GCSE Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies CCEA

This subject is broken down into 40 topics in 4 modules:

  1. Module: Vehicle Technology 10 topics
  2. Module: Road User Behaviour and Safety 10 topics
  3. Module: Legal Requirements and Responsibilities 10 topics
  4. Module: Environmental Impacts and Issues 10 topics
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  • 4
    modules
  • 40
    topics
  • 15,284
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies

Module: Vehicle Technology

Internal combustion engine basics

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Internal combustion engine basics

Section: Definition and Fundamental Parts

  • The internal combustion engine uses the combustion of fuel and an oxidizer (usually air) to provide motion.
  • Its core parts include the cylinder, piston, spark plug, valves, connecting rod, and crankshaft.
  • There are Four major types of internal combustion engines: petrol, diesel, turbo, and hybrid.
  • Each type varies in aspects such as power, fuel efficiency, environmental impact, and complexity.

Section: Engine Operation - Four Stroke Cycle

  • The engine operation generally consists of four strokes: intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust.
  • The intake stroke sees the piston drop, pulling in a mix of fuel and air as the intake valve opens.
  • During the compression stroke, the piston rises compressing the fuel-air mixture. The intake valve is closed in this phase.
  • Combustion stroke begins with the spark plug igniting the compressed fuel-air mixture producing a large amount of pressure that forces to the piston down.
  • Finally, the exhaust stroke sees the exhaust valve opens as the piston goes back, releasing the combustion by-products out of the cylinder.

Section: Engine Configurations and Sizes

  • Engines come in different configurations: inline, V type, flat / boxer, and rotary engines. Each has distinct characteristics.
  • Engine sizes are measured in litres or cubic capacity like 1.0 litre.

Section: Engine Cooling and Lubrication

  • Engines require cooling systems to maintain the engine’s temperature. It usually involves a coolant liquid circulating through the engine and then cooled in the radiator.
  • Lubrication systems reduce engine wear and tear by combating the high temperatures and friction created within the internal combustion cycle.

Section: Importance of Engine Maintenance

  • Regular engine maintenance is essential to extend the engine's life, maintain fuel economy, and prevent costly repairs.
  • Basic maintenance tasks include changing the oil and air filters, scheduling regular inspections, and monitoring coolant fluid levels.

Course material for Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies, module Module: Vehicle Technology, topic Internal combustion engine basics

Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies

Module: Legal Requirements and Responsibilities

Understanding vehicle registration

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Understanding vehicle registration

Importance of Vehicle Registration

  • It is a legal requirement in the UK to register your vehicle with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
  • Vehicle registration proves you are the vehicle's legal owner and ensures the government has a record of all vehicles in use.
  • Incorrect or fraudulent registration can result in fines and legal consequences.

Process of Vehicle Registration

  • Vehicles are typically registered at the point of sale by the seller, but in the cases where they are not, the new owner must contact DVLA to register.
  • A Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C) is received upon successful registration completion.
  • The registration mark, also known as the vehicle's number plate, is allocated by DVLA and ties a specific vehicle to the information stored in the vehicle register.

The Vehicle Registration Certificate (V5C)

  • Also known as the logbook, the V5C holds vital information about the vehicle, such as make, model, engine size and colour; it also details who the registered keeper is.
  • It is the keeper's responsibility to update the V5C when necessary; for example, if the vehicle is modified, sold, exported, or scrapped, the V5C must be updated to reflect this.
  • A replacement V5C can be requested from the DVLA if it gets lost, stolen, damaged or wasn’t received when the vehicle was bought.

Selling, Buying and Changing Details

  • When selling a vehicle, the seller is required to inform the DVLA, usually by completing and sending the appropriate section of the V5C.
  • Buying a vehicle requires the new owner to acquire the green 'new keeper' slip from the V5C from the previous owner and notify the DVLA.
  • Changes to a vehicle, like color change, engine replacements, etc, must be reported, which usually leads to an updated V5C being issued and possible changes to vehicle tax.

Imported and Exported Vehicles

  • If a vehicle is imported, the DVLA must be notified and the vehicle will need a specific registration process, often requiring an MOT and vehicle tax payment.
  • When exporting a vehicle, the DVLA requires to be informed and documentation like the V5C's 'export and permanent export' section must be completed.

Course material for Motor Vehicle and Road User Studies, module Module: Legal Requirements and Responsibilities, topic Understanding vehicle registration

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