How do you properly perform a visual check to ensure the brake lights are working?

You are correct that the proper way to check the brake lights is to use the handbrake and footbrake one after the other. In Germany, this method ensures that each brake light is individually tested, as pressing them simultaneously might not show if one brake light is defective. By applying the handbrake first, you check the rear brake lights, and then by pressing the footbrake, you verify the brake lights activated through the main pedal. This step-by-step approach helps confirm all brake lights are working properly for safety on the road.