Safety Questions About Your Vehicle
Your practical driving test will always begin with your assessor asking a few questions which will test your knowledge of safety considerations around your vehicle.
These questions are asked to provide evidence that you possess sufficient understanding to ensure your usage of the vehicle is safe and versatile enough to cope with all driving conditions and hazards.
It is important to familiarise yourself with the key safety considerations around the driving experience in your vehicle. To help you prepare for this aspect of the practical driving test, we have provided a list of questions you may be asked.
We recommend you study the questions and ensure you are able to answer each before you arrange to sit your practical driving test.
1. 'Show Me' Questions
Your Assessor Will Ask At Least 1 Of:
- Can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen please.
- Can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen please.
- Can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights please.
- Can you show me how you would set the rear demister please.
- Can you show me how you would operate the horn please.
- Can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen please.
- Can you show me how you would open and close the side window please.
2. 'Tell Me' Questions
Your Assessor Will Ask At Least 1 Of:
- Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. Answer:Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
- Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. Answer:Manufacturer's guide, 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. Answer:The head restraint should be adjusted so 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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
- 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. Answer:No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
- Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle) Answer:Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights).
- Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system. Answer:Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
- Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working. (No need to exit the vehicle) Answer:Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a “Tell Me” question, there is no need to physically check the lights).
- Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car. Answer:Explanation: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc., or ask someone to help.
- Tell me how you would check the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey. Answer:Explanation: If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained 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 would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them, (no need to exit vehicle). Answer:Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
- Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on. Answer:Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.