Got my test date! So nervous! Have some questions!

leahyl

Hiya

Well i've just gotten the date for my test - 10th November so that gives me a good month for figuring out how to reverse around a corner properly:p! No seriously though i can't do it and it's the only reason that i'm freaking out about the test - i can't reverse. Anyway i'm sure i'll figure it out.

I don't want to be cancelling it though - want to have passed it before Christmas if possible.

Can someone give me an idea about what they ask about the inner workings of the car (engine etc.) cos i have no idea about any of that stuff!

Also as i will be doing it in Cork (Wilton) does anyone know the route(s) they take there so that i can do a bit of practising?

Thanks:)

DriveSkill

Hi,

The questions on engine compartment are pretty straightforward and the examiner is looking to see if you basic knowledge on checking fluid levels and which reservoir is for what etc - they do not expect you to be a mechanic

The main questions asked are :

- How you would check the oil level ?

Answer : point out the dip stick, explain to take it out, wipe it, put it back in and take it you again. The oil level should be between the 2 markings at the end of the dip stick. Additionally you could point out to only do this when the engine is cold and on a level surface but the first part is generally acceptable as an explanation.

- If the oil level was low where you you add more oil ?

Answer : point out the cap on the top of the engine with the oil can on it!

- You may also be asked to identify the brake fluid reservoir, the windscreen wash, or the coolant.

Answer : in each case you just need to point out the correct container and all of these will have a MIN and MAX level indicated on the side (sometimes not on the windscreen wash)

Have a look at this document from the RSA as it gives a lot more detail on the test procedure and lists the potential items which can be asked (point h on page 7):

http://www.rsa.ie/Documents/ADI/RSA_Standards_Proced.pdf

Note, if it is raining you will generally not be asked to open the bonnet and therefore they will ask some of the other items (tyres, lights etc) as they dont want to stand in the rain!

You will need to practice your reverse to get comfortable with it and the main point to note is to keep excellent observation using the rear window and also the side passenger windows - do not rely solely on your mirrors or you will be faulted.

Test routes around Wilton cover a wide area from Bishopstown, Summerstown, Togher, Ballyphehane etc. Dont worry too much about know the exact routes but aim to get familiar with the general area as there are some busy roundabouts by Wilton Shopping Center and the Sarsfield Road so you need to know the road layout.

Good luck with the test!

MascotDec85

For the under the bonnet stuff you be asked how to show and explain how to check various things such as:

Brake Fluid

The level is checked using the maximum and minimum indicator usually found somewhere on the side of the bottle and the fluid in the reservoir should be somewhere between these 2 points. If the fluid gets low you should not top this up yourself as it could point to a problem with your braking system so take it to a garage to have your brakes checked.

Oil


Engine oil can be topped up by removing the cap with the above symbol on it. You should only use a grade of oil that is recommend by the car manufacturer, you'll find this info in the car's manual.
Oil is checked by using the dipstick.

Again the oil should be within the max/min level.
When the engine is cold and the car is on a flat surface pull out the dipstick fully. Wipe the end of it with a rag or kitchen roll. Place it fully back in it's "holster" and remove it again and read the gauge.

Engine Coolant
Again you'll find a max/min level on the reservoir. The reservoir takes a mix of water and anti-freeze. It can be topped up by you.

Windscreen Washer Bottle

Mix of water and screen wash

Power Steering

Max and min indicator on the bottle. Can be topped up if required.
Some cars don't have a reservoir of power steering. This is if they are older and don't have it or are newer and use electronic power steering.

Battery

The battery should be checked to ensure the connections are good, the are clean and that there is no sign of corrosion.
They battery itself should be secure and unable to move


Remember also you may be asked about tyres

leahyl

Thanks for your help guys! Just in relation to the tyres what could i be asked about them? I know it's just basic stuff to do with the make up of the car - as you mentioned - but i couldnt honestly tell you where the coolant is or where the oil thingy is - typical woman:rolleyes::D!

But i'm sure my dad will show me:)

Yes i will drive around that area more and also maybe get some pre test lessons? Are they a good idea?

MascotDec85

leahyl wrote: »

Thanks for your help guys! Just in relation to the tyres what could i be asked about them? I know it's just basic stuff to do with the make up of the car - as you mentioned - but i couldnt honestly tell you where the coolant is or where the oil thingy is - typical woman:rolleyes::D!

But i'm sure my dad will show me:)

Yes i will drive around that area more and also maybe get some pre test lessons? Are they a good idea?

