Alpha Driving School

How you would check that the power assisted steering (PAS) is working before starting a journey ?

If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made.  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.

Demonstrate that the horn is working.

Press the horn.

Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear.

Demonstrate by applying the handbrake.  It should secure itself, it shouldn't  feel loose and should not be at the end of the working travel.

Show me where the brake fluid reservoir is, & tell me how you know there is sufficient brake fluid in it ?

Identify reservoir.  Fluid should be between minimum and max markings.

Show me where the coolant reservoir is.   Tell me how you would know there is sufficient fluid in it. ?

Show me where the windscreen wash reservoir is located.  Tell me how you would know it is sufficiently topped up ?

Identify reservoir.   By looking in, you can see if it is sufficiently topped up. If not, fill it to the top level.

Show me where the oil dipstick is.   Tell me how would you know if there was sufficient oil?in it ?

Identify the oil dipstick.  When the dipstick is pulled out wipe with a cloth.  Re-insert it, and pull it back out again. 

The level should be between minimum and maximum markings. 

What is the minimum tread depth for tyres ?   How would you know the tyres where correctly inflated  ?  Where would you find information related to tyre pressure on this car ? 

Minimum tread depth is 1.6 mms across the central 3/4's of the tyre, and around the complete circumference.  Information on correct inflation can be found in the manufacturer's handbook for the car. 

Tyres should be checked once a week when cold. 

There should be no holes, cuts, defects or bulges.

Show me where the indicators are on this car, and that they're working.

Turn on the right and left indicators; walk around the car to ensure they're working properly.

Tell me how you would check that your brake lights are working?

Ask someone to stand behind the car while you press the brake pedal, or by checking the reflection of the brake lights in a window.   Brake lights should be checked daily.

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti lock brake system (ABS) ?

The ABS warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel.

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working correctly ?

Show me where the fog lights are located on this car.  How would you know from inside the car that fog lights are on ?

The front fog lights are located just below the headlights, the rear fog light just below the right brake light. 

An orange light will illuminate on the instrument panel.  

Fog lights are used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres.

Explain how you would operate the full/main beam.  How do you know when the full/main beam is on ?

Switch on the dipped headlights.  Push the indicator stalk forwards.  A blue light will illuminate on the instrument panel.

Tell me how you turn on the sidelights and dipped headlights. 

Lights can be operated by turning the switch towards the right.

Tell me how to clear the rear windscreen from misting up ?

The rear windscreen can be de-misted by setting the control.   The control will become illuminated when operated. 

Tell me how to keep the front  windscreen clear, from misting up.

Adjust the heater and fans, directing the control of air to either the windscreen or windows.

Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.