Car safety check questions and answers
Vehicle safety checks have always been part of the officially recommended
syllabus for learning to drive.
The source material can be found in the DSA publication 'Driving
the essential skills' and ' The official DSA driving test'.
Below is a list of the combinations of questions to be used on
test. Each combination of questions contains two questions and answers.
Combination 1
Q Show me how you would check that the direction
indicators are working
A Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch
and check functioning of all indicators. (may need
to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
Q Tell me how you would check that the brakes are
working before starting a journey.
A Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes
should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not
pull to one side.
Combination 2
Q Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is
and tell me how you would check the windscreen
washer level.
A Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Q Show me how you would check that the brake
lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if
you need to switch the ignition on, please don't
start the engine)
A Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in
windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to
help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to
start engine)
Combination 3
Q Show me / explain how you would check that the
power assisted steering is working before starting a
journey.
A 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.
Q Tell me where you would find the information for
the recommended tyre pressures for this car and
how tyre pressures should be checked.
A 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.
Combination 4
Q Show me how you would check the parking brake
(handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you
keep safe control of the vehicle
A Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying
parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully
applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the
working travel.
Q Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is
and tell me how you would check the windscreen
washer level.
A Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Combination 5
Q Open the bonnet, identify where you would check
the engine oil level and tell me how you would
check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check
of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Q Tell me where you would find the information for
the recommended tyre pressures for this car and
how tyre pressures should be checked.
A 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.
Combination 6
Q Open the bonnet, identify where you would check
the engine coolant level and tell me how you would
check that the engine has the correct level.
A Identify high/low level markings on header tank
where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how
to top up to correct level.
Q Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is
correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection
in the event of a crash
A 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. N.B. Some restraints
might not be adjustable
Combination
7
Q Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid
reservoir is and tell me how you would check that
you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A Identify reservoir, check level against high/low
markings.
Q 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.
A No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across
the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around
the entire outer circumference.
Combination 8
Q Show me how you would check that the horn is
working (off road only).
A Check is carried out by using control (turn on
ignition if necessary).
Q 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.
A No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across
the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around
the entire outer circumference.
Combination 9
Q Tell me how you would check that the brakes are
working before starting a journey.
A Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes
should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not
pull to one side.
Q Show me how you would clean the windscreen
using the windscreen washer and wipers
A Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn
ignition on if necessary.
Combination
10
Q Tell me how you would check that the headlights &
tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
A 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.)
Q Show me how you would set the demister controls
to clear all the windows effectively, this should
include both front and rear screens
A Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature,
air direction / source and heated screen to clear
windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to
be started for this demonstration
Combination 11
Q Show me how you would switch on the rear fog
light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.
(No need to exit vehicle)
A Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and
ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on.
Explain use.
Q Tell me how you would know if there was a
problem with your anti lock braking system
A Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault
with the anti lock braking system
Combination 12
Q Show me how you would check that the brake
lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if
you need to switch the ignition on, please don't
start the engine)
A Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in
windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to
help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to
start engine)
Q Tell me how you would check that the headlights &
tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
A 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.)
Combination 13
Q Show me how you switch your headlight from
dipped to main beam and explain how you would
know the main beam is on whilst inside the car
A Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if
necessary), check with main beam warning light
Q Tell me how you would know if there was a
problem with your anti lock braking system
A Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault
with the anti lock braking system
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