ABZ Learning Hub

Answer: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Before moving off, press the brake pedal – it should feel firm and not sink towards the floor. As you set off, test the brakes at low speed; the vehicle should stop smoothly without pulling to one side. Any unusual noise, vibration, or pulling indicates a fault that should be inspected by a mechanic.

Answer: The recommended tyre pressures are usually found in the vehicle manufacturer's handbook, on a sticker inside the fuel filler cap, or on the driver's door sill. To check pressures: use a reliable pressure gauge when tyres are cold (or after driving less than 2 miles). Remove the valve cap, press the gauge firmly onto the valve, read the pressure, and compare to the recommended values. Adjust if necessary. Don't forget to check the spare tyre. Refit all valve caps to prevent dirt ingress.

Answer: The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. It should also be adjusted so that it is level with the top of your head, not angled forward excessively. This reduces the risk of whiplash injury in a rear-end collision.

Answer: Check for any cuts, bulges, or objects embedded in the tyre. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference. You can use a tread depth gauge or the built-in tread wear indicators (bars moulded into the tyre grooves). Also ensure there are no cracks in the sidewalls and that the tyre pressure is correct.

Answer: Turn on the ignition (if necessary) and then operate the headlight switch to the dipped beam position. Walk around the vehicle to visually inspect that both dipped headlights, sidelights, and tail lights illuminate. For main beam, push or pull the stalk and check the blue warning light on the dashboard. You do not need to exit the vehicle during the test – you may ask the examiner to check or use reflections.

Answer: The ABS warning light on the dashboard should illuminate briefly when you start the engine and then go off after a few seconds (self-check). If the light stays on, comes on while driving, or flashes continuously, it indicates a fault in the ABS. In such a case, the regular braking system still works, but the anti-lock function may be impaired, especially on slippery roads.

Answer: Turn on the ignition (or start the engine), then operate the indicator stalk to the left and right positions. Walk around the vehicle to check that the orange lights flash at the front, side, and rear. Also listen for the clicking sound and check the dashboard indicator warning lights flash at the correct speed (too fast or slow suggests a bulb failure). You do not need to exit the vehicle – reflections or asking the examiner is acceptable.

Answer: Operate the brake pedal (ignition on). You can make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, or ask someone else to check. On the test, you may also be asked to press the brake while the examiner looks from behind. The brake lights should be bright red and illuminate without delay.

Answer: Gentle pressure on the steering wheel while starting the engine should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the power-assisted system activates. Alternatively, once you move off at very low speed, turn the steering wheel – it should feel light and responsive, not heavy. If the steering feels unusually heavy, there may be a fault with the power steering pump or fluid level.

Answer: First switch on the dipped headlights (fog lights only work with headlights on). Then operate the rear fog light switch (usually a button with a backwards-facing lamp symbol and a wavy line). Check that the dashboard warning light (orange or yellow) illuminates. Use rear fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced to less than 100 metres (e.g., heavy fog, heavy rain, or snow). You must turn them off once visibility improves to avoid dazzling drivers behind you.

Answer: With the headlights switched to dipped beam, push the left steering column stalk away from you to switch to main beam. A blue warning light will illuminate on the dashboard. Pull the stalk back to return to dipped beam. You can also flash main beam by pulling the stalk towards you. Main beam should be used only on unlit roads and when there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead.

Answer: With the vehicle on level ground and the engine cold (or after waiting a few minutes after switching off), open the bonnet and locate the dipstick. Pull it out, wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth, re-insert it fully, then withdraw again. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. If low, top up with the correct grade of oil (check the handbook). Do not overfill.

Answer: Identify the coolant expansion tank (usually a translucent plastic container with markings 'Min' and 'Max'). The coolant level should be between these marks when the engine is cold. If it is below the minimum mark, top up with the correct mixture of antifreeze and water (typically 50/50). Never open the coolant cap when the engine is hot – scalding steam may escape.

Answer: Locate the brake fluid reservoir (usually near the back of the engine bay on the driver's side, labelled with a brake symbol or 'DOT' fluid type). The fluid level should be between the 'Min' and 'Max' lines. A low level may indicate worn brake pads or a leak. Use only the specified brake fluid (e.g., DOT 4) – do not overfill. If the level drops frequently, have the braking system inspected immediately.

Answer: Locate the rear washer control – usually pushing the wiper stalk away from you (on many cars) or a separate button on the end of the stalk. Operate it while observing that water is sprayed onto the rear screen and the wiper activates. Ensure you do this only when it is safe and your attention is not distracted from the road ahead. Check the washer fluid level regularly.

Answer: Pull the right stalk (usually the same stalk as the wipers) towards you. This should spray washer fluid onto the windscreen and activate the wipers for a few cycles. Perform this when you have a clear view ahead, and not in heavy traffic where the sudden spray could startle other drivers. Keep the washer reservoir topped up with screenwash, especially in winter.

Answer: Rotate the headlight control dial or switch to the position marked with dipped beam symbol (headlight icon with lines pointing down). Check that the dashboard green symbol illuminates. Do this when visibility is reduced (e.g., at night, in rain, fog, or poor light). On many modern cars, this also turns on the dashboard lighting and tail lights.

Answer: Press the rear window demister button – usually a rectangular icon with upward wavy lines. The button may be marked 'REAR' or have a symbol of a window with heating elements. A warning light on the button will illuminate. The rear demister typically runs for a few minutes and then switches off automatically. Only use it when the rear screen is misted or icy, as it draws electrical power.

Answer: Press the horn button on the steering wheel (usually the centre or a marked pad). Use the horn only to warn other road users of your presence or to alert them to danger. Do not use it aggressively or in a stationary vehicle (except in an emergency). On the test, a brief press is sufficient to demonstrate.

Answer: Turn on the front windscreen demister – usually a fan-shaped icon with upward wavy lines. Set the temperature to warm or hot, increase the fan speed, and direct airflow to the windscreen. Turn on the air conditioning (if available) to dry the air. You may also need to close the air recirculation button to bring in fresh, drier air. Perform this when safe – you may need to glance at the controls quickly.

Answer: Operate the electric window switch on the driver's door armrest. Press down to open, pull up to close. Do this only when safe – ensure you keep your eyes on the road and your other hand on the steering wheel. You do not need to open the window fully; a small demonstration is enough.