Show & Tell - From 01/07/08
At the
beginning of your practical driving
test you will be asked two questions.
There are now thirteen possible combinations of two
questions. Answering one or both these questions incorrectly will
result in one minor
fault being recorded.
The source material is to be found in the DSA publication 'Driving the
essential skills' and ' The official DSA driving test'. Advice and
information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found
in the manufacturer's handbook.
Combinations
of questions to be used on test.
Combination 1
Show me how you would check that the
direction indicators are working.
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning
of all indicators.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes
are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you
set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Combination 2
Identify where the windscreen washer
reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer
level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level by seeing fluid in the neck of
the bottle.
Show me how you would check that the brake lights
are working on this car. (The examiner can assist you, if you need to
switch the ignition on, please do not start the engine).
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors,
etc, or ask someone to help (you may need to switch the ignition on, but do not
start the engine).
Combination 3
Show me / explain how you would check that
the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
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 where you would find the
information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how
tyre pressures should be checked.
Information is in the 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
Show me how you would check the parking
brake (handbrake) for excessive wear.
Apply footbrake firmly and demonstrate by applying parking brake
(handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it
secures itself, and is not at the end of it's working travel.
Identify where the windscreen washer
reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer
level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level by seeing fluid in the neck of
the bottle.
Combination 5
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.
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level
against the minimum/maximum markers.
Tell me where you would find the
information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how
tyre pressures should be checked.
Information is in the 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
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.
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or
radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint
is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a
crash.
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 head restraints might not be adjustable.
Combination 7
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.
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
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.
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
Show me how you would check that the horn
is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
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.
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
Tell me how you would check that the brakes
are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you
set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the
washer and wipers.
Turn ignition on if
necessary and operate control to wash and wipe windscreen.
Combination 10
Tell me how you would check that the
headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle as tell me
question)
Explain how you would operate light switch (turn on ignition if
necessary).
Show me how
you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively,
this should include both front and rear screens.
Set all relevant controls
including; fan' temperature, air vent direction/source and heated screen
switches too clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be
started for this demonstration.
Combination 11
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s)
and explain when you would use it/them. No need to exit the vehicle.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary).
Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem
with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock
braking system.
Combination 12
Show me how you would check that the brake lights
are working on this car. (The examiner can assist you, if you need to
switch the ignition on, please do not start the engine).
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors,
etc, or ask someone to help (you may need to switch the ignition on, but do not
start the engine).
Tell me how you would check that the
headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle as tell me
question)
Explain how you would operate light switch (turn on ignition if
necessary).
Combination 13
Show me how you would switch your headlight
from dipped beam to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam
is on whilst in the car..
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), check with main beam
warning light.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem
with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock
braking system.
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