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Vehicle safety checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus
for learning to drive.
The source material for large goods vehicle (LGV) tests can be found in the DSA
publication 'Driving goods vehicles, the official DSA syllabus'.
The source material for passenger carrying vehicles (PCV) tests can be found in
the DSA publication 'Driving buses & coaches the official DSA syllabus'
Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found
in the manufacturer's handbook.
Below is a list of the combinations of questions to be used on test. Each combination
of questions contains five questions and answers.
Combination 1
Q: Show me how you would check that all doors
including cargo doors are secure.
A: All doors must be closed and locking levers for cargo doors
are set in the recommended secured position.
Q: Show me how you would check for air leaks
on this vehicle.
A: Charge the air tanks, consult gauges for drops in air pressure.
Walk round vehicle listening for any obvious leaks.
Q: Tell me the main safety factors involved
in loading this vehicle.
A: The load should be evenly distributed throughout the length
of the vehicle so as not to affect control while the vehicle is being driven. Any
load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely
stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure
so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.
Q: Tell me how you would check the condition
of the reflectors on this vehicle.
A: Ensure that all reflectors are fitted, clean, and functional
(not cracked or broken)
Q: Tell me how you would check the condition
of the windscreen & windows on this vehicle.
A: The windscreen and windows must be clean, clear and free
from defects. No mascots or stickers that restrict your view.
Combination 2
Q: Show me how you would check the condition
of the mudguards on this vehicle.
A: As part of daily walk-round check ensure mudguards and
spray suppression equipment are secure.
Q: Tell me how you would check your tyres
to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that
their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A: Follow manufacturer’s guide, using appropriate equipment,
check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Must have a tread depth of at least
one millimetre across three quarters of the breadth of the tread and in a continuous
band around the entire circumference. There should be no cuts, damage or signs of
cord visible at the sidewalls.
Q: Tell me how you would check the condition
of the windscreen wipers on this vehicle.
A: Windscreen wipers must operate. Blades should be in good
condition.
Q: Tell me how you would check the condition
of the body is safe on this vehicle.
A: As part of a daily walk-round check, ensure the body is
fully roadworthy and there are no significant defects. No loose panels or items,
which could endanger other road users. All inspection panels must be secure.
Q: Show me how you would check for the correct
air pressure on this vehicle.
A: Ensure gauges are reading the correct pressures for the
vehicle and that all warning lights are extinguished and audible warning devices
are not sounding.
Combination 3
Q: Identify where you would check the engine oil level andTell
me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A: Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check
of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Q: Show me how you would check the wheel
nuts are secure on this vehicle.
A: A visual check to identify any nuts that are obviously
loose, and check that the wheel nut indicators (if fitted) are in alignment.
Q: Show me how you would check the operation
(specify horn, warning device for reversing) of the audible warning devices on this
vehicle.
A: Demonstrate use of control.
Q: Tell me how you would check the condition
of the suspension on this vehicle.
A:As part of a daily walk-round check, suspension should be checked
for any obvious signs of deterioration or damage.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the brake
lights are working.
A: Operate brake pedal, ask someone to help.
Combination 4
Q: Identify where you would check the engine coolant level
andTell me how you would check that the engine has the correct
level.
A: Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted
or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Q: Show me how you would check that the headlamps,
sidelights & tail lights are working.
A: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round
vehicle.
Q: Show me how you would replace the tachograph
disc on this vehicle.
A: Candidate to demonstrate how to insert tachograph disc.
Q: Tell me how you would operate the loading
mechanism on this vehicle (vehicle specific i.e. Tail Lift).
A: Candidates should be able to explain briefly the correct
operation and safe working practice of specific machinery fitted to the vehicle,
eg tail lift, kneeling bus.
Q: Show me / explain how you would check
that the power assisted steering is working.
A: 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. Alternatively
turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication
that the power assistance is functioning.
Combination 5
Q: Show me how you would check that the direction
indicators are working.
A: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check
functioning of all indicators.
Q: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is andTell
me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A: Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Q: Tell me how you would check your tyres
to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that
their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A: Follow manufacturer’s guide, using appropriate equipment,
check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Must have a tread depth of at least
one millimetre across three quarters of the breadth of the tread and in a continuous
band around the entire circumference. There should be no cuts, damage or signs of
cord visible at the side walls.
Q: Show me what instrument checks you would
make before and after starting the engine on this vehicle.
A: Check to make sure all gauges and warning systems are working.
Ensure that all gauges are reading correctly and that warning lights / audible warning
devices are extinguished before moving away.
Q: Tell me how you would check the condition
of the windscreen wipers on this vehicle.
A: Windscreen wipers must operate. Blades should be in good
condition.
Combination 6
Q: Identify where you would check the engine oil level andTell
me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A: Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check
of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Q: Show me how you would check that the wheel
nuts are secure on this vehicle.
A: A visual check to identify any nuts that are obviously
loose, and check that the wheel nut indicators (if fitted) are in alignment.
Q: Tell me how you would check the condition
of the windscreen & windows on this vehicle.
A: The windscreen and windows must be clean, clear and free
from defects. No mascots or stickers that restrict view.
Q: Tell me the main safety factors involved
in loading this vehicle.
A: The load should be evenly distributed throughout the length
of the vehicle so as not to affect control while the vehicle is being driven. Any
load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely
stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure
so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.
Q: Show me where the first aid equipment
is kept on this vehicle
A: Candidate to indicate equipment if carried. Where equipment
is not present, candidates should be able to explain under what circumstances (i.e.
vehicle types, loads carried) it must be provided.