 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Updated safety check questions for practical car tests - valid from 1st July 2008
Vehicle
safety checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus
for learning to drive. To
download a copy of the questions in pdf format for printing or saving
to your own computer, right click the link below and choose "save
target as". You will need Adobe Acrobat viewer to view these files
on your computer. If you do not have the free Adobe Acrobat viewer you
can get it by clicking on the image below.
The source material can be found in the DSA publication 'Driving the essential
skills' and ' The official DSA driving test'. Advice and information on
how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's
handbook.
Below is a list of the combinations of questions to be used on test. Each
combination of questions contains two questions and answers.
Combination 1
Question No.B08 Question Type:- Show me
• 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. (may need
to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
Question No.B10 Question Type:- Tell me
• 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.
Combination 2
Question No.B05 Question Type:- Tell me
• 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.
Question No.B09 Question Type:- Show me
• 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, make use of reflections in
windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to
help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to
start engine)
Combination 3
Question No.B02 Question Type:- Show me
• 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.
Question No.B12 Question Type:- Tell me
• 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.
Combination 4
Question No.B04 Question Type:- Show me
• Show me how you would check the parking brake
(handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you
keep safe control of the vehicle
Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying
parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully
applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the
working travel.
Question No.B05 Question Type:- Tell me
• 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.
Combination 5
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.
Question No.B12 Question Type:- Tell me
• 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.
Combination 6
Question No.B03 Question Type:- Show me
• 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.
Question No.B18 Question Type:- Tell me
• 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 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
Combination 7
Question No.B07 Question Type:- Show me
• 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.
Question No.B13 Question Type:- Tell me
• 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.
Combination 8
Question No.B06 Question Type:- Show me
• 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).
Question No.B13 Question Type:- Tell me
• 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.
Combination 9
Question No.B10 Question Type:- Tell me
• 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.
Question No.B14 Question Type:- Show me
• Show me how you would clean the windscreen
using the windscreen washer and wipers
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn
ignition on if necessary.
Combination 10
Question No.B11 Question Type:- Tell me
• Tell me how you would check that the headlights &
tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
Explanation: 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.)
Question No.B15 Question Type:- Show me
• 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 controls including; fan, temperature,
air direction / source and heated screen to clear
windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to
be started for this demonstration
Combination 11
Question No.B16 Question Type:- Show me
• 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)
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and
ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on.
Explain use.
Question No.B19 Question Type:- Tell me
• Tell me how you would know if there was a
problem with your anti lock braking system
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault
with the anti lock braking system
Combination 12
Question No.B09 Question Type:- Show me
• 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, make use of reflections in
windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to
help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to
start engine)
Question No.B11 Question Type:- Tell me
• Tell me how you would check that the headlights &
tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
Explanation: 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.)
Combination 13
Question No.B17 Question Type:- Show me
• 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
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if
necessary), check with main beam warning light
Question No.B19 Question Type:- Tell me
• Tell me how you would know if there was a
problem with your anti lock braking systems
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault
with the anti lock braking system
