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These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out
to ensure the vehicle is safe for use.
Before the start of your test, you will be asked two questions,
one `show me` and one `tell me`.
Although some checks may involve you opening the bonnet to
identify where fluid levels would be checked,
you will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check
fluid levels. Make sure you know how to open
the bonnet and make sure that you shut it properly once you have
finished.
One or both questions answered incorrectly will result
in one minor driving fault being recorded.
Show Me
..........
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 markers.
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.
Open the bonnet, 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.
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.
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.
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).
Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear,
make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully
applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working
travel.
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)
Operate brake pedal and make use of reflections or ask someone to
check the lights are
working.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen
washer and wipers.
Operate the washers and wipers ensuring all water is clear of the
windscreen. ( turn on the ignition if
necessary.)
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the
windows effectively, this should include both front and rear
screens.
Set all relevant control including temperature, air direction and
heated screen to clear windscreen and windows.
Remember to turn off or down when screens are
clear.
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain
when you would use them.(no need to exit the vehicle, please
don’t start the
engine.)
Operate the control to turn on the fog lights, turning on dipped
headlights and ignition if necessary. Check warning light is
on. These lights should only be used in fog,
when visibility is seriously reduced and drops below 100 metres
(328 feet). You must switch them off when
visibility improves to avoid dazzling other road
users.
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 the control
(with ignition or engine on if necessary).
When the headlights are on main beam, a warning light is normally
displayed on the instrument panel which is usually blue in
colour.
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.
Tell Me ...........
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail
lights are working. (No need to exit the
vehicle)
After operating the switch, walk around the vehicle checking all
bulbs are working
correctly.
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.
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
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.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti
lock braking
system.
The instrument panel will display a warning light if there is a
fault in the ABS
system.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly
adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a
crash.
The head restraints should be adjusted so that the rigid part of
the head restraint is at least as high as the eyes or the tops of
the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is
comfortable.
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