From 1st September 2003 the examiner will ask candidates 2 "show me/tell me" questions at the start of the driving test. Should the candidate fail to answer either one or both questions correctly, this would be assessed as 1 driving fault and would not therefore constitute a reason for failing the test in its own right.

A candidate will have to either SHOW or EXPLAIN how to do simple maintenance tasks.
At the start of the practical test the Examiner will ask the pupil a 'Tell Me' question, for example "Tell me how you would change a tyre". This would be followed by a 'Show Me' question, for example "Show me where to check the oil level". A candidate will not FAIL a Driving Test for a wrong answer however they will get ONE Driving Fault if they are wrong. This test will be included inside the existing time limit for the practical test which means less time spend out on the road.
This section has been designed to help you through this element of the practical test.

When performing any inspection or maintenance work on your vehicle, always take care to prevent serious accidental injury to yourself or damage to the vehicle. The following are general precautions which should be observed.

• Park your vehicle on a level surface, apply the hand brake and chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle moving. If you have a automatic, move the control lever to 'park' (P).
• Turn off the engine and wait until it cools down. Do not work while the engine is hot.
• If you have to work with the engine running, keep your hands, clothing, hair and tools away from moving parts such as the fan belt and fans. It is advisable to remove ties and jewellery, such as rings, watches.
• If the engine is running in a enclosed space such as a garage, make sure there is proper ventilation for exhaust fumes.
• Never get under the vehicle while it is only supported by a jack. Support the vehicle with safety stands.
• Never smoke and keep flames and sparks away from the fuel and battery.
• Never connect or disconnect either the battery or any other electrical components while the ignition is switched on.

The maintenance items listed should be performed weekly.

• Engine Oil Level Check the level after parking the vehicle on a level spot and turning off the engine.
• Engine Coolant Level Check the coolant level when the engine is cold.
• Brake Fluid Level Make sure that the brake fluid level is between the "MAX" and "MIN" lines on the reservoir.
• Check Brakes and Handbrake for excessive wear
• Power Steering Fluid Level If your vehicle has power steering check this reservoir the same as the brake fluid.
• Windscreen Washer Fluid Check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.
• Tyres Check the pressure with a gauge. Check carefully for damage, cuts or excessive wear.
• Windscreen Wiper Blades Check for cracks or wear if they do not wipe properly.
• Lights Make sure that the headlights, stop lights, rear lights, parking lights, indicator lights, and other lights are all operating properly.
• Battery Check the battery fluid in each cell.

Location Engine Checks

Minor and Major Vehicle Service

Minor and Major servicing is required to ensure good engine and emission control, and to keep the vehicle in good mechanical condition.
Always refer to your 'Maintenance schedule' on your vehicle. Vehicles today have been designed to have minimum maintenance requirements with longer service intervals to save you both time and money.

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