Your examiner will ask you a set of questions at the beginning of the test, to which you must be
able to demonstrate your knowledge of basic car maintenance – but don’t worry, you don’t have
to change a tyre in front of the examiner, you just need to know how to do it. Guess what? Here
are all the possible questions with answers, and pictures for the Micra! There are specific combinations of questions, but we aren't going there - it just means you have twice the amount
of information you need to remeber. If you get a question wrong, you'll get a minor. You don't want
to waste one here, so read a little here and remeber!

1. Open the bonnet, identify where to check the engine oil, and how to check it has sufficient oil:
Open the bonnet catch inside the car, and lift the bonnet. Find the dipstick then
(deep breath).. pull out the dipstick, clean it, put it back in, then out again to check the oil
level against the minimum / maximum markers!

2. Show me how you would check the power steering is working before starting a journey:
With your left hand tug at the steering wheel, then at the same time start the car. You'll
get a jolt as the power steering kicks in. Alternatively, as you start off, you can turn the steering wheel letting you know that the power steering is working.

3. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the coolant level, and tell me how you would check it has the correct level:
Find the coolant reservoir and identify the minimum / maximum markings. The level of the
fluid should fall between the two levels

4. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear:
Apply the handbrake and show how it secures itself, and is not at the end of its travel.

5. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is, and tell me how you would check its level:
Open the bonnet as in Q1. Identify the reservoir, and look for the maximum
markings. If they don't exist, ensure there is water!

6. Show me how you would check the horn is working:
(This is off road only!) Press the horn! This should be done off road, as it must
not be used while stationary except in an emergency!  

7. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how tocheck it is at a
safe level:
Open the bonnet as in Q1. Identify the brake fluid reservoir, and identify the minimum / maximum markings. The fluid should be between the two levels.

8. Show me how you would check the direction indicators are working:
Apply the hazard lights, then walk round the car to check the Front Lights, Side Lights,
and Rear Lights. Turn off Hazard switch when complete!

9. Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.
Apply the brake lights and look for reflections, or get someone to help you.

10. Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting your journey:
Brakes should not feel spongy, they should be tested as you set off, and the car should
not pull to one side.

11. Show me how you would check the headlights and tail lights are working on the car.
Turn them on, then walk around the vehicle checking them

12. Tell me how you would find the information on the tyre pressures for this car and how you
should check them:
Look in manufacturers guide. Remove cap, apply reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold. Refit valve cap. (The spare should also be checked)

13. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth, and that they are safe to use on the road:
There should be no cuts or bulges and there should be 1.6mm of tread across the central ¾
of the tyre, and the entire outer circumference!