How it works: At the desk you answer 14 questions: 6 on the Rules of the Road, 6 road signs and 2 hand signals. At the car the tester checks the insurance, NCT and motor tax discs and that both brake lights work, then asks you to explain how you would check any 3 of these: the tyres, lights, reflectors, indicators, engine oil, coolant, wipers and washer fluid, steering, brakes and horn. In the car, with the engine running and before you move off, you show how you would work any 3 secondary controls, then adjust your seat, seatbelt, head restraint and mirrors and make sure your door is closed (RSA standard procedures for driving tests; Rules of the Road, pp. 37-38). 3 or more questions not answered or answered wrongly = 1 Grade 2 fault (RSA marking guidelines). It won't fail you on its own, but first impressions count. Show a lack of vehicle knowledge here, then make the same errors on the road, and you cut your chances of passing right down.
Questions 1–12
Asked at the car, before the drive. The tester picks 3 and you explain how you would do the check. Be ready to show it as well.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack when pressed. Test the brakes as you set off. The vehicle should stop promptly and not pull to one side.
Refer to the manufacturer's guide or the label inside the door frame or fuel cap. Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge. Check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, not after a long drive. Don't forget the spare tyre. Remember to refit valve caps after checking.
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. Note: some restraints are not adjustable.
No cuts or bulges in the tyre wall. Minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Operate the light switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle to check all headlights and tail lights are illuminated. As this is a Tell Me question, you don't need to physically do it. Just explain the process.
The ABS warning light on the dashboard will illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system. It should light briefly when the ignition is turned on and then go off. If it stays on, there is a fault.
Operate the indicator switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle to check all four indicators are flashing correctly. As this is a Tell Me question, just explain the process. You don't need to physically check them.
Press the brake pedal and check the reflection in a wall, window or garage door, or ask someone to stand behind the car and confirm the lights are on.
If the steering becomes very heavy, the system may not be working properly. Two checks before setting off:
Check 1: Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine. You should feel a slight but noticeable movement as the power assistance comes in.
Check 2: Turn the steering wheel just after moving off. You'll know straight away whether power assistance is working.
Press the horn control briefly (turn on the ignition if necessary).
Apply the parking brake fully. When it is fully applied it should hold itself on and should not be at the very end of its travel.
Walk round the car and check the reflectors are clean and in good condition. Lights, reflectors and indicators only work properly if you keep them clean and in good working order (Rules of the Road, pp. 43, 63).
Questions 13–16
For the oil, coolant or washer fluid you open the bonnet yourself, point to the right part, explain the check and close the bonnet again securely. The tester may ask about the brake fluid or power-steering fluid the same way (RSA standard procedures).
Open the bonnet. Identify and point to the dipstick (or oil level indicator on newer cars). Describe how to remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert fully, remove again and read the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Open the bonnet. Identify and point to the coolant header tank (translucent reservoir). Check the coolant level against the HIGH and LOW markings on the side of the tank. If low, describe how to top up to the correct level using the appropriate coolant mixture. Never open the cap on a hot engine.
Open the bonnet. Identify and point to the brake fluid reservoir (usually near the back of the engine bay on the driver's side). Check the fluid level against the HIGH and LOW markings on the side of the reservoir.
Point to the windscreen washer reservoir and explain how you would check the level, and top it up if it is low.
Secondary Controls
In the car, with the engine running and before you move off, the tester says: "Now, before you move off, I want you to show me how you would operate some of the secondary controls" and asks for any 3 of these (RSA standard procedures; Rules of the Road, p. 38). The car is not moving: take your time and work each control properly.
Every car is different: practise these in the car you will use on the day. If the wipers do not work, or a warning light stays on after the engine starts, the test may not go ahead (RSA standard procedures).
Know the faults before you drive
The vehicle questions are just the start. Find out what the examiner records during the drive and which faults fail the most candidates.