What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down – Driving Theory Learner App Guide

Breaking down can happen to any driver - whether it's a flat tyre, engine trouble, or a warning light you didn't expect. Knowing what to do if your vehicle breaks down is essential for your safety and is an important topic for the UK driving theory test.

This guide explains what to do step by step, how to stay safe, and how to prepare in advance.

⚠️ If Your Vehicle Breaks Down

1. Pull Over Safely as Soon as Possible

At the first sign of trouble, slow down and pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. Avoid harsh braking or sudden steering.

• Use a lay-by or parking area if available
• If not, stop on the left-hand side of the road
• On a motorway, aim for the hard shoulder (if available)

Once stopped:

• Turn your wheels away from the road
• Apply the handbrake
• Switch off the engine

Try to stop somewhere visible, away from bends, junctions, or hills so other drivers can see you clearly.

2. Warn Other Road Users

Making your vehicle visible is crucial to prevent collisions.

You should:

• Switch on your hazard warning lights immediately

If it's safe to do so, you can also:

• Wear high-visibility or reflective clothing
• Raise your bonnet to signal a breakdown
• Place a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your vehicle
  (Do not use warning triangles on motorways)

⚠️ Never place warning devices if it puts you in danger, and do not use flares if there is a fuel leak.

3. Get Yourself to a Safe Place

Your safety comes first.

• If you're on a motorway, exit the vehicle via the left-hand door
• Move behind a barrier, up a bank, or well away from traffic
• Keep passengers together and away from the road

If you're on a quiet road and it's safer to stay inside:

• Remain in the car with your seatbelt fastened
• Keep hazard lights on

4. Call for Help

Use your phone to contact:

• Breakdown or roadside assistance
• Emergency services (999) if you're in danger
• Motorway emergency phone if available (these give your exact location)

Be ready to share:

• The road name or motorway number
• Direction of travel
• Nearby landmarks or junction numbers

Stay with your vehicle (or in a safe place nearby) until help arrives.

🧰 How to Prepare for a Vehicle Breakdown

Good preparation can reduce stress and keep you safe.

Essential Items to Keep in Your Car

A basic emergency kit should include:

• First aid kit
• Mobile phone charger or power bank
• Torch with spare batteries
• High-visibility vest
• Warning triangle
• Jumper (booster) cables
• Spare tyre, jack, and wheel brace
• Warm clothing, gloves, and blanket
• Bottled water and snacks
• Screen wash and engine coolant
• Ice scraper and snow brush (winter)

Setting up emergency contacts on your phone is also highly recommended.

🧠 Key Theory Test Tips to Remember

• Use hazard warning lights when broken down
• Do not attempt repairs on a busy road
• Warning triangles are not used on motorways
• Always put safety before the vehicle

Breaking down is inconvenient, but knowing the correct steps helps keep you and other road users safe. These actions are not only good practice - they're also important knowledge for the UK driving theory test.

Stay prepared, stay calm, and drive safely 🚦