Brake Light not working

sarahv

Will they still do your test if your brake lights aren't working? One of mine isn't working and I won't be have time to get it fixed before test. It's a problem with the electrics in the car not the actual light. They said they had fixed it when I put car in recently...

dickwod1

They'll do your test, take your money and say it failed because of your "no" brake light ... fix it first.

sarahv

So annoying!

ADIDriving

Depends which brake light it is. If it is either side you won't get to sit the test. If it is the third, middle light you can get away with it because not every car has this light.

aman23

if its a factory fitted brake light, it must work! but some will overlook the middle light!

Mister Jingles

Think its the driving test and not the NCT the OP is referring to.

sarahv

It's the right one...

Alanstrainor

What car is it? Make, model, year?

Whens the test?

Couple of options:

You could see about renting an instructors car.

If you need a whole new light cluster you could find one in a scrappy.

dickwod1

Mister Jingles wrote: »

Think its the driving test and not the NCT the OP is referring to.

If its the driving test OP wont get out of the car park ... get up at 7am ring and then go to an auto electrician and get it sorted.

Cedrus

A generous tester 'might' overlook it and let you try the test but unless you're perfect you are unlikely to get a pass. Strictly speaking the car is unfit to be on the road so they don't even have to sit into it.

Been there done that, I had a lesson just before a test and had to spent 20 minutes of it getting the left headlight fixed, then the left brake light died just before the test. The tester told me he would have started the test if it had been the auxiliary (centre) brake light but not for the left one.

J_R

Cedrus wrote: »

A generous tester 'might' overlook it and let you try the test but unless you're perfect you are unlikely to get a pass. Strictly speaking the car is unfit to be on the road so they don't even have to sit into it.

Been there done that, I had a lesson just before a test and had to spent 20 minutes of it getting the left headlight fixed, then the left brake light died just before the test. The tester told me he would have started the test if it had been the auxiliary (centre) brake light but not for the left one.

Hi,

See :- FINAL CHECKS FOR YOUR DRIVING TEST

as posted by ADI Where either of the two obligatory stop lamps on each side of the vehicle are not working, the test should not be conducted.
for should read will.

They do not check the headlamps, only indicator and brake lights.

Cedrus

J_R wrote: »

Hi,

See :- FINAL CHECKS FOR YOUR DRIVING TEST

as posted by ADI Where either of the two obligatory stop lamps on each side of the vehicle are not working, the test should not be conducted.
for should read will.

They do not check the headlamps, only indicator and brake lights.

Your point is what??

I never said they checked headlights, I got mine fixed off my own back and then was refused because a brake light subsequently failed. Don't quote my post if you can't be bothered even reading it

J_R

Cedrus wrote: »

Your point is what??

I never said they checked headlights, I got mine fixed off my own back and then was refused because a brake light subsequently failed. Don't quote my post if you can't be bothered even reading it

Hi,

Quoted you because because you said

Cedrus wrote: »

A generous tester 'might' overlook it and let you try the test but unless you're perfect you are unlikely to get a pass. Strictly speaking the car is unfit to be on the road so they don't even have to sit into it.

No way whatsoever would any examiner take out a car with either of the two side brake lights not working, irrespective of his generosity.

And you said

Cedrus wrote: »

Been there done that, I had a lesson just before a test and had to spent 20 minutes of it getting the left headlight fixed, then the left brake light died just before the test. The tester told me he would have started the test if it had been the auxiliary (centre) brake light but not for the left one.

The word "Had" implied to me that you or your instructor, believed you had to have the headlamps working. That and spending twenty minutes of your driving lesson working on it. If you had been my pupil I would have told you not to bother.

However I stand corrected.

dickwod1

sarahv wrote: »

Will they still do your test if your brake lights aren't working? One of mine isn't working and I won't be have time to get it fixed before test. It's a problem with the electrics in the car not the actual light. They said they had fixed it when I put car in recently...

Any info on what happened today Sarah?

starlit

No I say you'd have to have the brake lights fixed, if the brake pads are any bit worn you might need to get them fixed. Once the brake lights are working should be fine for the test but probably need to fix them before test as the car be considered not road worthy, you still need to let the car behind you know you that you are braking/slowing/stopping so its all in the name of safety!

sarahv

Test is tomorrow but I was so busy today I needed car and couldn't leave it in. Will have to try get it fixed in the morning, hopefully they can do it quickly

dickwod1

You said its not the actual light/bulb in the car, Do you know what the problem is? did you check the fuses to see was one blown?

Wishbone Ash

dickwod1 wrote: »

They'll do your test, take your money and say it failed because of your "no" brake light ... fix it first.

I don't understand your point.

One would have forfeited the fee regardless as a tester may refuse to conduct the test if a brake light is not working. The fee is only refunded if the test is cancelled with adequate notice.

Even though it doesn't happen, it could be argued that allowing one to do the test anyway gives better value as one gains the experience rather than just forfeiting the fee for nothing.

dickwod1

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Quote:
Originally Posted by dickwod1
They'll do your test, take your money and say it failed because of your "no" brake light ... fix it first.

I don't understand your point.

One would have forfeited the fee regardless as a tester may refuse to conduct the test if a brake light is not working. The fee is only refunded if the test is cancelled with adequate notice.

Even though it doesn't happen, it could be argued that allowing one to do the test anyway gives better value as one gains the experience rather than just forfeiting the fee for nothing.

That was when I thought the test was the NCT.

Check out #9

aujopimur

If you get the tester that failed a test because the seats were dusty, you're fecked.

J_R

Hi,

They should be able to fix it no problem. (Remember you have already paid them to have it fixed - but don't mention that until your leaving)

The most likely cause is the connection between the bulb holder and the bulb. (If the bulb is OK).

Next, either the connection into the lamp cluster or a break in the printed circuit of the light assembly. If an old car this may be caused by verdigris. (copper rust - green stuff)

Temporary repair if either of the last two and they can not fix in time, have them run a wire from the good light to the bad.

Best of luck in the test

sarahv

Couldn't get it fixed in time, back on the list....!