Questions before the Regitra practical test
Before your practical test at Regitra, the examiner may ask one or more questions about vehicle maintenance or safety.
Categories A1 and A
Categories B1, B and BE
Categories C, CE, D and DE
Categories B1 and B
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15. Show or explain how the steering lock is engaged and released.
16. Explain how you would check that the engine-oil level is sufficient.
17. Show or explain how you would check that the power steering is working.
18. Show how to switch on the heated rear window.
19. Explain how you would check that the coolant level is sufficient.
20. Explain how you would check that the parking brake is working.
21. Explain where you would add windscreen-washer fluid.
22. Show how you would check the front and rear windscreen-washer systems, where fitted.
23. Show or explain how you would check that the horn is working.
24. Explain how you would identify a fault in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
25. Explain how you would check that the brake-fluid level is sufficient.
26. Explain how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
27. Explain how you would check that the brake lights are working.
28. Explain how you would check that the service brake is working.
29. Explain how you would check that all the vehicle lights are working.
30. Explain where you would find the recommended tyre pressures.
31. Explain how you would check tyre pressure.
32. Explain how you would check that the tyre-tread depth is sufficient for safe driving.
33. Explain how you would check that the tyres are in a safe overall condition.
34. Explain how you would check that the hazard warning lights are working.
Category BE
63. Explain how you would safely load and secure cargo in the trailer of this vehicle combination.
64. Show how you would check that the vehicle and trailer doors are securely closed.
65. Explain how you would check that the tyre-tread depth is sufficient for safe driving.
66. Explain how you would check that the tyres are in a safe overall condition.
67. Show or explain how you would check that the horn is working.
68. Show or explain where you would check the engine-coolant level.
69. Explain how you would check that the coolant level is sufficient.
70. Show or explain how you would check that the parking brake is working.
Answers
Categories B1 and B
15. Show or explain how the steering lock is engaged and released.
With the engine switched off, turn the steering wheel in either direction until it locks. To release it, insert and turn the ignition key. If necessary, move the steering wheel gently with one hand while turning the key with the other.
If the vehicle has a start button, switch off the engine and turn the steering wheel to engage the lock. To release it, press the start button. If the clutch is depressed, the engine may start and the steering lock will release automatically.
16. Explain how you would check that the engine-oil level is sufficient.
Park the vehicle on level ground and check the oil when the engine is cold, before starting it. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, insert it fully and remove it again.
Check how far the dipstick is coated with oil.
The oil level should be between the MIN and MAX marks.
17. Show or explain how you would check that the power steering is working.
With the engine running, the steering wheel should turn easily in both directions without excessive effort.
With the engine off, the steering normally feels much heavier because the power assistance is not operating.
If the steering remains very heavy while the engine is running, the vehicle may not have power steering or the system may be faulty. A steering-wheel warning light with an exclamation mark may also indicate a fault, although not every vehicle has one.
18. Show how to switch on the heated rear window.
Find the button marked with a rectangle and upward wavy arrows.It is normally located among the heating and ventilation controls.Pressing the button switches on the heated rear window.
Do not confuse the symbols for the heated rear window and heated windscreen.
19. Explain how you would check that the coolant level is sufficient.
Check the coolant expansion tank under the bonnet. A hybrid vehicle may have two such tanks:one for the internal-combustion engine and one for the electric-drive system.).
Coolant is usually pink or green.
The expansion tank has MIN and MAX marks. The coolant level must be between them.
20. Explain how you would check that the parking brake is working.
Apply the parking brake. If the vehicle moves despite the brake being applied, the parking brake is not working correctly.
For a mechanical parking brake, apply it firmly until further movement requires substantial force. Select first or reverse gear and try to move off gently. Strong resistance, with the vehicle unable to move, indicates that the parking brake is working.
For an electric parking brake, lift the switch or press the parking-brake button, depending on the vehicle. The parking-brake warning lamp should illuminate. Select first or reverse gear and try to move off gently. Strong resistance and the vehicle remaining stationary indicate that the brake is working.
21. Explain where you would add windscreen-washer fluid.
The washer-fluid reservoir is under the bonnet. The reservoir itself may not be visible, but its cap is. The cap is usually blue, although it may be another colour such as black or yellow.
The cap is marked with a windscreen-and-water symbol.
22. Show how you would check the front and rear windscreen-washer systems, where fitted.
Pull the right-hand stalk towards you to operate the front washer system.
Push the right-hand stalk away from you to operate the rear washer system.
Some vehicles use a rotating end on the stalk; others use a button at its end. Hold the relevant control long enough for washer fluid to flow and clean the glass effectively.
23. Show or explain how you would check that the horn is working.
The horn should work whether or not the engine is running.
Press the horn control on the steering wheel and listen for the signal.
24. Explain how you would identify a fault in the anti-lock braking system (ABS).
When the ignition is switched on, the warning lamps, including the ABS lamp, illuminate. Most go out after a few seconds. If the ABS lamp goes out, no fault is indicated; if it remains on, the ABS has a fault or is not operating.
25. Explain how you would check that the brake-fluid level is sufficient.
Check the brake-fluid reservoir under the bonnet.
