What does the brake warning light mean?

The brake warning light (often an exclamation mark in brackets or a circle) most commonly just means the handbrake is on. If it goes off once you release the handbrake, that's all it was.

If it stays on with the handbrake released, that's the version to take seriously - it can mean low brake fluid or a fault with the braking system, both of which can reduce your ability to stop the car.

Because this light covers more than one possible cause, treat a light that won't clear as a genuine safety issue and get it checked before driving further if you can.