SAFETY CHECKS.
Vehicle Safety Checks are part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive. Below is a list of the 12 different combinations of questions used on the Driving Test. The Safety Checks are sometimes referred to as 'Show me/Tell me.' This is because on test you will be asked one Show me question and one Tell me question.
The questions will be basic safety checks. You are not expected to be a garage mechanic, so don't worry. Your Driving Instructor will prepare you for this part of the Driving Test.
Combination 1.
Q. 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.
A. Identify dipstick / oil level indicator and describe check of oil level against minimum/maximum markers.
Q. Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A. Before starting a journey two simple steps can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started should result in a slight but noticable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively, after you have started the engine, turn the steering wheel slightly from side to side and check the steering is turning freely. Do not turn too much as 'dry steering' can damage the tyres and steering mechanism. Note power steering only operates when the engine is running.
Combination 2.
Q. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient coolant.
A. Identify high / low level markers on the header tank and describe how to check coolant levels, and how to top up if required.
Q. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A. Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when fully applied, secures itself on the ratchet, and is not at the end of its working travel.
Combination 3.
Q. Identify the windscreen washer reservoir and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A. Identify reservoir and explain how to check level frequently, especially if used regularly on a journey.
Q. Show me how you would check the horn is working. This is done off road only.
A. Sound horn by giving quick press of control. Not too long so as not to annoy or distract others.
Combination 4.
Q. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check brake fluid levels.
A. Identify the brake fluid reservoir and explain how you would check level against maximum / minimum markers.
Q. Show me how you would check that the directional indicators are working.
A. Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check all indicators are functioning.
Combination 5.
Q. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
A. Operate the brake pedal. If you have assistance ask them to check functioning of the brake lights, but it may be possible to check reflection in windows, garage doors etc.
Q. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive.wear.
A. Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when fully applied, secures itself on the ratchet, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Combination 6.
Q. Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A. Ensure it is safe, and apply the footbrake. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the vehicle should not pull to one side. Also listen for strange noises.
Q. Show me how you would check the headlights and tailights are working.
A. Operate light switch and walk round car to check all lights.
Combination 7.
Q. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A. From the manufacturers handbook or guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge to check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Don't forget spare tyre and remember to fit valve caps.
Q. Show me how you would check that the directional indicators are working.
A. Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check all indicators are functioning.
Combination 8.
Q. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A. Explain how you would check the tyres for cuts and bulges and check the tread depth is more than 1.6mm across 3/4 of the central width of the tyre around the entire circumferance.
Q. Show me how you would check the headlights and tailights are working.
A.Operate light switch and walk round car to check all lights.
Combination 9.
Q. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A. Explain how you would check the tyres for cuts and bulges and check the tread depth is more than 1.6mm across 3/4 of the central width of the tyre around the entire circumferance.
Q. Show me how you would check the horn is working. This is done off road only.
A. Sound the horn by giving a quick press of the control. Not too long so as not to annoy or distract others.
Combination 10.
Q. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check brake fluid levels.
A. Identify the brake fluid reservoir and explain how you would check level against minimum/ maximum markers.
Q. Show me / explain how you would check power steering is working before starting a journey.
A. Before starting a journey two simple steps can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started should result in a slight but noticable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively, after you have started the engine, turn the steering wheel slightly from side to side and check the steering is turning freely. Do not turn too much as 'dry steering' can damage the tyres and steering mechanism. Note power steering only works when the engine is running.
Combination 11.
Q. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level, and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient oil.
A. Identify dipstick / oil level indicator and describe check of oil level against minimum / maximum markers.
Q. Show me how you would check that the headlights and tailights are working.
A. Operate light switch and walk round car to check all lights.
Combination 12.
Q. Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient coolant.
A. Identify high / low level markers on header tank and describe how to check coolant levels, and how to top up if required.
Q. Show me how you would check that the headlights and tailights are working.
A. Operate light switch and walk round car to check all lights.
Our Tuition vehicle with the bonnet up showing the engine compartment.
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