PRACTICAL DRIVING

• Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey

  Brakes should not feel spongy or slack

  Should be tested as you set off

  Vehicle should not pull to one side
• tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked

  use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps
• Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash

  at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable
• 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

  No cuts and bulges, 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 that the headlights and tail lights are working

  operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle
• Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system

  Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system
• Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working


  operate the switch, and then walk round vehicle
• Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car


  operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help
• Tell me 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

  Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, should result in a slight but noticeable movement

  OR turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning
• Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them

  Check warning light is on
• Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on


  Operate switch, check with main beam warning light
• Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil

  Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers
• Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine 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 the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid

  Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings