Driving Test
   Show & Tell Questions And Answers - Vehicle Safety Checks
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Driving Test Show & Tell Questions And Answers - Vehicle Safety Checks

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Driving Test

Driving Test Fees, from 30th March 2009 - Monday to Friday normal business hours - £62, otherwise £75 (e.g. weekends).
If requiring an extended test the fees are - Monday to Friday normal business hours - £124, otherwise £150 (e.g. weekends).

Show & Tell section

• What's involved? - on the day of your driving test, the examiner will ask you two questions about your vehicle before you drive off.
• What's the score? - answer any one (or both) of the questions incorrectly and receive one driver (minor) fault towards your driving test. Results given on the day.
• What are the questions, (and the answers)? - Show & Tell questions (and answers).

Driving section

• What's involved? - meet your examiner in the test centre waiting area where he/she will ask for your documents and require you to sign the top of the test report to declare your residency and vehicle insurance (Glencor Driving School cars are fully insured for learner lessons, tests and the Pass Plus lessons).
• The examiner will ask if you want someone (e.g. your instructor) to sit in the back seat of the car during your test, and/or, if you want someone (e.g. your instructor) to listen to the debrief after the test. The choices are entirely up to you.
• You will then leave the waiting area and you must take your documents with you when going out to your car.
• Once outside, you'll be asked to read a car registration plate and if glasses or contact lenses are used at this point then they must be used whilst driving (the test will not continue if you are unable to read a vehicle registration plate from a distance of approx 20.5mtrs AND you will not receive reimbursement for the test and will therefore have to pay for your next test).
• You will then go over to your car and be asked two of the show & tell questions.

• During the driving section you will be required to execute a minimum of two of the three manoeuvres. (From 4th October 2010 this will be a minimum of ONE manoeuvre.)
• Independent Driving - during the driving test the examiner will either:-.
• a. ask you to follow road signs to a location, or;
• b. give you three directions (a diagram can be used) then ask you to follow these directions.
• You can at any time ask for these directions again or even pull up at a safe place at the side of the road to confirm the directions.
• Watch the DSA video on Independent Driving
• What's a pass? - complete approx 40 mins of driving (twice this for the extended test) and accrue less than 16 driver (minor) faults with no serious or dangerous faults. Results given on the day.
• A serious fault is where the learner driver could have caused an accident but no action was taken by the examiner or any other road user.
• A dangerous fault is where the examiner or any other road user took action to avoid an accident due to the learner driver's actions.

• Eco-Safe Driving - the eco-safe driving for the driving test is an educational exercise and the examiner may comment on how your driving related to this subject and provide you with a leaflet. You will not fail for improper eco-safe driving techniques. Eco-safe driving techniques are included in the appropriate areas throughout my website.

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Study material - your best option is to find a good driving school instructor, and if possible, drive between your driving school lessons (this helps to build your driving skills and more importantly, your driving confidence). Study material can also be found in book, DVD or CD-ROM formats.

• Where to buy - from various stores as well as from the DSA website.
• Recommended Study material - The best option is the PC DVD-ROM as this now contains all the necessary info for all the tests (Theory Questions, Theory Hazard Perception and the Show & Tell) plus information on driving skills.
• Recommended buy - Your driving instructor can supply the Focus Driving Test Success All Tests PC DVD-ROM (I've tried others but prefer the Focus format) OR you can simply pop into a supermarket (Asda, Morrisons, Tesco, etc.) where they are usually under £10.
  Make sure to chose the 'All Tests' disc.

When To Apply For Your Driving Test - As soon as you are ready, you will be encouraged to apply for your driving test. Your Glencor driving instructor will provide you with his driving instructor number (ADI number). This is required so as to help prevent a double test booking.

Glencor Driving School reserves the right to reschedule driving tests OR to not take candidates for test if Glencor Driving School deems the candidate to be not ready for the driving test.

Driving Test Centre used by Glencor Driving School: -

• Kilmarnock - 71 Whatriggs Road, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, KA1 3RB. Note: there is no toilet available for candidates at this test centre.

