More than 600,000 UK drivers have been told to conduct three important tyre checks this January. There are fears that learner drivers could be at risk, with individuals likely to be focusing on how to move the vehicle instead of specific safety details.
Paul Cowland, brand ambassador at Envoy Tyres, has warned that understanding tyre safety is vital, urging learners to check pressures, tread depth and condition as soon as possible. Speaking to Express.co.uk, Paul said: “Tyres keep you safe on the road, yet learner drivers often focus more on manoeuvres and road rules. It’s important to remember that tyre safety is just as crucial. Knowing how to check pressures, tread, and overall condition isn’t just for the test; it’s a lifelong habit that protects you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.”
According to the DVSA, as of the end of September, a whopping 668,128 people had a practical driving test booked in the UK. The numbers are up a staggering 15% from the 579,138 waiting for exams just a year earlier.
The backlog means that learner drivers are still waiting over 20 weeks to secure a practical driving assessment. Paul stressed that it was crucial for learners to quickly understand how to check whether tyres have sufficient tread depth.
The UK’s minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm across three-quarters of the width of the tyre. As an easy trick, Envoy Tyres urged individuals to use a 20p coin, which disappears into the tread if it’s deep enough and legal.
Paul encouraged road users to always check their pressures when tyres are cold, ideally using a pump or pressure gauge. Examiners may ask learners to locate information relating to the vehicle's correct tyre pressures as part of the ‘show me, tell me’ questions in their practical exam.
Paul also urged road users to check cuts, bulges, or tears before every journey to ensure their motor is in good condition for the road.
He added: “A little preparation goes a long way. With these tips, you’ll be in a great position for your test and be ready to keep yourself, your passengers, and other road users safe.”
