Lights and Dash switchs

My xb500 has a high/low beam switch on the dash that does nothing.
For my bike, is that normal or is something broken? If it's wiring, well, I can track that down, but maybe it's the wrong kind of bulb? I would rather test that first, but what kind of bulb do I need?

also, the tail light doesn't work like a brake light, if the lights are on, the tail is on, if off, then off. Isn't the brake light supposed to come on or go brighter when the brake lever is pulled? Again, if it is supposed to, and it's not wiring, it could be the bulb (which I did have to replace) but what kind of bulb should it be?