Hawaii Drivers Permit Practice Test

What should happen to the warning lamps on a newer vehicle when the ignition switch is turned on?

1. All lamps should illuminate before the engine is started

2. No lamps should illuminate until the engine is running

3. The lamps should never illuminate unless there is a malfunction

4. The lamps will only illuminate if the headlamps are turned on

The correct answer is: All lamps should illuminate before the engine is started

When the ignition switch is turned on in a newer vehicle, all warning lamps should illuminate before the engine starts. This is a standard feature designed to check that all the warning indicators are functioning properly. By lighting up during this initial phase, the driver can confirm that the bulbs for the various warning systems—such as oil pressure, battery, and brake warnings—are operational. If any of these lights do not illuminate, it may indicate a malfunction in the warning system itself, which is crucial for ensuring the driver is aware of any potential issues with the vehicle once it is running. This performance during the ignition phase helps in promoting safety, as it assures the driver that the vehicle's monitoring systems are ready to provide important information about the vehicle's condition once the engine is running.