Technical Checks and test questions.

* Tyres
* Lights
* Reflectors
* Indicators
* Horn
* Engine Oil Level
* Coolant Level
* Windscreen Washer Fluid Level
* Braking Fluid level
* Power Steering Fluid Level


Dipstick Used to check the level of oil in engine.
Way to Use: Ensure engine off and cold, car on level ground. Remove dipstick, clean, replace and remove again, then check level of oil is between Minimum - Maximum marks on the stick. Finally replace again.
If necessary top up engine with correct oil. Identify oil filler cap

Engine Coolant. Modern cars use a sealed system. Identify coolant reservoir, check Min - Max on side of coolant tank.
Older cars that still use water, it would be necessary to remove the radiator cap to check the water level.. so, point at cap
Caps on either the radiator or coolant tank should not be removed whilst the engine is hot - danger of burning/scalding.

Windscreen Washer Fluid . Identify Container and check the level against markings.

Brake Fluid Identify Reservoir. Check fluid level Min - Max on side of Brake Fluid tank

Power Steering Fluid Identify Reservoir, Check fluid level Min - Max marks on side of container. (If car has power steering and if hydraulic )
Some cars may have an electric power steering motor, in which case there will be no power steering fluid reservoir.

He will then ask you to close bonnet. Ensure closed, latched properly. Usual method, drop from a height of a 0.5 meter of so. DO NOT push closed. Dents on bonnet may result

The other checks

Tyres. Minimum 1.6 mm deep treads across 75% of the tyre. Regular check inner outer walls for cuts, bulges.
Check for uneven wear (caused by wheel misaligned usually result of hitting kerbs !!!)
and at correct pressure, use air pressure gauge, most garage forecourts. Check when tyre cold. Find correct pressure in owners car manual.




Lights. Switch on, Walk around car if necessary, otherwise ask someone to help.
Check all lenses are clean and free of cracks, holes.

Reflectors. Look, check that clean, unbroken.

Indicators. Switch on, walk around car or ask someone to check Also if one lamp gone that side will flash double speed. Check lenses clean and unbroken

Brake Lights. Switch on engine. Press brake pedal. Ask someone to check.
If on your own, reverse car up to a window or any reflective surface. (Light coloured wall for example)
Or some modern cars have warning tell-tale lights in dash.

Brakes - Footbrake. . Should not feel spongy. Brake gently after you move off. Should pull evenly.

Brake - Handbrake . Pull on. It should stay up (Ratchet engages OK)
and that it is not at the end of its travel, ie Good tension on handle

Power Steering. Difficult to turn if not working. To check, Turn the steering wheel slightly, first with engine on, then with the engine switched off. If the power steering is working should be a marked difference between two conditions. Otherwise no difference.

The questions on the rules of the road will be asked in the office before being taken out to your car. The examiner will sit you down, ask you to sign a document stating that your car is road worthy and has valid insurance and then he will proceed to ask you questions on road signs and general rules of the road. After which he will take you out to the car and ask you the technical checks, this will involve opening the bonnet and pointing to the various components mentioned above(* Engine Oil Level,* Coolant Level,* Windscreen Washer Fluid Level* Braking Fluid level* Power Steering Fluid Level*). Only after this is done and he has checked everything is working, ie: lights, brake lights etc, will the actual driving part of the test begin. Usually after one of the manoeuvres (turnabout, reverse around the corner). The examiner will ask you to demonstrate the hand signals.