View Larger Map

• Have used the Ayr test centre extensively and other Test Centres (Saltcoats and Cumnock) when, for example, learner's from another driving school have phoned because their instructor has let them down just before their test.

Documents needed on the day of the test: - (the test WILL NOT take place without these documents)

• If you have a photo licence - take the photocard & counterpart (paper part) of your valid driver's licence. (Although tests can be conducted without the theory pass certificate you should take it because it is proof that you are entitled to take a driving test).
• If you don't have a photo licence - take your driver's licence plus a valid passport. (Although tests can be conducted without the theory pass certificate you should take it because it is proof that you are entitled to take a driving test).

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Cancellations at Short Notice: - (Call 0300 200 1122 or Minicom 0300 200 1144, Compensation Form)

• Weather conditions
• For the safety of the candidate and the examiner, the DSA do not conduct tests during bad light or adverse weather conditions (e.g. frost, high winds, etc.). Another appointment will be arranged at no further cost, but other compensation is not payable for these circumstances. Candidates should call the telephone number quoted on the appointment letter to check whether their test will go ahead.
• The DSA cancelling your test
• If your test is cancelled at short notice by the DSA for circumstances other than bad light or adverse weather conditions then reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses will be considered for: -
• travelling expenses to a test centre (this is usually for theory tests but occasionally for practical tests)
• car hire cost (or the cost of your instructor) for up to 2hrs
• lost earnings through taking unpaid leave (usually for a half day).
• If you cancel due to medical reasons
• If you need to cancel your test at short notice due to medical reasons then the DSA will consider arranging another appointment at no further cost. A doctor's certificate is usually required.
• Mechanical problems with your car
• If you are unable to complete the driving test for reasons that are attributable to your vehicle, then you will have to take and pay for another test.

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Special Needs - The DSA recognise that some people require alternative/extra information for their test and, if necessary, they will allocate extra time for the test. Categories considered are: -

• an interpreter with you on your test
• dyslexia
• special learning needs
• epilepsy
• deaf (profoundly or otherwise)
• heavily pregnant
• a condition which affects your body movement
• arthritis
• any missing limbs
• paraplegia
• any other special needs

Further Driving Test Related Information:-

Can I Ask The Examiner To Permit My Driving Instructor To Sit In On My Driving Test? - YES
Although this option is available, your Glencor Driving School instructor would only ever sit in at your request and would NEVER insist on sitting in.

At the end of the driving test your examiner will give you a debrief. At this point it could be beneficial to ask the examiner to permit your driving instructor to listen to the debrief. Your Glencor Driving School instructor recommends this option.

Do I pay my instructor two hours for the day of my driving test? - YES
Your Glencor Driving School instructor (like all other instructors) will pick you up one hour before your test (for a final recap). At the end of this hour you will be taken to the Test Centre to start your driving test (approx 40mins driving followed by the examiners debrief then the drive back home), thus making two hours on the day.
Note: For those taking an extended test this will be 2.5 hours due to the longer test time.

Can driver (minor) faults accumulate into serious faults during the driving test? - YES
Repeating a driver (minor) fault several times can be deemed as serious and therefore result in a test fail.

For my driving test, can I use the car I have used for my driving lessons? - YES
The Test Centre does not supply cars for test.

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For my driving test, can I use my own car? - YES
Currently, cars presented for a driving test do not require dual controls but the following criteria must be satisfied.

Cars (or vans) presented for test must be: -

• a four wheeled vehicle of no more than 3500 kilograms (kg) maximum authorised mass (MAM)
• capable of a speed of at least 100 kilometres per hour (km/h) or 62.5 miles per hour (mph)

The car (or van) must also be fitted with: -

• a seatbelt for the examiner
• a passenger head restraint, this needn't be adjustable but must be fitted as an integral part of the seat - 'slip on' type head restraints aren't permitted
• an interior mirror for the examiner's use (your Glencor driving school instructor can provide you with a suitable mirror)
• L-plates displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle but not interfering with the driver's or examiner's view
• a speedometer that measures speed in miles per hour and kilometres per hour.