Tyres
Minimum tread depth is 1.6mm
Check the tyre pressure regularly and before long journeys
Check the tread for foreign objects such as glass, nail, screws etc
Check the sidewall of the tyres have to bulges, cuts, tears etc.

As for the engine you can find all the things I've posted by looking for the symbols on the respective reservoirs.

I'd strongly advise taking a few lessons with an ADI in your area. They will help you with your reverse and other aspects they think you can improve on.

Best of luck

ADIDriving

Don't get too worried about the reverse. It is far more important to be near perfect on stopping, starting and turning. You do the reverse once, do the reverse lots. It is important but the others much more so.

Mascot and the other posters have given a lot of good detailed info. This might explain what to expect.
http://www.adidriving.ie/pre-tests

Can't help wih your local routes. Call a local Adi.

I also had problems reversing around a corner!

My best tip:
Get a little blind spot mirror so you can see the curb!!

Cathald04

My test is next saturday and i am quiet nervous .
What sort of questions on the signs are asked ?

MascotDec85

Deleted User wrote: »

I also had problems reversing around a corner!

My best tip:
Get a little blind spot mirror so you can see the curb!!

It's not really required. You can adjust your left mirror down so that you can see the kerb better but you must re-adjust it before you move off once you have completed the reverse.

Cathald04 wrote: »

My test is next saturday and i am quiet nervous .
What sort of questions on the signs are asked ?

The pedestrian zone the hospital signs come up regularly.

Try and stay as calm as possible. If you make a mistake forget about it and move on. Good luck!

Neddieog

Surely ya cant be out during the test messing around with mirrors the whole time can ya?

MascotDec85

Neddieog wrote: »

Surely ya cant be out during the test messing around with mirrors the whole time can ya?

You aren't "messing around the whole time"

You are adjusting and re-adjusting the mirror once to help with the reverse. Doing it is perfectly acceptable.

If you don't re-adjust the mirror back before you move off again you'll be marked for it.

Neddieog

MascotDec85 wrote: »

You aren't "messing around the whole time"

You are adjusting and re-adjusting the mirror once to help with the reverse. Doing it is perfectly acceptable.

If you don't re-adjust the mirror back before you move off again you'll be marked for it.

So just to clarify, when the tester asks you to do the reverse you have to set your mirror to where you can see the kerb? And then when your done you can move it back to where you can see best?

MascotDec85

Neddieog wrote: »

So just to clarify, when the tester asks you to do the reverse you have to set your mirror to where you can see the kerb? And then when your done you can move it back to where you can see best?

You don't have to but if it helps you can

Neddieog

Neddieog wrote: »

So just to clarify, when the tester asks you to do the reverse you have to set your mirror to where you can see the kerb? And then when your done you can move it back to where you can see best?

You can just get a blind spot mirror and stick it onto the mirror. I still have mive on now. Great for reversing into parking spaces!!

Neddieog

Deleted User wrote: »

You can just get a blind spot mirror and stick it onto the mirror. I still have mive on now. Great for reversing into parking spaces!!

Ha great idea where would i get my hands on one of them then?:D What mirror would ya stick it on 2 rear mirror obv?

Neddieog

Neddieog wrote: »

Ha great idea where would i get my hands on one of them then?:D What mirror would ya stick it on 2 rear mirror obv?

I got mine in the Fairyhouse market for €1 each. I'm pretty sure you can get them in Halfords.

You put one of them on the passenger side wing mirror.

Edit:
A bit expensive!!
http://www.halfords.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_11101_catalogId_15551_productId_170315_langId_-1_categoryId_212357

MascotDec85

Neddieog wrote: »

Ha great idea where would i get my hands on one of them then?:D What mirror would ya stick it on 2 rear mirror obv?

The one nearest the kerb if that's what you want to do.
Personally I think those mirrors are a pain in the ass

ADIDriving

Here is a simple idea ( althought I do understand it is more difficult ). If you are reversing around a corner and your mirors are set normally and correctly, if you can't see the kerb that means you are too far away. So steer in closer.

Waitandsee

Cathald04 wrote: »

My test is next saturday and i am quiet nervous .
What sort of questions on the signs are asked ?

Does anyone have a list of centers where you can take the test on a Saturday, can't find any info online, thanks

ADIDriving

Waitandsee wrote: »

Does anyone have a list of centers where you can take the test on a Saturday, can't find any info online, thanks

Off hand no. Where do you live? A lot of the centres do, usually the bigger ones.