Driving Test Questions
The key to your Driving test
Two Show Me / Tell Me Questions or Vehicle Maintenance Questions will be asked by the Driving Standards Agency driving test examiner at the beginning of all Category “B” (car) Driving Standards Agency driving tests they are mainly asked before getting into the vehicle.
Question – Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how should tyre pressures be checked?Answer – The information is in the manufacturers handbook, I would use a reliable pressure gauge, check them when they are cold, and also remember the spare.
Question – Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.
Answer – Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or garage doors etc, or ask someone to help you check by standing at the rear of the car.
Question – Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that there is a safe level of brake fluid.
Answer – I identify the reservoir and check the level against the high / low marking.
Question – Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the correct level.
Answer – Identify the high / low marking on the header tank and describe how you would put fluid to correct level into the header tank (only when engine is cold.)
Question – Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check the engine has a sufficient oil level.
Answer – Identify the dipstick (oil level indicator), check against min / max markers.
Question – Open the bonnet and identify the windscreen washer reservoir and tell me how you would check for the correct level.
Answer – Identify the reservoir and explain it should be filled to the top.
Question – Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all of the vehicles windows and both front and rear screens.
Answer – Set the relevant controls, fan, temperature, air direction and heated screen.
Question – Tell me how the head and tail lights are working correctly?
Answer – Identify and the operate the switch and then walk around the vehicle.
Question – Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the washers and wipers.
Answer – Operate the washer / wiper control to clean the windscreen.
Question – Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights, and give an explanation when you would use your rear fog lights?
Answer – Operate switch( turn on dipped headlights first) check fog light warning light is operating and then explain when the fog lights can only be used.
Question – Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear?
Answer – Apply the foot brake, demonstrate by applying the parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures the car and is not at the end of its working travel.
Question – Tell me how you would check the head restraint is correctly adjusted.
Answer – Adjust the head restraint so that the centre is level with your ears.
Question – Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?
Answer – Apply the hazard warning switch and check that they are all in working order.
Question – Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before a journey?
Answer – Brakes should not feel spongy or slack, brakes should be tested as you set off, the vehicle should not pull to one side when braking.
Question – Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is in good working order before starting out on a journey?
Answer – If the steering is heavy the power assisted steering is not working, to check start the engine and turn the wheel left / right and it should move freely.
Question – Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the Anti lock brakes.
Answer – A warning (ABS) light should illuminate if there is a fault on the system.
Question – Show me how you would check that the horn is in good working order?
Answer – Depress the horn button (only do this if within the test centre car park.
Question – Tell me how you would check that the tyres have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe for use on the road?
Answer – A minimum of 1.6 mm of tread depth around the entire circumference.
Question – Show me how you would switch your lights from dipped to main beam and describe how you would know that the main beam is switched on?
Answer – Operate the switch and check the main beam warning light is operating.
Top 10 Reasons Why People Fail Their Driving Test
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1.Not using mirrors correctly
This is one of the bigger issues, as mirrors are incredibly important during your driving test and when driving in general. You need to use them to check your blind spots and to make sure that it is safe to increase speed or change lanes.
2. Poor moving off skills
You have to check your blind spots when you move off and look both ways. Also ensure that you indicate the direction you want to go.
3.Not steering properly
Learners who are taking the test may not know how to steer properly. They may have trouble staying in their lane, they may ride up on the kerb or hit the kerb, and they can even have trouble getting off the kerb when it is time to pull out.
4.Not paying attention at junctions
One of the biggest reasons people fail their driving test is because they simply weren’t paying enough attention at junctions. If you get in front of an oncoming vehicle, you don’t brake fully or you accelerate too quickly, you can be marked with a fault.
5.Poor positioning
You also need to stay in the middle of your lane and not straddle lanes as you drive. When you park, you need to be parked fully to the side of the kerb and not sticking out on the road.
6.Taking a right turn poorly
You want to ensure that your vehicle is positioned properly when you take right turns. Also be aware of any cyclist ire pedestrians that are moving across your path as you turn.
7.Poor reverse parking
You will be asked to either parallel park or reverse park during your test. If you hit the kerb, are not accurate with your parking or accelerate too quickly or too slowly, then you will be marked for it
8.Poor control when moving off
If you stall repeatedly, then that will count against you. You need to move off smoothly, but first ensure that the handbrake is off and don’t try to change the car’s gear as you move off.This is covered in our preparing to drive blog post.
9.Not reacting properly to road markings
Finally, you want to pay attention to road markings. You have to be careful that you don’t cross the solid white line and that you don’t stop in a yellow box junction. Ensure you know all the rules pertaining to road markings so that you can pass your test.
10.Poor response to traffic lights
You also have to watch for traffic lights and make sure you respond appropriately. You don’t need to wait at a green light, and you do need to stop before the line when the light is red. You also don’t want to try to speed up to get through a yellow light. All of these are common mistakes.
Learn to drive in a Mini Cooper