Show me, tell me
Practise all 21 DVSA car safety questions. You’ll explain one check before driving and demonstrate one control during the drive, when it’s safe. Open each question to reveal a practice answer.
Tell me
Say how you would do the check. For the last three questions, open the bonnet and point out the relevant part.
1. How would you check the brakes before a journey?
The pedal should feel firm, without excessive travel. Test the brakes as you move off and check that the car slows without pulling to either side.
2. Where do you find the recommended tyre pressures, and how do you check them?
Use the manufacturer’s handbook or pressure label. Check and adjust cold tyres with a reliable gauge, include the spare if fitted, and replace the valve caps.
3. How do you adjust the head restraint for protection in a crash?
Set the rigid part at least level with your eyes or the tops of your ears, and as close behind your head as is comfortable. Some restraints are fixed.
4. How do you check tyre tread and condition?
Look for cuts and bulges. Check for at least 1.6 mm of tread across the middle three quarters of each tyre and all the way around it.
5. How would you check the headlights and tail lights?
Switch them on, using the ignition if needed, then walk around the car to check. For the test, explain the walkaround from your seat.
6. How would you recognise a fault with the anti-lock braking system?
The ABS warning light would indicate a fault, for example by staying on after the normal start-up check.
7. How would you check the direction indicators?
Operate the indicators, turning on the ignition if needed, and walk around to check the lights flash. For the test, explain this from your seat.
8. How would you check the brake lights?
Press the brake pedal and use a reflection in a window or door, or ask someone to check the lights for you.
9. How would you check the power steering?
Hold gentle pressure on the wheel while starting the engine. You should feel a small movement as assistance starts. Alternatively, check that the wheel turns easily just after moving off.
10. How do you turn on the rear fog lights, and when would you use them?
Use the rear fog light switch with the ignition and dipped lights on if required. Check the dashboard indicator. Use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres, and turn them off when it improves.
11. How do you switch from dipped headlights to main beam, and how do you know it is on?
Use the main beam control with the ignition or engine on if needed. Look for the blue main beam indicator on the dashboard.
12. Open the bonnet. How would you check the engine oil?
Point out the dipstick or oil-level indicator. With the car on level ground, follow the handbook and check the reading is between the minimum and maximum marks.
13. Open the bonnet. How would you check the engine coolant?
When the engine is cold, identify the coolant tank and check the level against its markings. If needed, top up to the correct level as directed by the handbook.
14. Open the bonnet. How would you check the brake fluid?
Point out the hydraulic brake fluid reservoir and check that the level sits between its minimum and maximum marks.
Show me
Demonstrate only when safe. Learn where the controls are while parked in the car you’ll use for the test.
1. How do you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Use the rear wash/wipe control to spray washer fluid and wipe the rear glass.
2. How do you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Use the front wash/wipe control to spray washer fluid and wipe the front glass.
3. How do you switch on dipped headlights?
Select dipped headlights using the lighting control. Learn the setting in your test car.
4. How do you switch on the rear demister?
Press the heated rear window button, usually marked with a rectangular window and rising wavy lines.
5. How do you operate the horn?
Briefly press the horn control, usually in the centre of the steering wheel, when the examiner asks and it is safe.
6. How do you demist the front windscreen?
Select the windscreen demist setting. Use the fan, warm air and air conditioning if available, or the car’s dedicated demist button.
7. How do you open and close a side window?
Use the side window switch or handle to open it, then close it.