Driving Questions

How you’d 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

How you’d find the info for the recommended tyre pressures for the car and how tyre pressures should be checked

Manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, dont forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps

How you’d make sure head restraint is correctly adjusted

should be adjusted so the rigid part 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.

How you’d check tyres efficient thread depth and general condition is safe

no cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of thread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre

How to check headlights and taillights are working. Dont need to exit vehicle

explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle

How to know theres an issue with anti-lock braking system

warning light should illuminate if theres a fault

How you’d check the direction indicators are working. Dont need to exit vehicle

explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary) then walk around vehicle

How you’d check brake lights are working

explain you’d operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help

How you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey

if the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly.

2 checks:

gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system starts to operate

also turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication

How you’d switch on the rear fog lights and explain when youd use them. Dont exit vehicle

operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). check warning light is on. explain use

how you’d switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and how to know its on

operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light

Open the bonnet and tell how you’d check the engine has sufficient oil

identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the min. and max. markers. pull it out, wipe with cloth and put it back in, then take reading

Open the bonnet and say how you’d check the engine has sufficient coolant

identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level

Open bonnet and say how to check you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid

identify reservoir, check against high and low markings