Emergency handling and mechanical awareness
Emergency responses
The examiner may ask what you would do in a failure, and may watch how you handle a warning light or a sudden hazard. Brake failure: pump the pedal, change down through the gears, use the handbrake gently and progressively, and look for an escape route. Tyre blowout: grip the wheel, ease off the accelerator, keep straight, and brake gently only after speed falls. Skid: ease off and steer into the skid. Overheating: stop safely, let the engine cool, and never open the radiator cap while hot.
Mechanical awareness
Know the warning lights for oil pressure, battery, temperature and brakes. Check tyre pressure and tread, coolant, oil, washer fluid and lights regularly. A soft or long brake pedal, pulling to one side, or a burning smell means stop and investigate.
Worked example
A front tyre blows at 80 km/h. You hold the wheel firmly, release the accelerator, keep the car straight, and let speed drop before braking gently to the shoulder. The reasoning: hard braking or a sharp correction can spin the car; the blown tyre drags, so smooth inputs are essential.
Traps that cost marks
Slamming the brakes after a blowout; yanking the handbrake at speed; opening a hot radiator; ignoring an oil-pressure light; and continuing on a flat tyre.