Vehicle Safety Questions

The vehicle safety questions are a fairly recent addition to the practical driving test. They are designed to make sure that you know the basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can be found in the manufacturer's handbook, and other source material may be found in the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) publication 'The official DSA driving test' and 'Driving: the essential skills'.

You'll be asked two questions: one 'show me' and one 'tell me', covering areas such as:

• Lights
• Tyres
• Under the bonnet
• Inside the car

Whilst you maybe expected to open the car's bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, you won't be expected to physically check fluid levels or have the knowledge of a garage mechanic. It may be acceptable for you to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on tyre pressures or fluid levels.

If you answer one or both questions answered incorrectly, this will result in one minor driving fault being recorded before you have started the driving test proper.

Questions may include examples such as:

• Show me how you would check that the headlights and taillights are working.
• Show me how you would check the handbrake for excessive wear.
• Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
• Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
• 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.
• Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

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