Passing your driving test isn’t just about perfect gear changes or smooth roundabouts. A huge part of becoming a safe and confident driver involves knowing how to check that your car is roadworthy. In fact, during your practical test, you’ll be asked one ‘Show Me’ and one ‘Tell Me’ vehicle safety question.
Here are 10 essential car checks that every learner driver should know, both to help with your test and to stay safe on the road.
Tyre Pressure and Tread Depth
Check your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (found in the vehicle manual or inside the door frame).
Use a pressure gauge and check tread depth with a 20p coin. Legal tread is at least 1.6mm.
Engine Oil Level
Pop the bonnet and use the dipstick to ensure your oil level is between the minimum and maximum markers.
Low oil can cause serious engine damage.
Brake Fluid
Locate the brake fluid reservoir and check it’s topped up to the recommended level.
Low fluid could be a sign of worn brakes or a leak, both of which need urgent attention.
Windscreen Washer Fluid
You need enough washer fluid to keep your windscreen clear especially in poor weather.
It’s also a possible ‘Tell Me’ test question, so it’s worth practising.
Coolant Level
Coolant prevents your engine from overheating.
Check the expansion tank and make sure the level sits between the minimum and maximum lines.
Lights and Indicators
Regularly test all your lights: headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights and fog lights.
Get someone to help or use reflections to check they’re working.
Horn
A working horn is a legal requirement and may come up in your ‘Show Me’ question.
It’s also vital for alerting other drivers to danger.
Windscreen Wipers
Check for worn blades and test that the wipers work properly on all speeds.
If they smear the screen or make noise they may need to be replaced.
Mirrors and Windows
Ensure your mirrors are clean, properly adjusted and your windows give you full visibility.
This is vital for your test and everyday safe driving.
Emergency Essentials
While not part of the test, every driver should carry a breakdown kit: a warning triangle, hi-vis vest, torch and spare tyre or inflation kit.
Bonus Tip: Show Me, Tell Me Confidence
One ‘Show Me’ question will be asked while you’re driving, like “Show me how you’d wash the rear windscreen.”
A ‘Tell Me’ question is asked at the start.
Practice these in your lessons so you feel 100% prepared.
These basic checks take just a few minutes but can make a massive difference to your safety and your test result.
If you’re learning with us, our driving instructors will walk you through all of them.
Ready to learn more than just the basics? Book a driving lesson with us and feel confident behind the wheel AND under the bonnet.