41.11. Indicate what needs to be checked before starting to drive.
UAВкажіть, що потрібно перевірити перед початком руху.
Question without image
This is an exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine about basic safety before departure: the driver should not simply sit down and start driving, but must make sure that the vehicle is in good working order and will not create risks on the road. Such a brief check before starting reduces the likelihood of brake or signal failure while driving, and therefore directly affects road safety and the results of the theoretical exam.
The question tests knowledge of the requirements of Section 2 of the Traffic Rules (Duties and Rights of Drivers), in particular the obligation to check the technical condition and completeness of the vehicle before departure (point 2.3), as well as the logic of Section 10 (Starting to Move and Changing Its Direction), where the emphasis is on the safety of starting to move for other road users. In other words, it is about a systematic approach: both the main control units and the signaling and lighting devices are checked.
The option concerning lights and the sound signal is correct as part of the check, since faulty headlights, turn signals, or brake lights worsen visibility and "communication" on the road. The option about brakes and the clutch (or pedals) is also mandatory, because these elements determine the ability to stop safely and control movement. In practice, both points complement each other, so the correct answer is a combined choice that covers the full minimum of checks before starting to move according to the traffic rules.
Clause 2.3 (a) — 2 "Duties and Rights of Drivers"
The driver is obliged: "before departure to check and ensure the technical serviceability and completeness of the vehicle, the correct placement and securing of the load, as well as the condition of the fastening of license plates."
Brief application: this clause directly establishes the driver's duty before starting to drive to check the serviceability (in particular, brakes, steering, external lighting devices, horn, etc. as elements of technical condition) and completeness of the vehicle, as well as anything that may affect safety (securing of cargo, license plates).
Clause 10.1 — 10 "Starting to Move and Changing Direction"
"Before starting to move, changing lanes, or making any change in direction, the driver must make sure that it will be safe and will not create obstacles or danger to other road users."
Brief application: before starting, it is necessary not only to check the vehicle, but also to make sure that the very beginning of movement is safe for other road users.
That is, the correct answer is "Both of the above options.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, the driver is obliged before departure to check the technical serviceability and completeness of the vehicle (clause 2.3 (a)), and before starting to move — additionally to make sure of the safety of starting to move and the absence of obstacles/danger for others (clause 10.1).
Before starting to drive, the driver is required to make sure that the vehicle is in good working order and that its use will be safe. This is not just a formality: even a brief check before departure helps to detect malfunctions on the spot, rather than while driving, when any failure can lead to an accident.
First of all, it is necessary to check the technical condition of the main control systems. On a stationary car (or motorcycle), you should make sure that the brakes operate normally: the pedal or lever should have noticeable resistance and not "sink". Similarly, the steering should be checked for absence of play and unusual sticking, and for mechanical control elements (clutch, gear shifting) — for normal travel and precise operation. If obvious signs of brake or steering malfunction are detected, it is forbidden to drive, as such a vehicle is dangerous.
It is also necessary to make sure that the external lighting devices and signals are working properly, as well as to ensure proper visibility. Before departure, the driver should inspect the headlights, position lights, brake lights, turn indicators, and hazard warning lights, as well as check the operation of the horn. It is equally important to clean the windows, mirrors, and headlights from dirt to ensure proper visibility and road illumination. You should also check the cleanliness of the license plates, as dirty plates create problems with vehicle identification and may be grounds for liability.
Thus, before starting to drive, both the technical condition of the main systems and the operation of lighting devices/signals and the condition of elements affecting visibility are checked. These are two complementary safety blocks, and omitting either increases the risk on the road.
Therefore, the correct answer is "Both of the above options," since before departure you need to simultaneously make sure of the technical condition of the key control systems and the proper operation of lighting devices/signals and the provision of normal visibility.