The reservoir is normally positioned in line with and above the brake pedal. Its cap may be marked with the brake-system symbol.
The reservoir has MIN and MAX marks; the brake-fluid level must be between them.
The vehicle may also have a warning lamp that indicates a low brake-fluid level.
26. Explain how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
The ignition must be switched on for the direction indicators to operate.
Move the indicator stalk up or down. A green arrow on the instrument panel shows which side is operating, while the corresponding exterior lamps flash.
A green indicator flashing much faster than normal can signal a fault. Some vehicles also display a message for a failed bulb.
Walk around the vehicle and visually confirm that the indicators on both sides work.
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27. Explain how you would check that the brake lights are working.
Press the brake pedal and visually confirm that the red brake lights illuminate at the rear.
There are several ways to check the brake lights:
1. Reverse close to a wall, shop window or another vertical surface. Press the brake pedal and look for the reflection of the red brake lights.
2. Ask another person to check whether the brake lights illuminate.
3. Ask another person to press the brake pedal while you check all the brake lights.
28. Explain how you would check that the service brake is working.
While moving slowly, press the brake pedal and confirm that the vehicle slows correctly. The pedal should not travel more than halfway through its full range.
If the pedal travels all the way to the floor, the brakes are faulty and the vehicle must not be driven.
29. Show how you would check that all the vehicle lights are working.
Switch on the ignition or start the engine, then operate each lighting control. The corresponding instrument-panel indicators should illuminate for the position, dipped-beam, main-beam and front or rear fog lights.
Where fitted, a dashboard warning can indicate a failed or burnt-out bulb.
Check the remaining lights visually, including the number-plate, brake and reversing lights.
Alternatively, switch on each set of lights in turn and inspect them visually.
At the front, check the daytime-running or position lights, dipped or main beam, and front fog lights where fitted. At the rear, check the red position lights, brake lights, reversing light, rear fog lights where fitted, and number-plate illumination.
30. Explain where you would find the recommended tyre pressures.
The recommended pressures may be shown inside the fuel-filler flap, on the pillar revealed when the driver’s door is open, inside the glove compartment or in the vehicle handbook.
31. Explain how you would check tyre pressure.
A visual check may reveal a visibly deflated tyre, but an accurate reading requires a pressure gauge.
Remove the valve cap and press or screw the pressure gauge onto the valve. Hold it in place for a few seconds and read the pressure shown. Compare it with the value specified for that vehicle.
32. Explain how you would check that the tyre-tread depth is sufficient for safe driving.
Inspect the tread visually and measure the depth with a tread-depth gauge, calliper or ruler. Measure the grooves at the most worn part of the tread.
The minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm in summer and 3 mm in winter.
Tread-wear indicators show the minimum permitted depth.
33. Explain how you would check that the tyres are in a safe overall condition.
Inspect every tyre for splits, peeling, visible cracks, bulges and uneven wear. The tread must not be below the prescribed minimum: 1.6 mm for summer tyres and 3 mm for winter tyres. Also check that no tyre is visibly deflated or unusually soft.
Tyres on the same axle must match in dimensions, tread pattern, wear and seasonal type.
Check the manufacturing date shown on the tyre. A tyre aged 6–7 years or more is considered old.
34. Show how you would check that the hazard warning lights are working.
Press the hazard-warning switch, normally a red or black button marked with a triangle. Both direction-indicator tell-tales should flash together on the instrument panel.
Walk around the vehicle and confirm that all four indicator lamps flash together. Press the switch again to turn the hazard warning lights off.
Category BE
63. Explain how you would safely load and secure cargo in the trailer of this vehicle combination.
The cargo weight and axle loads must remain within the permitted limits. Distribute the load symmetrically, place heavier items low down and secure everything reliably. The load must not obstruct visibility, fall from the trailer or pollute the environment.
64. Show how you would check that the vehicle and trailer doors are securely closed.
Walk around the vehicle and trailer and check that all doors, handles and catches are securely closed.
65. Explain how you would check that the tyre-tread depth is sufficient for safe driving.
Use the tread-wear indicators or measure the depth with a calliper or dedicated tread-depth tool.
66. Explain how you would check that the tyres are in a safe overall condition.
Inspect the tyres visually, ensuring they have no cracks, bulges, cuts or other damage, that wear is even and that tread depth meets the legal minimum.
The minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm for a car in summer, 3 mm in winter and 1.6 mm for a trailer.
Tyres on the same axle must match in dimensions, tread pattern, wear and seasonal type.
Check the manufacturing date shown on the tyre. A tyre aged 6–7 years or more is considered old.
67. Show or explain how you would check that the horn is working.
With the engine running, press the horn control and listen for the signal.
68. Show or explain where you would check the engine-coolant level.
Check under the bonnet with the engine switched off and cool.
Locate the coolant expansion tank in the engine compartment. Its cap may carry a steam warning symbol.
Coolant is usually pink or green.
69. Explain how you would check that the coolant level is sufficient.
The expansion tank has MIN and MAX marks. The coolant level must be between them.
70. Show or explain how you would check that the parking brake is working.
While moving slowly, apply the parking brake. Resistance and braking indicate that it is working.