ageing | Tyre cracking happens when your tyres degrade due to age, under or overinflation, penetrating water or heat. |
| Cuts, bulges, or damage | Cuts, bulges and damage can weaken the tyre and increase the risk of tyre failure. |
Example tyre condition questions
- How can you check whether a tyre is safe to use?
- What is the safest response if you find stones or debris lodged in the tyre tread?
- What should you do if you notice a slow puncture?
- What does vibration through the steering wheel at certain speeds often suggest?
- What does cracking in the rubber indicate?
- What should you do if you find a nail in your tyre but it hasn’t deflated yet?
Types of tyres questions
Learn everything you need to know about different types of tyres to pass your test:
| Fact | Explanation/ Key points |
| Winter tyres | Designed for cold, wet and icy conditions, providing better grip, shorter braking distances, and better overall vehicle control. |
| All-season tyres | Designed to perform well in a range of conditions but less effective in extreme heat or cold. |
| Run-flat tyres | Designed to help drivers travel a short distance after a puncture, giving them time to drive to a tyre professional and prevent the need to change a tyre immediately. |
| Space saver tyres | A type of spare wheel which is smaller and thinner than a regular tyre. These should be fitted onto the back axil if your car is a front wheel drive and onto the front axil if your vehicle is a rear wheel drive. You can drive a maximum of 50mph on a space saver tyre. |
| Mixing tyres | You should not mix tyre types or brands on the same vehicle as this can reduce grip and can cause unpredictable handling. |
Example questions about types of tyres
- What is the main advantage of using winter tyres in cold conditions?
- When are all-season tyres designed to perform well?
- Why might a driver choose run-flat tyres?
- Why is mixing different types of tyres on the same axle not recommended?
- Which tyres are most commonly fitted as standard on new cars in the UK?
- What’s the purpose of a space-saver spare tyre?
Pass your test and stay safe on the road with TyreSafe
Once you’ve passed your theory test, stay safe on the road with TyreSafe. We’re dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of tyre safety and keeping you prepared for every journey.