Show & Tell
At the
beginning of your practical driving
test you will be asked two questions.
There are twelve 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
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.
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.
Combination 2
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.
Show me how you would check the parking
brake for excessive wear.
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it
secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Combination 3
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.
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).
Combination 4
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.
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.
Combination 5
Tell me how you would check that the brake
lights are working on this car.
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors,
etc, or ask someone to help.
Show me how you would check the parking
brake for excessive wear.
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it
secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Combination 6
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 check that the
headlights & tail lights are working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
Combination 7
Tell me where you would find the
information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how
tyre pressures should be checked.
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.
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.
Combination 8
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.
Show me how you would check that the
headlights & tail lights are working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
Combination 9
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.
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).
Combination 10
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.
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.
Combination 11
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 marker.
Show me how you would check that the
headlights & tail lights are working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
Combination 12
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.
Show me how you would check that the
headlights & tail lights are working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
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