Maintenance questions

Before the practical driving test, you will be asked 2 maintenance questions about the car you are taking your driving test in. One of the questions will invite you to show the driving examiner how something works and the second question will require you to explain to him/ her how to perform a particular maintenance check. The layout of under the bonnet hood is different for each type of car. Below you will find the picture of under the bonnet hood of your driving instructor’s car. Please click on your driving instructor’s name below to view the picture:

 

 

Car	Instructor
Citroen C2	Steve Perry
Fiat Panda	Colin Robertson
Ford Fiesta	Andy Ball, Eric Jones, Jayne Sorrell, Sandra Jones
Ford Focus	Mark Williams, Nasar Aziz, Rob Sefton
Honda Jazz	Jim Hosking
Mini	Alan Bradford, Hayley Towers
Nissan Micra	Allyson Wilkinson
Peugeot 207	Colin Burke, Mike Moorhouse, Stephen Holgate, Steve Fitchew, Steve Yardley
Renault Clio	Kelly Foote, Paul Gowlett
Toyota Aygo	Julie Vines
Vauxhall Corsa	David Hirst, Michael Cole, Roy Stone, Tracy Murray

 

Q1: 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.

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

Q2: 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.

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

Q3: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

A: Identify reservoir and explain how to check level. Check your car's manual to see how to do this.

Q4: 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.

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

Q5: Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

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

Q6: 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.

Q7: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A: Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

Q8: 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.

Q9: Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A: 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.

Q10: Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

A: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

Q11: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

A: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and walking around the vehicle to check functioning of all indicators.

Q12: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

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

Q13: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

A: Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Q14: Tell me how you would 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.

Q15: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively. This should include both front and rear screens

A: 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

Q16: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.

A: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. For use when visibilty is below 100 metres

Q17: 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.

Q18: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers

A: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen, (turn ignition on if necessary).

Q19: Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

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