SAFETY CHECKS.
Vehicle Safety Checks are part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive. Below is a list of the 13 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. 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.
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.
Combination 2.
Q. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is 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 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. Switch on ignition if necessary, but do not switch on engine.
Combination 3.
Q. Show me / explain how you would check that the 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 operates when the engine is running.
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.
Combination 4.
Q. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear.
A. Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when fully applied, secures itself on the ratchet, and is not at the end of its working travel.
Q. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A. Identify reservoir and explain how to check level frequently, espesially if used regularly on a journey.
Combination 5.
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.Tell me where you would find the information for correct 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 whe tyres are cold. Don't forget spare tyre and remember to fit valve caps.
Combination 6.
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. Tell me how to make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A. 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.
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.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.
Combination 8.
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. Do not sound horn if not off road.
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.
Combination 9.
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 clean the windscreen using the windscreen wiper and washers.
A. Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if (necessary).
Combination 10.
Q. Tell me how you would check the headlights and tailights are working.(No need to exit vehicle).
A. Operate light switch and explain how you would walk round car to check all lights.
Q. Show me how you would set demister controls to clear all the windows effectively,this should include front and rear screens.
A. 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.
Q. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.(No need to exit vehicle).
A. Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on, and explain use. [When visibility is less than 100 metres].
Q. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
A. Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
Combination 12.
Q. Show me how you you would check that the brake lights are working in 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. Switch on ignition if necessary, but do not switch on engine.
Q. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle).
A. Operate light switch and explain how you would walk round car to check all lights.
Combination 13.
Q. Show me how you would switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
A. Operate light switch, and check with main beam warning light. Switch on ignition if necesssary.
Q.Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
A. Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
Above are the revised Safety Check questions applicable from 1st.July 2008.
Our Tuition vehicle with the bonnet open showing the engine compartment.
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