Show & Tell

When you arrive at the car the tester will ask you a few questions about the operation of the car and the safety check.

They will first ask you to open the bonnet and point out some of the main components underneath. Make sure you are comfortable opening and closing the bonnet. You won’t have to touch anything, just point to it and explain.

You will also be asked to operate some of the secondary controls such as demister, indicators, horns etc.

You might also be asked about some safety instruments such as power assisted steering and brakes.

Point to the Oil cap. The point to the dip stick and explain how you would pull it out wipe it clean the put it back in. Withdraw it again and check the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks.

Identify the reservoir and show how you would fill it up.

In the manufacturers manual or on a plate by the doors.

No cuts, or bulges. Thread depth should be 1.6mm across the centre of the tyre.

Stop on an inline and apply the parking brake (hand brake) so that when it is fully applied the car does not roll.

Apply the indicators or hazard warning lights and check outside vehicle.

Set the direction controls to the windscreen, put the fan on full, and the temperature high.

Operate light switch (with ignition and engine on if necessary) and check for main beam light on dashboard. Ensure you know how to toggle from dipped to high beam.

Identify the coolant tank and show the high/low markings on it and describe hot to top it up to the correct level.

Identify the brake fluid reservoir (check operating manual). There should be a max and minimum level on the side of it.

Operate brake pedal and if alone, make use of reflective surfaces, garage doors, windows, other cars.

Try turning the steering wheel before and after the power is turned on. It should be difficult to turn when the car is not running but very easy to turn when the car is on.

Push the horn. Turn on the ignition if necessary.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and test them as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side when brake is applied.

Make sure you know where the switch is and how to operate it. You will need to have the dipped lights on for this.

A light on the Dash should illuminate if there is a malfunction on your ABS.