Basic Mechanics, Safety Components and Accidents – DGT Summary

Exclusive content for the DGT theory exam focused on:

  • basic vehicle mechanics

  • active and passive safety elements

  • traffic accidents

  • basic maintenance

  • common exam mistakes


1. BASIC VEHICLE MECHANICS

Engine

It is the element that:

  • generates the energy to move the vehicle

πŸ’‘ DGT key point:

An engine failure may prevent safe driving.


Braking system

Allows you to:

  • reduce speed

  • stop the vehicle

Types of braking:

  • service brake (pedal)

  • parking brake (hand)

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

The service brake is the main one.


Tyres

Function:

  • the only contact with the road

Risks:

  • wear

  • incorrect pressure

  • lack of tread

πŸ’‘ DGT key point:

Tyres in poor condition increase the risk of accident.


Steering

Allows you to:

  • control the vehicle's trajectory

A failure may cause:

  • loss of control


Suspension

Function:

  • absorb road irregularities

  • maintain stability


2. SAFETY ELEMENTS

Active safety

Prevents accidents.

Includes:

  • brakes

  • tyres

  • lights

  • steering

  • suspension

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

Active safety acts before the accident.


Passive safety

Reduces damage in case of accident.

Includes:

  • seat belt

  • airbags

  • headrests

  • vehicle structure

πŸ’‘ DGT key point:

Passive safety acts during the accident.


Seat belt

Mandatory for:

  • driver

  • passengers

Functions:

  • prevent ejection

  • reduce injuries


Airbags

Function:

  • protect in collisions

They do not replace the seat belt.

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

The airbag always complements the seat belt.


Headrest

Function:

  • prevent cervical injuries


Bodywork

Absorbs impact energy to protect occupants.


3. TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Main causes

  • distractions

  • inappropriate speed

  • alcohol and drugs

  • fatigue

  • poor vehicle condition

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

The human factor is the main cause of accidents.


Types of accidents

Head-on collision

High severity.


Rear-end collision

One vehicle hits another from behind.


Run-off-road

Loss of vehicle control.


Run-over

Vehicle hits a pedestrian or cyclist.


Consequences of accidents

  • injuries

  • material damage

  • fatalities


Conduct after an accident

PAS (Protect, Alert, Aid)

Protect

Prevent further accidents.

Alert

Call emergency services.

Aid

Help the injured without putting yourself at risk.

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

Do not move the injured unless there is serious danger.


4. BASIC MAINTENANCE

Vehicle check

The following must be checked:

  • tyres

  • brakes

  • lights

  • fluid levels


Vehicle fluids

  • oil

  • coolant

  • brake fluid


Tyre pressure

It must be checked:

  • regularly

  • when cold


Lights

They must work properly in order to:

  • see

  • be seen


5. DRIVING SAFETY

Safety distance

Allows you to:

  • stop the vehicle without collision

πŸ’‘ Rule:

The greater the speed β†’ the greater the distance.


Appropriate speed

Must be adapted to:

  • road conditions

  • weather

  • traffic


Preventive driving

It consists of:

  • anticipating risks

  • avoiding dangerous situations


6. COMMON EXAM MISTAKES

  • confusing active and passive safety

  • thinking that the airbag replaces the seat belt

  • forgetting PAS in accidents

  • not checking tyres correctly

  • ignoring the importance of the human factor


7. DGT TIPS

Active safety

Prevents accidents.

Passive safety

Reduces injuries.

PAS

Protect β†’ Alert β†’ Aid.

Tyres

They are key to safety.

Human factor

Main cause of accidents.


ULTRA-QUICK SUMMARY

Basic mechanics

Brakes, tyres, steering, suspension.

Active safety

Prevents accidents.

Passive safety

Reduces damage.

Accidents

Main cause: human factor.

PAS

Protect, alert and aid.