The vehicle must be legal and roadworthy and have no warning lights showing e.g. the airbag warning light.

Some convertible vehicles are unsuitable for the driving test – e.g. the Ford KA convertible and Mini convertible due to the lack of all-round vision for the examiner. If you propose to use a convertible vehicle for the driving test please check its suitability when you book.

Can a Senior Examiner (SE) sit in during my driving test? - YES
Like driving instructors, the examiners are regularly checked to ensure that they keep to a high standard. If this happens for your driving test then simply remember that the SE is not assessing your driving. The SE is only assessing your examiner.

Illegal Number Plates
The DSA has agreed with the DVLA that examiners can report any number plates which appear to be illegal.

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Show & Tell Questions And Answers - Vehicle Safety Checks

Show & Tell Questions (and Answers)

Includes the new questions added from 1st July 2008
The number of questions asked on the day of the test will still be two.

Question - Read these for the official DSA 'Questions' for the driving test 'Vehicle Safety Checks'.
Answer Details - Read these and you should be able to give the correct answers.
Additionally - These are not required for test, they are simply to give you better understanding / knowledge.
Diagrams of your Glencor driving instructor's car are included.

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Horn
Question - Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Answer Details - Press the horn button and listen for the horn sounding. Where possible do this when off the road. Also, make sure you will not alarm any other road users whilst testing the horn.

Direction Indicators
Question - Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Answer Details - Switch on the ignition but don't start the engine, then switch on the left indicators. Walk round the car checking that the indicator bulbs, front, side (fitted on your Glencor driving instructor's car), and rear are flashing at between once to twice per second. Switch over to the right indicators and check them for correct operation. Do this off road (if possible) so as not to confuse other road users.
Note: For your test, you could be asked to check the indicator lights by switching them all on at the same time using the hazard warning switch.
Additionally - If the indicators flash at twice the normal speed then this usually indicates that one of the bulbs is faulty.

Headlights & Tail Lights
Question - Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit the vehicle.)
Answer Details - (The ignition is not required for your Glencor driving instructor's car). Turn the 'headlights and tail lights switch' and check that the 'headlight warning light' illuminates. When completed, remember to turn the 'headlights and tail lights' off (except in conditions where they will be needed while driving).

Main Beam Headlights
Question - Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Answer Details - (The ignition is not required for your Glencor driving instructor's car). Turn the 'headlights and tail lights switch' and check that the 'headlight warning light' illuminates. Pull the 'main beam (full beam) lever' and check that the main beam warning light has illuminated. When completed, remember to turn your main beam off using the main beam lever OR when you turn the 'headlights and tail lights' off, the main beam lights will turn off automatically.

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Rear Fog Lights
Question - 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; please don't start the engine.)
Answer Details - (The ignition is not required for your Glencor driving instructor's car). Turn on the 'headlights and tail lights' then turn the 'fog light switch' to turn on the rear fog light, check 'fog light warning light' is on for the rear fog light. When completed, remember to turn the fog light off using the fog light switch OR when you turn the 'headlights and tail lights' off, the fog light will turn off automatically. The fog light(s) should be used when visibility is below 100 metres.

Windscreen Wipers
Question - Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Answer Details - Switch on the ignition but don't start the engine. Pull the wiper lever to wash and wipe the windscreen.

Anti Lock Braking System (ABS)
Question - Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Answer Details - A few seconds after switching on the ignition, the ABS warning light should turn off. If the ABS warning light remains illuminated then there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Demister
Question - Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Answer Details - Switch on the ignition but don't start the engine. To clear the windows effectively:-

• turn air speed to highest setting,
• turn temperature to highest setting,
• turn air direction to windscreen setting,
• turn source to external,
• and press the rear screen demister button.

Additionally - Switching on the engine and/or the air conditioning will also assist with demisting. Note: for air conditioning to operate effectively the windows should be closed.

