Vehicle safety checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive. Below is a list of the combinations of questions to be used on test.
Q: 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.
Q: Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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.
Q: 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, but do not start the engine).
Q: 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.
Q: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (You may need to switch the ignition on, but you should not start the engine).
Q: Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on the car. (I can assist you with this if you wish.) If you need to switch the ignition on, please do not start the engine.
A: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (The examiner is allowed to check for you.)
Q: 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.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit the vehicle)
A: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle. (This is a ‘Tell Me’ question there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Q: 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.
Q: 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 ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. (You may need to switch the ignition on, but you should not start the engine.)
Q: 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.
Q: 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.)
A: Operate switch; turn on dipped headlights (and ignition if necessary, but without starting the engine). Check warning light is on. Explain when to use fog lights.
Q: Tell me how you 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 f 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. NB Some restraints may not be adjustable.
Q: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A: Warning lights should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
VehicleSafety.pdf
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Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Monday, 18 January 2010
Are you ready for your Practical Driving Test?
Here at Beverly Slater School of Motoring, we will never tell you that you are not ready to take your test when you are. The National Pass Rate is 45% and it is so low because people go in for their test too early. Learning to drive is expensive and taking your test is expensive (approximately £100).
The cost of a weekday practical driving test is £62, plus use of the car and one hour's lesson prior to test. If you fail you will need to take another test, take more lessons to correct what went wrong and keep everything at test standard. Therefore the cost of a failed test is £62 (test fee) + £138 (additional hours) + £46 (use of car) = £246.
How will I know when I am ready?
You will be able to drive without your instructor saying or having to intervene at all, whilst you are driving, and you will not have to ask their help or advice.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you cope with every situation you meet on your driving lessons?
- Can you complete all the manoeuvres without any prompting and full observations?
- Are you confident emerging onto busy roads and roundabouts?
- Are you comfortable handling a car at 60-70 mph?
If you have answered YES to ALL the above question, you are probably ready for your Practical Driving Test.
Official DSA Car Practical Test - Are you ready? Can be found on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-40HK9tJWk&feature=PlayList&p=7C69D49DC86A8F23&index=1
Bev's Story
Beverly Slater - 10 Years of being a Driving Instructor
Originally I was a teacher, but having given up work to look after my growing family; teaching had changed enormously by the time I needed to start working again. I missed the children I had taught but the bureaucracy and government interference was now horrendous. Newly divorced with 3 boys aged 12, 9 and 5 - I was lost as to what to do next!
A friend suggested that I would make a good driving instructor. I had not even considered this but, spurred on by her encouragement; I started to do my homework, speaking to driving instructors, driving schools and instructor trainers.
I signed up to train with a national driving school in November 1998 and qualified in November 1999. However, by February 2000 I had left them and set up on my own under my name of Beverly Slater School of Motoring. Thanks to my mum for all the support and babysitting during those early years.
I was incredibly busy and often had a waiting list of pupils. In spring 2004, the company I had trained with originally, approached me to see if I would be interested in training to become an instructor trainer. I like a challenge, so off I went to do more exams and became an ORDIT Registered Trainer (Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers). In the meantime, I had my own pupils and driving school to consider, so I took on my first trainee instructor, Karen. Karen is still with me today and runs the Northwich/Knutsford side of the business.
One year on, March 2005, two became three and we now had Jenny working with us. Jenny now trains our own instructors, and the school has grown from its original base in Stockport to all areas of south Manchester, Cheshire and High Peak. At the end of October 2009, there were 17 driving instructors working under the Beverly Slater banner.
Many instructors joined us as Trainees, but we do have a couple who were with other driving schools and joined us because they were unhappy with the level of support provided by the school. We also have ADIs who were previously independent; Sue joined us 2 years ago and announced recently that "it was the best move she'd ever made."
I'm so busy now that I no longer teach. Every day is exciting and I have discovered how interesting and addictive running a business can be. And guess what - we still have a waiting list of people wanting to learn with us!
Originally I was a teacher, but having given up work to look after my growing family; teaching had changed enormously by the time I needed to start working again. I missed the children I had taught but the bureaucracy and government interference was now horrendous. Newly divorced with 3 boys aged 12, 9 and 5 - I was lost as to what to do next!
A friend suggested that I would make a good driving instructor. I had not even considered this but, spurred on by her encouragement; I started to do my homework, speaking to driving instructors, driving schools and instructor trainers.
I signed up to train with a national driving school in November 1998 and qualified in November 1999. However, by February 2000 I had left them and set up on my own under my name of Beverly Slater School of Motoring. Thanks to my mum for all the support and babysitting during those early years.
I was incredibly busy and often had a waiting list of pupils. In spring 2004, the company I had trained with originally, approached me to see if I would be interested in training to become an instructor trainer. I like a challenge, so off I went to do more exams and became an ORDIT Registered Trainer (Official Register of Driving Instructor Trainers). In the meantime, I had my own pupils and driving school to consider, so I took on my first trainee instructor, Karen. Karen is still with me today and runs the Northwich/Knutsford side of the business.
One year on, March 2005, two became three and we now had Jenny working with us. Jenny now trains our own instructors, and the school has grown from its original base in Stockport to all areas of south Manchester, Cheshire and High Peak. At the end of October 2009, there were 17 driving instructors working under the Beverly Slater banner.
Many instructors joined us as Trainees, but we do have a couple who were with other driving schools and joined us because they were unhappy with the level of support provided by the school. We also have ADIs who were previously independent; Sue joined us 2 years ago and announced recently that "it was the best move she'd ever made."
I'm so busy now that I no longer teach. Every day is exciting and I have discovered how interesting and addictive running a business can be. And guess what - we still have a waiting list of people wanting to learn with us!