Vehicle controls, handling and pre-driving checks
What this domain tests
Vehicle controls, handling and pre-driving checks questions test whether you can operate a car safely and spot defects before they become emergencies. The examiner expects a routine check and an understanding of what each control does.
Controls and routine
- Before starting: seat position, mirrors, head restraint, seat belt, doors closed, gear in neutral or park, handbrake on.
- Use the clutch smoothly, select the correct gear for the speed, and brake progressively. The handbrake is a parking brake, not a service brake.
- Check tyres for pressure, tread and damage; check oil, coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and lights. Check tyre pressures when cold.
- Watch dashboard warning lights: red lights usually mean stop and investigate; amber lights mean check soon.
- Secure loads and do not overload the vehicle; extra weight changes braking and handling.
Worked example
A driver checks tyre pressures after a long run and finds 34 psi instead of the recommended 30 psi. The tyres are hot, so the reading is artificially high. The correct check is when the tyres are cold; adjusting hot tyres down to 30 psi would leave them underinflated when they cool.
Traps
Checking oil on a hot engine immediately after stopping; overfilling fluids; ignoring a red warning light; using the handbrake to slow the car in normal driving; and assuming a tyre that looks inflated has correct pressure. A pre-driving check takes a minute and prevents breakdowns.