During a drive questions:
Underneath the bonnet:
During a drive questions:
Underneath the bonnet:
During a drive questions:
Underneath the bonnet:
Tell me
One question will be asked before you start driving
Take out a dipstick, wipe it with a cloth, put it back in and take it out again. The oil level should be between minimum and maximum markers. It is recommended that the level shouldn’t be lower than ¾ from minimum as it will cause some parts of the engine not to be properly oiled.
Identify the reservoir. The level should be between the minimum and maximum lines. Top it up only when the engine is cold!
Identify the reservoir. Check level. In some cars (Mike’s Toyota) the level may not be visible, in that case if pressure in the washer jets is low, top it up immediately. Some cars may have warning light on the dashboard indicating that the level is low.
Identify the reservoir and check the level against minimum / maximum markings.
Turn on ignition. Press the brake pedal, making use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc. Alternatively ask someone to help. On your practical test, ask examiner to go at the back and check.
The brake pedal should not feel spongy or slack (pedal shouldn’t go easily down). The brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side while you are braking.
Look in the manufacture’s guide, or there might be a sticker on the driver’s side pillar, some cars may have it on the fuel cap. Use a reliable pressure gauge. Check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold (The tyres will remain cold up to about 3km – 2 miles – if you have travelled further, especially on the faster roads, you may need to wait up to one hour for them to cool down). Don't forget the spare tire (if you have one!). Remember to refit the caps on the valves.
There should be no cuts and bulges, they should have MINIMUM 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the whole tyre. It’s recommended to change the tyres when the tread depth is at 3 mm. New tyres have tread depth of around 7 – 8 mm.
The ABS / ESP warning light will stay on after starting the engine.
The top of the head restrain should be level with the top of the head.
The steering wheel should not feel heavy when the engine is running, it should feel light.
Explain that you'd turn on ignition, operate the switch, walk around the vehicle.
Explain that you’d switch on hazard warning lights and you’d walk around the vehicle to check functioning of all Indicators (the hazard lights work without ignition).
Turn on dipped beam lights and press fog light(s) button. You should use them when visibility drops below 100 meters. Do not use them in town (where speed limit is 30mph or less) as it may dazzle those behind and in front! You should use back fog lights when travelling at high speed (e.g 70mph) on a motorway with surface spray. Remember to switch them off when visibility has improved.
Operate the left stalk. In my car you need to pull it towards you to switch on / off. Blue light will appear on the dashboard.
Show me
One question will be asked while you are driving
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Mike’s Additional questions
You won't be asked these questions but it's good to know
Dirty car inside as moisture stays inside sand and dust. Make sure you vacuum your car regularly, clean dashboard and keep your windows clean inside.
It is recommended to change them twice a year (e.g. after winter and before it) or at least once a year depending how often the car is used or how harsh the autumn/winter was.
Each tyre may have different grip level, so a car may skid to the side or one tyre may loose grip earlier than the other one when going over a paddle or surface water.
That will produce an air-gap between your body and seatbelt and during a crash your body will still travel with the impact speed for a few centimetres until it gets to a tight seatbelt. This may result in serious injury or even death in a crash. Make sure your children’s seatbelt is also close to the body.
Although, there is no legal limit when driving a “normal car” but your journey should not be longer than 8 – 10 hours during one day. You should do 10 minutes breaks every 2 hours, during which is good to exercise so your mind is ready for intensive work. If you are travelling longer distances make sure to book an overnight stay in a hotel / hostel.
Stop / Revive / Survive!
Winter tyres are made of softer compound. If the temperature rises above 7 degrees they become very soft and it will result in a much longer stopping distance and worsen handling. And similarly, using summer tyres when it is cold will increase your stopping distance and worsen handling as summer tyres will become very hard in low temperatures. You may consider using all season tyres during autumn / winter months and then switch it to summer tyres for spring to autumn period.
