Joe's Driver Training
07799 497 471
At the start of your driving test your examiner will ask you two questions about vehicle safety checks.
You will be asked one show me and one tell me question.
One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
Q1 -- Show Me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A1 -- Apply the indicators one side at a time or hazard warning switch and check all indicators are flashing. (may need to switch ignition on do not start engine)
Q2 -- Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine.
A2 -- Press the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help. (You may need to switch ignition on, but do not start the engine.)
Q3 -- Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A3 -- Start the engine and apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel, as the system begins to operate the steering wheel should be easy to turn. The steering should not feel heavy. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Q4 -- Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle
A4 -- Apply footbrake firmly. Apply the parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Q5 -- 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.
A5 -- Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, explain how you would take it out and wipe it clean before re-dipping and checking the oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.
Q6 -- 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.
A6 -- Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level
Q7 -- 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.
A7 -- Identify reservoir and explain how to check level against markings.
Q8 -- Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)
A8 -- Check is carried out by using control usually on centre of steering wheel. (turn on ignition if necessary)
Q9 -- Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A9 -- Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn on ignition if necessary)
Q10 -- Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
A10 -- Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and all windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
Q11 -- Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them (no need to exit vehicle)
A11 -- Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary) Check warning light is on. Use fog lights when visibility is reduced to less than 100 meters.
Q12 -- Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
A12 -- Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam blue warning light.
Engine compartment
Tell me questions
Q13--Tell me how you would check that the brakes were working before starting a journey.
A13 -- Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q14 -- Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A14 -- Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Q15 -- Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A15 -- 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.
Q16 -- Tell me how to make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A16 -- The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.
Q17 -- 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.
A17 -- No cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 (three quarters)of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q18 -- Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (no need to exit vehicle)
A18 -- Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle.
(As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights)
Q19 -- Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
A19 -- Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.