Driver Safety Check Questions
You will be asked to answer two of the following "Driver Safety Check Questions" when you are taking your driving test.
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.
A: Identify
dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the
minimum/maximum markers.
Q2: 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.
A: Identify
high/low level markings on header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap,
and describe how to top up to correct level.
Q3: 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. Check your car's manual to see how to
do this.
Q4: 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.
A: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low
markings.
Q5: 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)
A: 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)
Q6: Tell me how
you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: Brakes
should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle
should not pull to one side.
Q7: Tell me where
you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car
and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A: 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.
Q8: 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.
A: No
cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of
the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q9: Show
me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working
before starting a journey.
A: 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.
Q10: Tell me how
you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit
vehicle)
A: 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.)
Q11: Show me how
you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A: Applying
the indicators or hazard warning switch and walking around the vehicle to check
functioning of all indicators.
Q12: Show me how
you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A: Check
is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Q13: Show me how
you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A: Apply footbrake
firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it
secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Q14: Tell me how you 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.
Q15: Show me how you would clean the windscreen
using the windscreen washer and wipers
A: Operate control to wash and
wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.
Q16: Show me how you would set the demister
controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both 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
Q17: 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)
A: Operate
switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning
light is on. Explain use.
Q18: 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.
Q19: 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.
A: Operate
switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning
light