Before Driving Flashcards
Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off; the car should not pull to one side.
Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Turn on the ignition, switch on the lights, and walk around the car to check.
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
In the manufacturer’s guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit valve caps.
Tell me how you’d check the indicators are working.
Turn on the hazard warning lights and walk around the vehicle.
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.
Press the brake pedal and ask someone to check, or use reflections in windows/mirrors.
Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road.
They should have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the breadth and around the entire outer circumference.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.
The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A warning light would illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault.
Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working.
Gentle pressure on the steering wheel should result in slight movement as the system begins to operate. Or turning the wheel just after moving off will give an indication.
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use them.
Turn on dipped headlights, then fog lights. Use when visibility is less than 100 metres.
Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know.
Operate the switch (with ignition on if necessary), and a blue warning light will show
Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil
Identify the dipstick, remove it, wipe clean, reinsert, then remove again to check the level against the min/max markers.
Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Check the high/low level markings on the header tank or radiator filler cap. If low, top up with the correct fluid when the engine is cold.
Tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max markings.
