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13. Vehicle safety check questions

Driver Vehicle Standards Agency

December 5
12:00 2024

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Tell me questions

T1: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

T2: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A: Manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, dont forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

T3: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

A: 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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

T4: 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.

A: No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

T5: Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

A: Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a Tell Me question, there is no need to physically check the lights).

T6: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

A: Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

T7: Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working. (No need to exit the vehicle)

A: Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a Tell Me question, there is no need to physically check the lights).

T8: Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.

A: Explanation: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc., or ask someone to help.

T9: Tell me how you would check the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A: Explanation: 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.

T10: Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them, (no need to exit vehicle).

A: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

T11: Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

A: Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

T12: Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

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

T13: Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

A: Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

T14: Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

A: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Show me questions

S1: When it is safe to do so can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.

S2: When it is safe to do so can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.

S3: When it is safe to do so can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.

S4: When it is safe to do so can you show me how you would set the rear demister.

S5: When it is safe to do so can you show me how you would operate the horn.

S6: When it is safe to do so can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen.

S7: When it is safe can you show me how you would open and close the side window.

13.02 Safety check questions - motorcycle

Show me / Tell me questions

Q1: Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A: Identify where to check level, i.e. dipstick or sight glass. Explain that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level against max/min marks. For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking.

Q2: Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this machine (off road only).

A: Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

Q3: Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.

A: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Q4: Tell me how you would check that the lights and reflectors are clean and working.

A: Explanation only: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), identify reflectors. Check visually for cleanliness and operation.

Q5: Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working.

A: Operate brake, place hand over light or make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.

Q6: Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine.

A: Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place.

Q7: Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement before using the machine.

A: Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts.

Q8: Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A: Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owners manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears.

Q9: Show me how you would check the operation of the front brake on this machine.

A: Wheel the machine forward and apply the front brake.

Q10: Show me how you would check the operation of the brakes on this machine.

A: Check for excessive travel on the brake lever and the brake pedal and for unusual play or sponginess.

Q11: Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut out switch.

A: Operate switch, without the engine being started.

Q12: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it (if fitted).

A Operate switch (turn on ignition and dipped headlights if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

Q13: Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam.

A: Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Balance questions

What problems could arise from carrying a pillion passenger?

How should a passenger be carried on the pillion seat?

How would the balance of the machine be affected if you carried a pillion passenger?

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