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Driving in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge

E.C.P.C. Driving School

Driving in Sevenoaks and Tonbridge

E.C.P.C. Driving School

Show and Tell

Show and Tell—Vehicle Safety Check Questions

At the start of your driving test you’ll be asked two vehicle safety check questions. These are to make sure that you can keep your car’s systems (tyres, washers, wipers, etc) working and safe when you are driving your own car. You need to be able to answer these questions for the car in which you take the test. Here are the questions, with the answers for ECPC’s cars.

Note that these questions are updated on 1st July 2008. All the new questions are covered here.

B 01 Oil Show - 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 removal, wipe, insertion and removal to check oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.

B 02 Steering Show - 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 a simple check can be made. Turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning. Easy to steer – it works. Heavy steering – power assistance not working.

B 03 Coolant Show - 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 seam markings on the header tank, and describe how to top up to correct level.

B 04 Handbrake Show - Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle

Apply footbrake while doing this. Demonstrate by applying parking (hand-) brake that resistance increases and it secures the car, if there is excessive wear it will go easily to the end of its working travel.

B 05 Washer fluid Tell - Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer

Identify reservoir and need to fill to check level. Need enough for the journey.

B 06 Horn Show - Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Check is carried out by using control. Ignition not needed.

B 07 Brake fluid Show - 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. Shake car if hard to see level.

B 08 Indicators Show - Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Turn on hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.

B 09 Brake lights Show - 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)

If you are reversed up to a wall, fence, garage door, window, etc you can make use of the reflections of the brake lights, or ask the examiner to help by operating the brake pedal so you can check. Turn the ignition to the normal running position, but don’t start the engine.

B10 Brakes Tell - Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should be tested as you set off and should stop the car. Brakes should feel firm, not spongy or slack. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

B11 Lights Tell - Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

Operate switch, walk round vehicle. Include rear number plate lights.

B12 Tyre pressure Tell - Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

In manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check all five tyres (including the spare), when tyres are cold, remember to refit valve caps.

B13 Tyres Tell - 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 couple of millimetres of tread everywhere, and even tread wear. Legal requirement is for a minimum 1.6 mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. No cuts or bulges in the sidewalls.

B14 Windscreen Washers Show - Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Turn the key to the normal running position. Pull the wiper stalk towards you and hold it a while. Release the stalk, wipers will do 4 more sweeps.

B15 Windscreen Demister Show - Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

Rear screen demister only works with engine running. Ask permission to turn on the engine and remember your checks. Switch on the rear screen demister. Set air supply to windscreen only and set fan speed and air temperature to high. Switch on air conditioner if necessary.

B16 Rear fog light Show - 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, Please don't start the engine.)

Turn the key to the normal running position. Turn on dipped headlights. Press rear fog light button (around light switch). Use only when visibility due to fog/spray/snow < 100m.

B17 Headlights Show - 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

Turn the key to the normal running position. Turn on dipped headlights. Push the indicator stalk away from you. Note that the blue light is on in front of you. Pull or push the stalk to dip.

B18 Head Restraints Tell - Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash

Make sure the restraint will support your head at the level of the eyes and ears – where the weight is. Adjust up or down by pushing button on the left of the restraint.

B19 Brakes Tell - Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system

When turning on the ignition the ABS warning light (amber, near the red handbrake warning) should come on for a few seconds. If it stays on, or comes on when driving, there is a fault.