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As you approach your driving test, your instructor will guide you through each vehicle safety check step-by-step. Carrying out basic preventative maintenance by being able to identify the various fluid reservoirs and how to check their level marks is essential for preventing vehicle breakdowns in everyday motoring and not just for the driving test. The source material is to be found in the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) publication "Driving the essential skills" and "The official DSA driving test". Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook. Questions are asked in combinations as follows:
Combination 1
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Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. |
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
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Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. |
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
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Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level. |
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
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Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car, I can assist you. |
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help (turn on ignition if necessary).
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Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey. |
If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
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Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. |
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Combination 4
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Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle. |
Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
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Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level. |
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Combination 5
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Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil. |
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum marker.
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Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. |
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
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Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level. |
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
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Tell me how you make sure that your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. |
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or the top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as comfortable. Note: some restraints might not be adjustable..
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Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid. |
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
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Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. |
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
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Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only). |
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
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Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. |
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
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Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. |
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
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Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers. |
Operate control to wash and wipe the windscreen (turn on ignition if necessary).
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Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. |
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
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Show me how you would use the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear windows. |
Set all relevant controls including fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
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Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. |
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Use when visibility is reduced to less than 100 metres.
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Tell me how would know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system. |
Warning light would illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
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Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car, I can assist you. |
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help (turn on ignition if necessary).
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Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. |
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
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Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car. |
Operate switch (turn on ignition is necessary) and check with main beam warning light..
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Tell me how would know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system. |
Warning light would illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
