Safety Questions Car Drivers

Q1 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.
A1 Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers

Q2 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
A2 Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how you would top up to correct level

Q3 Open the bonnet and identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A3 Identify reservoir, check level against high/low level markings.

Q4 Open the bonnet,identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A4 Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

Q5 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
A5 Operate the wash wipe - turn on the ignition if required

Q6 Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting the journey.
A6 Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you move off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q7 Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A7 APPLY THE FOOTBRAKE AND THEN - Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of its working travel.

Q8 Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your ABS.
A8 Explain that the orange ABS warning light should show

Q9 Tell me how you would find information for the recommended tyre pressure on this car and how tyre
pressures should be checked.
A9 Manufacture’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust the pressure when the tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre, remember to refit the valve dust caps.

Q10 Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that there general condition is safe to use on the road
A10 No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre around the whole circumference.

Q11 Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A11 Applying the indicators or the hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.

Q12 Tell me how you would check the headlights and taillights are working. (no need to exit the car)
A12 Explain how you would operate the switch then walk around the vehicle checking all lights are working

Q13 Show me how you switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them
A13 Operate the headlight switch and then the fog light switch point out the warning light Explain that fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 Mts

Q14 Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped beam to main beam and explain how you know the main beam is on
A14 Switch on the headlights then operate the main beam - explain the blue warning light

Q15 Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.(I can assist you, if you
Need to switch the ignition on please do not start the engine)
A15 Operate the brake pedal, and ask the examiner check the lights. Explain that this check can be done by making use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc.

Q16 Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should
include both front and back windscreens
A16 Set all the controls - A/C, Circulation, Rear Screen Heater, Temp, Fan Speed & Direction

Q17 Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting your journey.
A17 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

Q18 Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road)
A18 Check is carried out by pressing the horn using control (turn ignition on if necessary

Q19 Tell me how you make sure the head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides best protection in the event of an accident
A19 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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable

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