What does it mean if the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) indicator light comes on briefly while you’re driving?
- A The ESC system has activated
- B The ESC system has a fault
- C The ESC system is running a routine test
- D The ESC system is switched off
Why this is the answer
ESC is a computer controlled technology that detects reduced traction and automatically makes corrective adjustments to prevent loss of control. The ESC light comes on briefly to alert the driver that the system has activated and the car is approaching its handling limits. It’s a powerful driver aid but it cannot save a car once its traction limits have been exceeded.
Why the other answers don't fit
- B
- The ESC system has a fault — A fault shows as a light that stays on, not one that flickers and goes out.
- C
- The ESC system is running a routine test — The self-test runs when you start the car, not halfway round a corner.
- D
- The ESC system is switched off — Switching it off gives a steady light or a message, and would not flicker as you drive.
Where this comes from
- Driving: the essential skills — section 5
Rule numbers link to The Highway Code on gov.uk.
Where this question comes from
The question, its options and the explanation are reproduced word for word from the DVSA revision question bank under licence. The licence requires them to appear unaltered, so we cannot reword them and neither can anyone else — that is why you will meet the same wording on other sites. Everything else on this page is written by Theory Hub: the explanation of why each wrong answer is wrong, the topic guide and the revision notes.
Asked in: Car
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