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In the practical test, you will be asked two 'show and tell' questions about safety and maintenance checks on your car. Getting one or both of them wrong will count as a driving fault in your test. To help prepare you can play our interactive (link opens a new window), or study the typical questions and answers below.
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| Q1: 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. |
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A: Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
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| Q2: 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. |
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A: Identify high/low level markings on header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
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| Q3: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is, and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level. |
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A: Identify reservoir and explain how to check level. Check your car's manual to see how to do this.
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| Q4: 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. |
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A: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
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| Q5: Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. |
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A: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help.
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| Q6: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. |
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A: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
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| Q7: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. |
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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.
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| Q8: 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. |
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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.
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| Q9: Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey. |
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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.
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| Q10: Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. |
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A: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
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| Q11: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. |
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A: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and walking around the vehicle to check functioning of all indicators.
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| Q12: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off-road only). |
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A: Check is carried out by using the control (turn on ignition if necessary).
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| Q13: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear. A: Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel. |
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What questions can you expect on your test?
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| Your examiner will ask you one 'show me' and one 'tell me' question, usually in the following combinations: |
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Q 1 and 9
Q 1 and 10
Q 2 and 10
Q 2 and 13
Q 3 and 12
Q 4 and 9
Q 4 and 11
Q 5 and 13
Q 6 and 10
Q 7 and 11
Q 8 and 10
Q 8 and 12
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