Pre-Trip Checks and Basic Maintenance
Pre-trip questions test whether you would catch a fault before it becomes a crash. The exam favours checklists and 'what would you check first' scenarios.
Daily walk-around
Walk around the vehicle before every trip and check: tyre condition, pressure and tread; lights, indicators, brake lights and reflectors; wipers and washer; mirrors and horn; body damage or loose parts; and any leaks under the vehicle. Under the bonnet, check engine oil on the dipstick, coolant level, brake fluid and screen wash. Confirm fuel level and that the spare tyre, jack, wheel brace, warning triangle, first aid kit and fire extinguisher are present.
Scheduled maintenance
Tyre pressures are checked when tyres are cold, against the manufacturer's figures, and adjusted for heavy loads. Worn tread, cracks and bulges mean replacement. Brake fluid absorbs moisture and degrades over time. Belts, filters and battery terminals need periodic inspection. Keep the vehicle's documents current: vehicle licence, third-party insurance, road worthiness certificate and proof of ownership.
Worked example
A driver notices the steering pulls to one side and the front-left tyre looks low. Reasoning: check and inflate the tyre cold, then inspect for a nail, bulge or cracked sidewall. If the tyre is damaged or the pressure keeps falling, do not drive on it - fit the spare and get the tyre repaired. Driving on a deflating tyre risks a blowout at speed.
Traps
Checking pressures after a long run, when heat has raised them. Topping up coolant on a hot engine. Ignoring a slow puncture because the car 'feels fine'. Treating the road worthiness certificate as optional paperwork.