Vehicle Safety Checks
What are vehicle safety checks?
As part of the driving test the pupil will be asked to show and explain basic safety checks necessary to keep their car safe on the road. Tyres, for example, are the responsibility of the driver and, if found illegal, the driver could be fined or have penalty points added to their licence.
The examiner will ask you one ‘tell me’ question before you start driving and one ‘show me’ question while you are driving.
Safety checks are not something to be learnt for the test and then forgotten!
The examiner will ask you one ‘tell me’ question before you start driving and one ‘show me’ question while you are driving.
Safety checks are not something to be learnt for the test and then forgotten!
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you…
 | Wash and clean the front and rear windscreens |
 | Switch on the dipped headlights |
 | Set the rear demister |
 | Operate the horn |
 | Demist the front windscreen |
 | Open and close the side window |
What are vehicle safety checks?
As part of the driving test the pupil will be asked to show and explain basic safety checks necessary to keep their car safe on the road. Tyres, for example, are the responsibility of the driver and, if found illegal, the driver could be fined or have penalty points added to their licence.
The examiner will ask you one ‘tell me’ question before you start driving and one ‘show me’ question while you are driving.
Safety checks are not something to be learnt for the test and then forgotten!
The examiner will ask you one ‘tell me’ question before you start driving and one ‘show me’ question while you are driving.
Safety checks are not something to be learnt for the test and then forgotten!
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
- Eye level half way on the headrest
- As close to the back of the head as is comfortable
- Some restraints might not be adjustable
Tell me how you’d check that the (foot)brakes are working before starting a journey.
Before starting a journey...
- Travel a short distance and apply the brakes
- Brakes should not feel spongy or slack
- Vehicle should not pull to one side
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
- Warning light
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
- Manufacturer’s guide or handbook
- Online e.g. tyre-pressures.com
- Use a reliable pressure gauge
- Check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit valve caps
Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
- 1.6mm tread depth across the central 3/4 of the tyre and all the way around
- No tears, cuts or bulges
Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
- Turn on and check front and back lights
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
- Press the brake pedal and use a reflection
- Ask someone to help
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
- Turn on dipped headlights
- Switch to main beam
- Check warning light is on and explain when you would use the main beam
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
- Turn on dipped headlights
- Turn on rear fog light(s)
- Check warning light is on and explain when you would use the fog light(s)
Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
- Turn on and check front and back lights
Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Before starting a journey...
- Start the engine
- Apply light pressure to the wheel
- The steering should not feel heavy
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that...
The engine has sufficient oil
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers
The engine has sufficient engine coolant
Identify high and low-level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level
There is a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers
The engine has sufficient engine coolant
Identify high and low-level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level
There is a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings