During the Practical test you could be asked the following question.

TELL ME QUESTIONS - you will need to exit the vehicle and open the bonnet.

Q1: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.

A1: Identify where the coolant bottle is. (Arrow 4 in the picture of my car at the bottom of the page, the markers are on the side of the bottle nearest the engine) Advise that the coolant should be between Minimum and Maximum levels when cold.

Q2:  Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of brake fluid.

A2: Identify where the brake fluid bottle is. Advise that the oil should be between the Minimum and Maximum levels. (Arrow 1 in the picture of my car at the bottom of the page. Markers are on the left side of the bottle)

Q5: Open the bonnet, identify where the Windscreen Washer reservoir is and tell me how you check the level?

A5: Identify where the screen wash bottle is. (Arrow 5 in the picture of my car at the bottom of the page) Advise that the bottle has no min/max markers and therefore a visual check of the see-through bottle should be made and sufficient fluid should be added regularly to keep levels up. In the Mazda 2, there is a dip stick attached to the bottle lid for checking. Simply remove, wipe and replace the same as the oil check.

Q4: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would top up the engine if it doesn't have enough oil.

A4: Identify where the dip stick is. (Arrow 2 in the picture of my car at the bottom of the page) Advise that the oil level should be between the minimum and maximum levels. (To do this remove the dipstick, clean on a cloth etc, then replace. Remove once more to get an accurate reading. Do this when the engine has cooled but not when its cold). Also identify where you would put the oil in should the engine need topping up. (Arrow 3 in the picture of my car below) You DO NOT have to actually do this on the test!

SHOW ME QUESTIONS - these question will happen on the move

Q6: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

A6: In an off-road location (such as the test centre car park), press the horn and make sure a ‘beep’ is heard. (This question can be asked while on the move from December 2017)

Q3: Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A3: If at any time while driving the steering becomes heavy the power steering could be faulty. Before driving once the engine is started, a slight pressure on the wheel with one hand should make noticeable movement of the steering wheel. If it is still heavy as though the engine were switched off, this could signify a problem with the power steering. If asked to SHOW this answer, hold the wheel with it partly turned, keep it there, then start the engine. The examiner will see your hand turn easily and thus the power steering kicking in.

Q15: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Q15: To wash the front window, pull the right stalk back towards you for a couple of seconds and release. The wipers will self activate and wipe the windows for you. For the back window, twist the end of the right stalk down and hold for up to 5 seconds until the rear window is covered in wash. Again the wipers will activate at the same time. (This question can be asked while on the move from December 2017)

Q16: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

A16: Turn the control for heat to the warm position. Turn the control for the fans to the highest setting. Turn the control for position to the windscreen position. (In the Mazda 2 you simply turn all 3 controls to the right as far as they’ll go) You press the button in the middle of the right control to activate the rear window heater. (This question can be asked while on the move from December 2017)

Q20: Show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.

A20: To switch on the dipped headlights you would twist the end of the left light stalk up until the headlight symbol =D is lined up with the arrow. (This question will be asked while on the move from December 2017) Image in Q18 shows this.

Q21: Show me how you would operate the side window.

A: Using the window control on the door panel, push down to operate the window down. Pull up to operate it up. (This question can be asked while on the move from December 2017). In the Mazda 2 its the button with the word 'Auto' on it. Pushing until it clicks will operate a full window open and pulling until it clicks will operate a full window close. 

Q7: Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine).

A7: With the ignition on, but not the engine started (2 presses of the start button on my car), press the brake pedal and ask someone to stand at the rear of the car and check the lights are working. Alternatively, reverse up to a reflective surface and check over your shoulder for the reflection of the lights on both sides. (garage door, wall, shop window etc)

Q8: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A8: There should be pressure behind the brake pedal when pressed. It should not be spongy or slack. Once moving, gentle pressure on the brakes should not make the car veer to one side.

Q9:  Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

A9: Explain that you would turn on the headlights, get out of the vehicle and do a visual check that they are working. (You only have to say this, not actually do it)

Q10: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.

A10: Switch on either of the indicators, get out of the car and visually check that the indicators are working. Alternatively switch on the hazard warning lights and then check them all at once. (You will need to get out of the car and actually check if asked this question)

Q11:  Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A11: Information can be found in the manufacturer’s handbook. Pressures should be checked using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Remember the spare should also be checked if you have one. Replace any dust caps afterwards.

Q12: Show me how you would check the parking brake (hand brake) for excessive wear.

A12: Push down on the brake pedal. Release the parking brake, then whilst applying the parking brake explain the following; whilst pulling up the handle, it should have resistance and should not continue to its furthest point of travel. Upon releasing the foot brake, the vehicle should be secured in place by just the parking brake. Any slackness in the parking brake when being applied could imply the need for adjustment.

Q13: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

A13: Adjust using the button on the bottom of the headrest bar. Move it up or down so that the rigid part of the headrest is in the middle of the back of your head. The top of the headrest should be no lower than your eye level. Try to have it as close to the back of your head as is comfortable.

Q14: Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe for use on the road.

A14: Using a depth gauge or the tyre tread blocks, ensure that the central ¾ width of the tyre has 1.6mm of tread. This should be all the way around the circumference of the tyre. Also there should be no cuts or bulges anywhere on the tyre walls. Don’t forget this includes the spare too if you have one!

Q17: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system. (ABS)

A17: The ABS warning light will illuminate on the dashboard and remain on.

Q18: Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

A18: Switch on the headlights(turn the end of the left stalk forward to =D). Push forward on the left stalk to activate full beam. The blue warning light will illuminate on the dashboard so you know you have it activated.

Q19: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.

A19: Switch on the headlights. Twist the inner light control to the second position to activate the rear fog light (#D). An amber light will illuminate on the dashboard. You would use fog lights when visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less. Image in Q18 shows this.