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Parking Brake (Handbrake)
Question - Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear; make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
Answer Details - Secure your car by firmly pressing on the footbrake and holding it on while you release the parking brake then re-apply it. Check that the parking brake lever does not travel excessively, (the parking brake lever should not reach the end of it’s travel).
Additionally - You could also check that the parking brake holds the car stationary on a hill and that the parking brake releases properly i.e. it does not hold the car back when trying to move off (parking brakes can 'jam' on especially if a car has been parked for several weeks with the parking brake on).

Brakes
Question - Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer Details - When stationary, press on the brake pedal. It should move down freely then become firm. The brake pedal should not feel 'spongy' and it should never travel to the floor of the car.
Additionally - Once the car is moving, press on the brake pedal and check that it is working properly and stopping the car in a straight line (if the car pulls to the left or right then there could be something wrong with the brakes on one side of the car). There should be no unusual or grinding noises when braking (a grinding noise could be due to worn/faulty brake pads). If there is anything incorrect with the brakes then have a mechanic check them. Do not drive with faulty brakes.

Brake Lights
Question - Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you.) If you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine.
Answer Details - Switch on the ignition and then press the brake pedal to activate the brake lights. Either reverse the car up to a reflective surface so that you can check each bulb or have someone check for you. The examiner may walk to the back of the car and visually check the brake lights for you.

Head Restraint
Question - Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Answer Details - The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of 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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Power Assisted Steering
Question - Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Answer Details - With the engine switched off, use your left hand to turn the steering wheel approximately one inch and then hold it there. When the engine is now switched on the steering wheel should give a slight movement against the left hand i.e. lighten. Alternatively, as you drive off, turn the steering wheel and check that it is not ‘heavier’ than usual.

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Tyre Condition
Question - 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.
Answer Details - Check the tread depth of the tyres for the minimum of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre and all the way round (either use the nodules that are moulded into the tread to check the tread depth or use a depth gauge). Check both the inner and outer walls of the tyres for cuts and bulges (cuts must not penetrate through to the webbing inside the rubber of the tyre).

Tyre Pressure
Question - Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Answer Details - Check the tyres for obvious signs of low inflation. If low, inflate to the recommended pressure (refer the manufacturer’s handbook) using a pump and pressure gauge. Do Not over inflate.



Windscreen Washer Reservoir
Question - Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Answer Details - Windscreen washer reservoirs generally don't have a maximum/minimum level indicator, the reservoir should simply be topped up sufficiently for your journey. If required, top up the windscreen washer reservoir with windscreen washer liquid or clean water.

Engine Coolant
Question - 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.
Answer Details - Check the coolant level against the maximum/minimum markers on the coolant expansion tank. If low (and only when the engine is cool AND not switched on), remove the coolant cap and top up with coolant (or clean water).
Additionally - Do Not remove the coolant cap while the engine is hot as there is a danger of being scalded by hot water escaping under pressure. If frequent topping up is required then there is a leak in the system. Have this checked and repaired.

Engine Oil
Question - 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.
Answer Details - Pull the dipstick out, wipe it clean, then push it fully back in and leave it there for approximately 5 seconds. Pull the dipstick back out and check that the oil level is showing between the maximum/minimum markers.
Additionally - The oil should always be checked with the car on a horizontal surface, not on a slope. If the engine oil level is low, then remove the oil filler cap and top up with the appropriate oil and amount (to get the correct amount, pour in a small amount of oil at first then a couple of minutes later check the oil level again, repeat until you have the correct amount). Do Not over fill, and, make sure the filler cap is replaced securely. The engine oil should be checked when the engine is cool AND switched off, if the engine has been running then it should be checked several minutes after the engine has stopped thereby giving time for the oil to drain down and settle into the engine sump.

Brake Fluid
Question - 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.
Answer Details - Check the brake fluid level against the maximum/minimum markers on the master cylinder reservoir.
Additionally - If low, remove the reservoir cap and top up with the appropriate brake fluid (refer the manufacturer’s handbook). If frequent topping up is required then there is a leak in the system. Have this checked and repaired. Note: Brake fluid is very corrosive so if you spill any on the car paintwork, wipe it off immediately with soapy water.

