Car Dashboard Warning Lights Explained: A Guide for New Drivers

Dashboard warning lights work like traffic lights: red means stop safely as soon as you can, amber means get it checked soon, and green or blue just tell you something is switched on. The exact symbols vary between makes and models, so your car’s handbook is always the final word.

Learner and new drivers often panic the first time a light comes on. This guide explains the common ones, which need you to pull over, and what to do next. It also helps with the tell me questions on your driving test, which ask about checks like oil, brakes and tyres.

• Red: a serious problem or a safety issue. Find a safe place to stop as soon as you can and turn the engine off.
• Amber or yellow: something needs attention. You can usually carry on carefully, but book a check soon.
• Green or blue: information only, such as dipped headlights (green) or main beam (blue) being on.

Most lights come on for a second or two when you start the car, as a self-check. That’s normal. It’s a light that stays on, or comes on while you’re driving, that you need to act on.

• Oil pressure (an old-style oil can): low oil pressure can damage the engine quickly. Stop, turn off the engine and check the oil level.
• Engine temperature (a thermometer in liquid): the engine is overheating. Stop, let it cool and check the coolant level once it’s cold. Never open a hot coolant cap.
• Brake system (an exclamation mark in a circle, or “BRAKE”): check the handbrake is fully off. If the light stays on, the brake fluid may be low or there may be a brake fault, so don’t carry on driving.
• Battery or charging (a battery symbol): the battery isn’t being charged. The car may stop when the battery runs flat, so head somewhere safe or get it checked.
• Airbag (a person with a circle in front): the airbags may not work in a crash. Get it checked as soon as possible.
• Power steering (a steering wheel, sometimes with an exclamation mark): the steering may suddenly feel very heavy. Slow down and get it checked.

• Engine management (an engine outline): a fault with the engine or emissions. If it flashes, reduce speed and get help, as it can mean a more serious problem.
• ABS (“ABS” in a circle): the anti-lock brakes have a fault. Normal braking still works, but the wheels could lock under hard braking.
• Tyre pressure (an exclamation mark inside a tyre shape): one or more tyres may be low. Check the pressures when the tyres are cold.
• Traction or stability control (a car with wavy lines): flashing means the system is working on a slippery road. Staying on means a fault or that it has been switched off.
• Diesel particulate filter (a box with dots, on diesel cars): the filter is getting blocked, often from lots of short journeys. A longer, steady drive can help clear it; check your handbook.
• Glow plug (a coil symbol, on diesel cars): wait for it to go out before starting. If it stays on or flashes while driving, get it checked.
• Low fuel: fill up soon. Running a car very low on fuel isn’t good for it.

• Dipped headlights (green) and main beam (blue): main beam must be dipped for oncoming traffic and when following another vehicle.
• Indicators (green arrows) and front fog lights (green). The rear fog light is usually amber: switch it off when visibility improves.
• Cruise control and eco mode lights, depending on the car.

1. Check the colour. Red means stop when it’s safe; amber means get it checked soon.
2. If you need to stop, signal, pull over somewhere safe and legal, and put your hazard lights on if you’re causing an obstruction.
3. Look the symbol up in the handbook.
4. Do the simple checks the handbook suggests, such as oil, coolant or tyre pressures, only once it’s safe to do so.
5. If you’re not sure, call your breakdown provider or a garage rather than carrying on.

Some warning lights, such as engine management, ABS and airbag lights, can lead to an MOT failure if they stay on, so it’s worth getting them fixed before your MOT.

If a red warning light comes on during your test, tell the examiner. They’ll decide whether it’s safe to carry on, as the test can’t continue in an unsafe car.

Your instructor’s car is checked regularly, which is one reason many learners take their test in it. Read show me, tell me questions and what happens on your driving test to get ready.

Our DVSA-approved instructors cover car checks as part of your lessons, so you’re ready for the tell me questions and for driving on your own after you pass. Manual and automatic lessons across Greater Manchester, from £35 an hour, 7 days a week from 7am to 11:30pm.

Fill in the form and we’ll match you with an instructor near you, or call 07758 837589.

What does a red warning light mean on a car dashboard?

A serious problem or safety issue. Stop as soon as it is safe, turn off the engine and check the handbook. Common red lights are oil pressure, engine temperature, brakes, battery and airbag.

Can I keep driving with the engine management light on?

If it is steady, you can usually drive carefully to a garage soon. If it flashes, reduce speed and get help, as it can mean a more serious fault.

Why do all the lights come on when I start the car?

It is a self-check. The lights should go out after a second or two. Act on any light that stays on or comes on while driving.

Will a warning light fail my MOT?

Some can. Lights such as engine management, ABS and airbag warnings can lead to an MOT failure if they stay on, so get them checked first.

What happens if a warning light comes on during my driving test?

Tell the examiner. They will decide whether it is safe to carry on, as the test cannot continue in an unsafe car.