At the beginning of your Practical Driving Test the Driving Test Examiner will ask you two questions regarding the maintainance of the vehicle. Listed below are the 19 questions that the Driving Test Examiner can choose from.  At the present time failure to answer one or both of the questions will result in one minor error on the Examiners Marking Sheet.

Q1

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.

Ans; Identify the dipstick, describe how to check the oil level against the maximum and minimum markings.

Q 2

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level of fluid.

Ans; Identify the maximum/ minimum level on the header tank and explain how to top up to the correct level.

Q3

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.

Ans; Identify reservoir, check level against maximum/ minimum markings, explain how to top up to correct level.

Q4

Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check fluid level.

Ans; Identify reservoir, keep topped up to full level.

Q5

Show me how you would check the indicators are working.

Ans; Switch on ignition, operate the indicator switch or the hazard warning lights , walk around the vehicle to check bulbs.

Q6

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working satisfactorily before starting your journey.

Ans; Test brakes as you set off, brakes should not feel spongy, and car should not pull to one side.

Q7

Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working, I can assist you.

Ans; Ask examiner to press brake, walk around vehicle to check bulbs. You can make use of reflections.

Q8

Show me/ explain how to check that the power steering is working before starting your journey.

Ans; Gentle pressure on steering wheel when starting engine, wheel gets lighter. Steering will get heavy when moving, if faulty.

Q9

Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car how should they be checked.

Ans; Manufacturers guide, use reliable pressure guage, check when tyres are cold, check spare and refit valve caps.

Q10

Tell me how you would check tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and their condition is safe to use on the road.

Ans; 1.6 mm minimum tread depth across central 3/4 of the breadth of tyre and around the entire outer circumference. No cuts and bulges.

Q11

Show  me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Ans; Operate control.

Q12

Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Ans; switch ignition on , operate control.

Q13

Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Ans; Turn lights on and walk around car.

Q14

Show me how you would set the demisters to clear all the windows effectively, this should include the front and rear screens.

Ans; Turn ignition on, set fan, temperature, air direction, air conditioning, heated rear screen.

Q15

 Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep control of the vehicle.

Ans; Apply footbrake fully, apply handbrake, handbrake not at full extent of travel.

Q16

 Tell me how you would check the head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

Ans; Rigid part of the headrest is level with eyes or top of ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

Q17

Show me how you would turn on the rear fog light and explain how you would know it was on and when you would use it.

Ans; Switch ignition on, turn dipped headlights on, foglight on, explain warning light on the dashboard, less than 100 yards visibility.

Q18

Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped beam to main beam and explain how you would know main beam is on, whilst in the vehicle.

Ans; Turn ignition on, operate the switch, check if the blue warning light is on.

Q19

Tell me how you would know there was a problem with the anti-lock brake system.

Ans; Warning lamp should illuminate when faulty.

For more help or advice please ring;

Tel.   07931 922777

Ask for Dave