Driving

Tell me how you check the brakes work before a journey.

Shouldn’t feel spongy/slack. Test brakes as you move off, car shouldn’t pull to one side.

Tell me where you find the recommended tyre pressure and how to check them.

In the car manual. Use a pressure gauge, check when tyres are cold.

. Tell me how to check tyre tread depth & condition.

1.6mm tread depth across ¾ of tyre, no cuts/bulges.

Tell me how to check headlights & tail lights.

Turn on ignition, operate the switch, walk around car.

Tell me how to check brake lights

Press brake pedal, use reflections or ask someone to check.

Tell me how to check power steering is working.

Steering should not feel heavy, turn wheel as you start the engine, it should move freely.

Tell me how to switch on rear fog lights & when to use them

Turn on dipped headlights, press fog light switch. Use in foggy conditions when visibility <100m

Tell me how to check engine oil level.

Use dipstick, check against min/max markers.

Tell me how to check coolant level.

Look at high/low markings on the coolant tank.

Tell me how to check brake fluid level.

Check brake fluid reservoir is between min/max

Show me how to wash & clean front windscreen.

Pull the right stalk towards you (wipers activate).

Show me how to wash & clean rear windscreen.

Push the right stalk away (rear wiper activates).

Show me how to switch on dipped headlights

Turn the headlight switch one click to dipped

Show me how to demist the front windscreen.

Press front demister button, adjust fan if needed.

Show me how to demist the rear windscreen

Press rear demister button

Show me how to open & close the side window.

Use the window button on the door panel.

Forward bay parking

1. Positioning: Stay at least a car’s width from the target bay.

2. Choose a bay, check mirrors, and signal.

Right turn: Signal right and move forward.

Left turn: Signal left and move forward.

3. When your door mirror lines up with the centre of the target bay (for right turns) or the first line of the target bay (for left turns):

Full lock to the right (if turning right).

Full lock to the left (if turning left).

4. As the car turns in, look for when it straightens up.

5. Straighten the wheels and bring the car to a smooth stop.

6. Finish fully within the lines with all four wheels inside the bay.

Reverse Bay Parking

Positioning: Stay at least a door’s width (or about a meter) away from the bays.

2. Select a bay, check mirrors, and signal left.

3. Count three bay lines from your target bay and stop when your shoulders line up with the third bay line.

4. Secure the car, check all around, then select reverse.

5. Begin reversing slowly while steering full lock left.

Check the right blind spot as the car swings out.

Keep speed very slow and keep checking mirrors and surroundings.

Look for when the car starts to straighten within the bay.

Take the steering off to straighten the wheels.

Parallel Parking

Pull up alongside the target car, leaving a door’s width (about a meter) of space.

2. Signal left if necessary, select reverse gear, and check all around before moving.

3. Begin reversing slowly.

4. When your door mirror lines up with the centre of the target car:

Check right blind spot.

Full lock left to bring the car out at 45 degrees.

5. When the kerb disappears from the left door mirror:

Full lock right to bring the front end in.

6. As the car moves back, check alignment with the target car.

7. When nearly parallel, steer left to straighten the wheels.

8. Finish close and parallel to the kerb.

Pulling Up on the Right & Rejoining Traffic

Check mirrors, signal right if needed.

2. Position the car slightly left of the centre of the road, then drift towards the kerb.

3. Stop parallel to the kerb at a reasonable distance.

4. Secure the car and await the examiner’s instructions.

5. Reverse two car lengths:

Select reverse, check all around.

Move back slowly, keeping an eye on the right mirror.

If getting too close to the kerb, steer left.

If getting too far away, steer right.

6. Stop after reversing two car lengths and secure the car.

7. Move off safely:

Select first gear, check mirrors & blind spots, signal if needed.

Check the left blind spot before moving.

Reverse Around a Corner

1. Approach the corner and check mirrors.

2. Stop just past the junction, about half a meter from the kerb.

3. Check all around and select reverse.

4. Begin reversing slowly and in a straight line.

5. When the rear wheels reach the start of the curve:

Turn the wheel left half a turn to begin following the curve.

6. As the car moves along the curve:

Adjust the steering slightly left or right to keep a consistent gap from the kerb.

Keep checking left mirror to ensure you're parallel.

If getting too close, steer slightly right.

If getting too far away, steer slightly left.

7. Once the car aligns straight with the kerb, straighten the wheels.

8. Reverse a little further to complete the manoeuvre.

Emergency stop

. React quickly when the examiner says "STOP".

2. Brake firmly and progressively – do not slam the brake.

3. Keep both hands on the steering wheel to maintain control.

4. Once stopped, apply the handbrake and select neutral.

5. Check surroundings before moving off again.

Staying Centered in Your Lane

Position your left knee so it lines up with the centre of your lane.

2. Look at where the edge of the road and the centre line meet the dashboard:

They should be positioned evenly on either side of the steering wheel.

3. The top of the steering wheel should align with the centre of the road.

4. Look far ahead down the road rather than focusing too close to the car.

5. Relax your arms – gripping too tight can cause unsteady steering.

6. Avoid looking at oncoming vehicles, as this can make you drift towards them

Adjusting Mirrors Correctly

Interior (Rear-View) Mirror:

1. Sit in your normal driving position.

2. Using your left hand, adjust the mirror so it frames the rear windscreen evenly.

✅ Right (Driver’s Side) Mirror:

1. Adjust so you can see:

A small part of your car (door handle should be in the bottom left corner).

A clear view of the road behind.

✅ Left (Passenger’s Side) Mirror:

1. Adjust so you can see:

A small part of your car (door handle should be in the bottom right corner).

A clear view of the road behind.

✅ Extra Tip:

Adjust mirrors before setting off and ensure they provide a wide view while reducing blind spots.