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Instructions To Expect During Your Driving Test And During Your Driving Lessons

Instructions Given By The Examiner And What They Mean.

Your Glencor Driving School instructor uses these instructions during driving lessons.
The roundabout instructions listed herein are for two lanes on approach to the roundabout.

List of driving instructions that require clarification.

"Follow the road ahead unless road markings or road signs indicate otherwise."
"If I want you to turn I will tell you in plenty of time."
"Move off when you are ready."
This instruction is given just before you drive off on your driving test.
From the first line you should note that if you approach a crossroads and the examiner has not told you which way to go then you should prepare for and (when it is safe) take the road ahead. If you come to a junction and the road signs or road markings indicate that there is only one direction to turn then the examiner will expect you to be aware of this and will not tell you which way to turn.
The second line is to assure you that the examiner will always endeavour to NOT give late instructions therefore giving you appropriate time to prepare.
The third line states 'when you are ready' i.e. don't hurry. Simply make yourself comfortable and move off in good time.

"Move off when you are ready and at the end of the road turn left"
"Move off when you are ready and at the end of the road turn right"
This is used when you have stopped close to the end of the road, usually after the 'Left Reverse Round A Junction'. Remember, if you have been told to turn left then do NOT signal left until just after you move off.

"Pull up at the side of the road."
"Find a convenient place to park at the side of the road."
Etc.
Note that for these instructions you are NOT asked to park at a specific place e.g. "just before the junction", etc. therefore you should choose a place where it would be safe and legal as if you were going to leave your car there.

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"Pull up at the side of the road just before that parked car."
"Pull up at the side of the road just before the next junction on the left."
Etc.
Note that for these instructions you ARE asked to pull up at a specific place, this is usually because the examiner is going to ask you to do something e.g. a manoeuvre, therefore you should park at the specified location and not worry about whether it is a safe location to park and leave your car.

"Pull up at the side of the road just before that parked car and leaving enough space to pull out."
This instruction is usually given when the examiner is going to check your 'Angled Start'.

"Take the second road on the left, this being the first."
"Take the second road on the right, this being the first."
These instructions are used to give you time to prepare for the junction when two junctions are not far apart. If the examiner waited until you were past the first junction and then said "Take the next road" you would not have sufficient time to prepare for the junction.

"Follow left."
"Follow right."
"Veer left."
"Veer right."
These instructions are used where there is a fork in the road and there are no road markings at the fork. You should observe appropriately for the direction you will be taking and a signal is usually not necessary.

"At the next roundabout, take the road ahead."
On approach to the roundabout do not signal. After entering the roundabout, observe and signal left appropriately for exiting the roundabout.

"At the next roundabout, take the second exit to the left."
Just as for the road ahead at a roundabout do not signal on approach. If you signal on approach then other road users would interpret that as you taking the first exit on the roundabout. The instruction used 'left' therefore you should approach in the left hand lane. After entering the roundabout, observe and signal left appropriately for exiting the roundabout.

"At the next roundabout, bear left first exit."
Just as for the road ahead at a roundabout do not signal on approach. The instruction used 'left' therefore you should approach in the left hand lane. As soon as you enter the roundabout observe and signal left appropriately for exiting the roundabout.

"At the next roundabout, bear right second exit."
Just as for the road ahead at a roundabout do not signal on approach. The instruction used 'right' therefore you should approach in the right hand lane. After entering the roundabout, observe and signal left appropriately for exiting the roundabout.

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List of driving instructions that are self explanatory.

"Move off when you are ready."

"At the end of the road turn left."

"At the end of the road turn right."

"Take the next road on the left."

"Take the next road on the right."

"At the next traffic lights, turn left."

"At the next traffic lights, turn right."

"At the next roundabout, take the road to the left, first exit."

"At the next roundabout, take the road to the right, second exit."
For this instruction the examiner can also say "third exit", "forth exit", etc.


Note: Some test areas will have instructions that are applicable to those areas only therefore not all instructions are listed herein. Your driving instructor should make you aware of any specific instructions for your test area.

Be prepared and understand the examiner's instruction.

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