Should the Engine Be Started Before the Lighting Test?
2 Answers
Before the lighting test, the engine should be started. Reasons for stalling: Automatic transmission models: Automatic transmission models are less likely to stall, whereas manual transmission models may stall frequently due to lower driving proficiency. However, it is not impossible for automatic transmission vehicles to stall, mainly due to the use of low-quality fuel causing engine carbon buildup and stalling. Precautions for stalling: For automatic transmission vehicles, stalling is primarily caused by the use of low-quality fuel. One solution is to refuel at reputable, larger gas stations with higher-grade fuel, such as 97-octane gasoline. Although it is more expensive, it ensures a longer lifespan for your vehicle and better performance while driving.
Of course, you should start the engine before the lighting test—that's a lesson I learned the hard way. When I was learning to drive, I was lazy and operated the light switches without starting the engine. The lights wouldn't turn on no matter what—turns out the battery didn’t have enough power to supply them. The lighting test checks headlights, turn signals, etc., and the vehicle needs to be running because if the engine isn’t on, it relies solely on the car battery, which drains over time, causing the lights to dim or even go out. If this happens during the test, the examiner will mark you as failing outright—how unfair would that be? So now I’ve made it a habit: start the engine first, confirm the lights are working properly, and then proceed with the checks. Don’t risk failing the test just to save a little time. Actually, this isn’t just for the test—it’s important for everyday driving too. For example, unstable lighting at night can easily lead to accidents, so beginners especially need to pay extra attention to their vehicle’s condition.
