Vehicle checks you may be asked about in the practical test

You may be asked to show basic knowledge of vehicle safety and checks. Learn what to look for, and do not treat generic figures as a substitute for the owner’s manual.

Know the essential checks

Before setting off, you should know how to check that the vehicle is safe: tyres have no obvious damage, lights work, mirrors are adjusted, seat belts are available and the windscreen gives a clear view. The exact questions depend on the test and the examiner’s instructions. You do not need to recite an abstract list: identify the control or part to check and explain what problem you are looking for.

For fluid levels, tyre pressure and dashboard warnings, consult the manual for that model. Do not use generic figures: pressure and fluids vary with the vehicle, load and configuration. During the test, you may be asked to point out a reservoir or describe a visual check; do not open hot components or attempt work that requires tools.

Lights, windows and visibility

Learn to identify the dipped and main beam headlights, indicators, position lights, brake lights and any fog lights fitted to the car. Ask your instructor to help you check a light from outside, with another person or a reflective surface. Adjust the seat, head restraint and mirrors before moving; clean the windows and check the wipers and washers if asked.

Take a red warning light or a fault that affects safety seriously: do not drive until it has been understood. You should be able to distinguish a normal control from a fault warning and report a problem instead of ignoring it. Learn the specific signals on the car you will use, because symbols and menus differ between models.

Tyres and equipment

Visually check that the tyres have no obvious cuts, bulges or foreign objects and that the tread does not show unusual wear. For the correct pressure and permitted sizes, consult the vehicle label and manual, not a number you found online. Also check that the vehicle has the required equipment and that you know where it is; requirements depend on the law and the vehicle configuration.

If the examiner asks you to check something, answer simply and demonstrate it safely. Do not touch hot or moving engine parts or pour in any fluids. If you are unsure about a technical point, ask your instructor to show you the procedure on the school’s vehicle.

Prepare without memorising a script

Go through the checks during a lesson and practise explaining each one in your own words. Connect each check to the risk it prevents: a faulty bulb reduces visibility or makes you less visible, a badly adjusted mirror leaves a blind spot, and a damaged tyre can affect grip. This approach remains useful even if the examiner phrases the question differently.

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