Vehicle Safety Checks: Head Restraints, Brakes, Tyres, Lights, and Steering

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

Adjust so that 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 (you can demonstrate as you explain).

Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Explain that, when you push down on the brake pedal, it should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side when you use the brakes.

Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Explain that a warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Explain you'd refer to the manufacturer's guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge. Check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare tyre! Remember to refit valve caps after checking.

Tell me how you'd check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

Explain that tyres should have no cuts or bulges. There should be 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

Tell me how you'd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey

Explain that if the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey; maintaining gentle pressure on the steering wheel 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.

Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.

Explain that you'd operate the switch (after turning on the ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle to check the lights.

Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.

Explain that you'd operate the indicator switch (after turning on the ignition if necessary) or turn on the hazard warning lights, then walk round the vehicle to check the lights.

Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain that you'd operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help. Driving with defective brake lights is dangerous - following drivers will get no warning that you are slowing and this could cause an accident if you had to brake sharply. If brake lights or indicators fail during a journey you will need to use hand signals and get the fault repaired as soon as you can.

Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.

Explain how to operate the switch (ignition or engine on if necessary) and check that the main beam warning light comes on. If safe, you can demonstrate as you explain - remember to switch off the headlights when no longer needed.

Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use it/them. You don't need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you'd operate the switch (after turning on dipped headlights if necessary) and check the instrument warning light comes on. You may only use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced (this means that you can see less than 100 meters or 330 feet ahead).