6. Unsafe tires  — make sure the tires are in good condition, have plenty of tread and are properly inflated. Temporary spare tires may not be used on a road test (they are intended only to get the vehicle to the nearest repair shop at reduced speeds so that the proper tire can be repaired or replaced). 

7. Airbag or Brake and ABS warning lights stay on  — if these lights stay on, they may indicate a serious safety problem. 

8. Driver’s side and passenger side doors or windows not operating  — for safety reasons both the driver’s side and passenger side doors must open and close properly, from both the inside and the outside. There are times on the road test that you or the driver examiner may need to open a window, so they need to function properly. 

9. Faulty exhaust  — a leaking exhaust pipe or missing muffler is unsafe and dangerous — it may cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Excessively loud mufflers are illegal and interfere with conducting your road test. 

10. Unsafe or illegal vehicle modifications  — some modifications are illegal and unsafe: 

• accessory “racing” steering wheels  — these wheels are not equipped with airbags, and installing one in a 1998 or later car in place of an airbag- equipped steering wheel not only deprives the driver of airbag protection but can potentially disable all the vehicle’s airbags. 

• excessively raised or lowered vehicles  — excessively lowering or raising a vehicle can affect steering and braking control in an emergency. 

11. Fuel gauge on “empty”  — nobody likes to run out of gas or electricity, and you certainly don’t want this to happen on your road test. 

Make sure you know how to use the heater and defroster and windshield wipers — you may need to use them to keep the windows clear while on your road test. 

Also, remember to turn off your cellphone and car radio — you want to concentrate on your driving during the road test. 

As well, make sure your vehicle is clean and tidy inside, and that lights and windows are clean. 

Loose objects inside can be dangerous if you have to stop suddenly, so these should be removed or stored in the trunk. 

