Vehicle Safety Checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive.

The source material is to 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

Show me:

Q. Show me how you would check the parking brake (hand brake) for excessive wear.
A. Demonstrate by applying the parking brake (with your foot on the footbrake) that when it is fully applied it secures itself and is not at the end of its working travel.

 Q. Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
A. Operate the relevant switch, and walk around the car observing the correct functioning of the lights.

Q. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A. Turn on the hazard lights and walk around the car observing the correct functioning of the lights.

Q. Show me how you would check that the horn is working.
A. Show where the horn is and that you would press it if you needed to. Only press it if you are asked to do so.

Q. Show me / explain how you would check that the power steering is working before starting a journey.
A. 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.

Tell me:

Q. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A. No cuts or bulges. 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

Q. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
A. Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc. or ask someone to help.

Q. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A. Operate brake pedal, brakes should not feel spongy or slack.

Q. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressure should be checked.
A. Manufacturers guide, use a pressure gauge or the air pump at the service station.

Q. 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 the dipstick, describe check of oil level against the min/max marker.

Q.  Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and Tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A.  Point to washer reservoir explain that if it looks like it is getting empty then fill it up.

Q. 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. point to the coolant tank and describe how the level should be up to the full mark.

Q.  Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and Tell me how you would check that that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A. Point to the brake fluid reservoir and show the level against the min/max markings.