FAQ - the driving test

The test will last between 40 and 45 minutes.

The emergency stop is given 1 in 3 tests.

You only have to do 1 manoeuvre and possibly the emergency stop.

Your driving license card, theory pass certificate, and driving test reference number.

Periodically there could be the Driving Examiner Supervisor, who is there just to check the Driving Examiner.

The examiner is trained to recognise proper use of correctly adjusted mirrors. Remember to look with your eyes, not your head.

At the start of your practical driving test. You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres. See the gov.uk page for more details.

At the beginning of the test. Possible questions are:

1. Show me/explain how you would check that the power 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 steering is functioning.
    
2. 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 the dipstick/oil level indicator, and describe checking the oil level against the min/max markers.
    
3. 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 the high/low level markings on the header tank (where fitted) or the radiator filler cap, and describe how to top it up to correct level.
    
4. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
   Demonstrate by applying the parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
    
5. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
   Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level.
    
6. 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 the reservoir and check the level against the high/low markings.
    
7. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
   Perform the check by using the control (turning on the ignition if necessary).
    
8. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
   Operate the switch (turning on the ignition if necessary), and walk round the vehicle.
    
9. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
   Operate the brake pedal and make use of the reflectors in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
    
10. 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. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
     
11. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
    Find information in the manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre, and remember to refit valve caps.
     
12. 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.
    They should have no cuts or bulges, and 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
     
13. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
    Press the button on the base of the head restraint and move it up or down so that it will provide support to the head in the event of an accident.
     
14. Show how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
    Make sure there is fluid in the washer resevoir and pull the wiper control attached to the steering wheel towards the wheel with the fingertips until the screen is clean.  Release the lever and the wipers will stop automatically.
     
15. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, including both front and rear screens.
    Turn the aid direction control on dash to face the screen and switch on the fan for the front screen and heated rear screen.
     
16. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use them.
    The fog light controls are situated on the right of the central control panel below the heating controls.  You would use them if the visibility was less than 100 yards.
     
17. Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst in the car.
    With headlights on dipped, press the light control stalk forwards for main beam, and a blue light will appear on the control panel. To switch the main beam off, pull the stalk back towards the wheel.
     
18. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your antilock braking system.
    A warning light saying ABS will appear on the dash panel.
     
19. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
    Apply the hazard warning lights and check the function of all indicators.

Launceston School of Motoring
Southcott
Chapel
Launceston
PL15 7BY

Karen Horrell
01566 776056
07476 222959

launcestonschoolofmotoring@gmail.com

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