Irrelevant of the driving test, driver's should have a good understanding of their vehicles.
This in turn will ensure they know what to do when necessary, and will give them the ability to spot things that are not quite what they should be and possibly how to react accordingly.
1. Could you tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient oil?
Example answer. You would point to the engine oil dipstick and explain how you would pull it out and clean it off with a rag, replace it and pull it out again so that you can see if the oil level is in between the minimum and maximum markers.
Oil Dipstick
2. Could you tell me how you would know there is sufficient engine coolant?
Example answer. You would point out the position of the engine coolant reservoir and mention that the fluid needs to be within the minimum and maximum markers and point to there the markers are on the side of the reservoir. NEVER UNDO THE ENGINE COOLANT RESERVOIR LID OR RADIATOR CAP WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT. IT IS UNDER PRESSURE AND COULD BURN YOU.
Min - Max level
3. Could you tell me how you would check the brake fluid reservoir has sufficient fluid?
An example Answer. You would point to where the reservoir position is and mention that the fluid level needs to be within the minimum and maximum markers and point out where the markers are on the side of the reservoir.
Clutch and Brake fluid Reservoir Min - Max markers
4. Tell me where you would find the information about the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how would you check the pressures?
Example answer. You can find details about tyre pressure in the owners’ handbook. By taking off the tyre vale cap you can then place a tyre pressure gauge on the valve to see the current pressure of the tyre. If it needs air, you will use a tyre inflator. It is best to check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold. Once checked, replace the tyre valve cap.
Tyre Pressure gauge
5. Tell me how would you check the tyre to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road?
Example answer. Explain that you would use a tyre tread gauge to check the tread depth in a couple of places around the tyre. You would also make visible checks around the whole tyre to ensure that there is an even wear and that there are no bulges or tears in the side walls, also that there are no items such as nails, screws, or glass in the tyre.
The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm across the centre three quarters breadth of the tyre tread and around the full circumference.
6. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car?
Example answer. Tell the examiner that the ignition would need to be on to allow the lights to work.
You would possibly drive to a local shopping parade and reverse the car into a bay and use the reflection of your car in the shop window to see the lights.
You could also record the rear of the car on your phone camera and then check the footage.
7. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
Example answer. There should be slight resistance felt when pressing the brake pedal.
The pedal should not feel spongy or slack.
A rolling brake test could be conducted at 20 -30mph by pressing the brake pedal, the car should come to a stop quickly and the steering wheel should not pull to one side or the other.
A stationery brake test could be conducted by pressing the brake pedal a couple of time with the engine switched off.
The pedal should become hard to press (not so common with newer cars).
Keeping pressure on the brake pedal, start the engine and the brake pedal should fall slightly to the floor.
This will show that the Servo (power-assisted side of the brakes is working)
8. Tell me how you would know if the Anti-lock Brake System developed a fault while on a journey?
Example answer. The Amber ABS light would illuminate on the dashboard.
9. Tell me how you would switch you lights from Dipped beam to Main beam and how would you know they are on?
Example answer. Explain how you would turn on Dipped beam first, then explain that using the stalk on the steering column to turn Main beam on. Explain that the Blue main beam symbol would illuminate on the dashboard.
10. Tell me how you would switch on your rear fog lights and when would you use them?
Example answer. Explain that the rear fog lights will only come on if your dipped beam lights were on. Then tell them where the switch is to turn on the rear fog lights. Explain that when they were on an amber symbol would illuminate on the dashboard and that you would only use them if visibility was reduced to less than 100mtrs.
11. Tell me how you would check that all the indicator bulbs were working correctly?
Example answer. You would be able to put on the Hazard warning lights as this will make all the indicators work without the keys.
You could then step out of the car and walk around to see they are all functioning
12. Tell me how you would know if the power steering was working correctly.
Example answer. When working correctly, the steering should feel light to turn.
To check it is working, with the engine off, turn the steering until pressure builds up on it (it should feel hard to turn) keep that pressure on the steering wheel and start the engine.
The steering should then go slack and easy to turn.
13. Tell me how you would set up your head restraint correctly?
Example answer. I would ensure that my eyeline is in line with the centre part of the head restraint and that it was as close to the back of my head as I could get it.
