Aims

To know what to check and how often to check it.
To ensure the safety of your car and what you should do before starting any journey.
 

Objectives

• To know how often to perform important safety checks
• To know what routine checks to make to ensure your car is safe to drive
• To know how often to have your car serviced and why
• To understand what checks to make before starting a journey
• To understand the importance of ensuring windows are clear
   

Your Test

Show Me, Tell Me Questions

This part of the driving test includes:

• Tell Me – asked before you get in the car
• Show Me – asked while you're driving

These questions help set the tone for your test, so be confident. Make sure you know how to open and close the bonnet safely.

• Tell Me mistakes won’t cause a direct fail but could count as a minor fault.
• Show Me errors can lead to a test fail if done unsafely.

These questions are easy to get right with a bit of practice. Check our blog for a full guide and tips.

Expected outcome / competence

Display and demonstrate a basic knowledge and use of the fundamental controls and safety checks applicable to the vehicle. For example safe fluid levels, lighting and tyre checks and washing the windscreen.

Driving fault:

• Answering one ‘tell me’ question incorrectly &/or displaying a minor loss of vehicle control whilst demonstrating the on-road ‘show me’ question.

Serious fault:

• Displaying serious loss of control whilst demonstrating the on-road ‘show me’ question.

Dangerous fault:

• Displaying an actual dangerous loss of vehicle control whilst demonstrating the on-road ‘show me’ question requiring examiner action to prevent a collision.

Introduction

This will consist of daily & weekly checks. Additional ones should be made before long journeys.

Daily Checks

Each time you use your car check:

• Windows – That they are clear and you can see out of them
• Mirrors – Clear, clean and in the right position
• Petrol – Enough for your journey
• Tyres – Not flat or damage

Weekly Checks

These checks are important to ensure your car is safe to be driven. They should be carried out at least once per week. On a driving test these are the Show MeTell Me questions.

• Under the bonnet: Oil, brake fluid, engine coolant and washer wiper levels. 
• The outside of your car: Tyres & lights.

 Servicing

Your car should be serviced once a year or around every 10,000 miles, depending on the model. Some cars will alert you when a service is due.

A service is different from an MOT. While the MOT checks safety, a service looks at wear and tear and can spot issues early—helping keep your car safe and possibly saving you money in the long run.

A good mechanic can make sure your car stays roadworthy between MOTs.

Planning a Journey

Pre-Journey Checks

Lights are clean & working

Windows & mirrors are clear

You have enough fuel

Oil, coolant, brake fluid & washer levels are topped up

Tyres are at the correct pressure & in good condition

Your sat-nav is set and up to date

Windscreens

Clear Visibility Before Driving

Always make sure your windscreen, mirrors, and windows & clean and free from any obstructions before setting off.

Demist using the car’s heater, air con, or demister button

Use a microfibre cloth to avoid smears

Clear snow, ice, leaves & bird mess promptly

Remove snow from the roof to prevent it sliding down while driving

Use de-icer spray—never hot water

Recap

It is important for your safety & for that of other road users, that your car is safe to drive. Also that you are prepared for any journey you are about to take.

You should know:

• What to check & how often
• How to keep your windows clear
• What to check before either a short or long journey

Further Reading

The Highway Code Rule(s): 89,97 and p128

Driving The Essential Skills: Section(s) 5 and 14