Before you start the driving part of your Practical Test, the examiner will ask you two questions on safety and car maintenance. To help you revise, here is the list of questions and answers that the DSA use:

1. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Apply the indicators switch and check correct functioning of all indicators by walking around car. (may need to switch ignition on)

2. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Press foot brake. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

3. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

4. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)
Put keys in the ignition and click on twice (to turn on electrics only). Press brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask
someone to help (Ask how many lights can you see at the back of the car — 3 red ones!). 

5. Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made.
a) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintain this while the engine is started, you should feel a slight but noticeable movement on the wheel as the system begins to operate.
b)Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning (steering should be light and responsive).

6. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Check in Manufacturer's guide in glove box. Remove valve caps. Use a reliable pressure gauge to check pressures when  tyres are cold. Adjust (pump up) if necessary. Don't forget spare tyre (in the boot), and remember to refit valve caps

7. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear. Make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures the car, and is not at the end of the working travel. (Ease off footbrake whilst handbrake is on and car should hold still on a slight gradient).

8. 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
Open the bonnet. Identify dipstick (coloured ring on top) - describe — remove dipstick and wipe clean. Replace dipstick then remove again and check oil level against the minimum/maximum markers. When car is cold - Fill oil level through yellow cap if low.

9. Open the bonnet. Identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Open the bonnet . Identify reservoir . Identify minimum level marker, and only when cold remove cap and top up to correct level with water if necessary.

10. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted (press in clips on side of rest support rods) so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the centre of your eye and top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

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

12. 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.
No cuts and bulges in tyre side walls and a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference ie. all the way around the tyre).

13. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
(Turn on ignition if necessary). Press horn (in centre and lower portion of "T" of steering wheel).

14. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen by pulling right hand control arm (between steering wheel and dashboard) fully forward. (Turn ignition on if necessary).

15. Tell me how you would check that the headlights (front of car) & tail lights (back of car) are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
Explanation: Operate switch by turning switch on dashboard (just below level of steering wheel on right handside) 2 clicks to the right (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.)

16. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

17. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary then press button to the left of the headlight switch on Fiesta). Check yellow warning light is on dash board. Explain use. Use only if visibilty due to fog is less that 100 metres.

18. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate on dashboard if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

19. Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary) ie. push left hand indicator control forward towards dashboard), check that main beam (blue) warning light on dashboard is showing.

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