Vehicle safety check questions (random
checks)
These are basic safety checks that a driver should
carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may
involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would
be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check
fluid levels.
As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with
electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the
engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to
refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on
fluid levels or tyre pressures.
Questions for car drivers
The source material is to be found in the Driving Standards Agency (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.
Candidates will be asked two questions, one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’. One or
both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being
recorded.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Show me how you would check the parking brake
for excessive wear.
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is
fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
5. 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.
6. 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).
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Tell me how you would check that the brake
lights are working on this car.
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows,
garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
10. 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.
11. Show me how you would check that the headlights
& tail lights are working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round
vehicle.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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).
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system (ABS)
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
19. 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.