Vehicle checks

By the end of this topic you can

• You can check tyre tread, pressure and condition.
• You can check that all lights, indicators and brake lights work.
• You can open the bonnet and find the oil dipstick, coolant tank and washer reservoir.
• You can test the brakes, steering and horn safely.
• You can spot a dashboard warning light and know to get it checked.

What you need to know and understand

• The minimum legal tyre tread for a car is 1.6 mm across the main treads.
• Defective or worn tyres are an 80 euro fixed charge and 2 penalty points (4 on conviction).
• Brake lights, indicators, belts and safety systems must all work for the driving test, or it may not go ahead.
• A warning light showing a fault before or during the test can stop the test being conducted or completed.
• Check oil and coolant levels with the engine cold and the car on level ground.
• Fog lights are only for seriously reduced visibility, such as dense fog. Switch them off when it clears.

A five minute walk-round

1. Tyres: look for cuts, bulges and uneven wear, and check tread depth and pressure against the handbook figure.
2. Lights: switch on the lights and hazards and walk round. Ask a helper to press the brake pedal, or reverse close to a wall or garage door and watch the reflection.
3. Glass and mirrors: clean, undamaged and clear of stickers or clutter.
4. Wipers: blades not split or smearing, and washer fluid topped up.
5. Plates: L plates fitted and number plates clean and readable.

Under the bonnet

Ask your ADI to show you how to open and secure the bonnet on your car, as layouts differ. Then find each item and know what a correct level looks like.

• Engine oil: pull the dipstick, wipe it, push it back in, pull it out and read the level between the minimum and maximum marks.
• Coolant: read the level against the marks on the tank. Never open the cap when the engine is hot.
• Washer fluid: top up the reservoir. Do not confuse it with the coolant tank.

Brakes, steering and horn

Test the footbrake gently as you move off: it should feel firm, not spongy, and the car should not pull to one side. The handbrake should hold the car still. With the engine running, the steering should turn smoothly without too much free play. Press the horn briefly to check it works.

If a warning light stays on after the engine starts, check the handbook and get it looked at before driving any distance. A warning light showing a fault can also stop your driving test going ahead.

Common mistakes

• Checking tyre pressures after a long drive. Check them cold for an accurate reading.
• Adding washer fluid to the coolant tank, or the other way round.
• Ignoring a single dead brake light because the other one works.
• Not practising opening the bonnet of the car you will use. Layouts differ between cars.

Test yourself: Vehicle checks

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Vehicle Safety Checks in Ireland
• Irish Driving Test Pre Test Checks