Questions on brakes will cover both footbrake and handbrake, and on steering will deal with cars that both have power steering and those that don’t .Of course there are still a few older cars out there without P.A.S. It’s worth adding to list , one more item of importance to Driver—that of Alternator and it’s drive belt .The fact that all above need to be demonstrated on Driving Test should not detract from need to perform these checks on a regular weekly basis. It is precisely because of importance of all these pieces of equipment and their monitoring, that it was deemed essential to include them in scope of Driving Test.

Show Me –Tell Me……..Below is an example of question and answer technique to one of Test Questions .The full questions and answers will be provided in another follow up article and on Astral School of Motoring website shortly.

Checking Oil Level. “Show me Oil filler cap and tell me how you would check for correct level of Oil in Engine”…Examiner “Here is oil filler cap and to check oil level I would first withdraw Oil Dip Stick, wipe it clean and then replace it momentarily. I would then withdraw dip stick again and ensure that level of oil showing was between minimum and maximum marks on base of dip stick, preferably nearer maximum mark. In event of oil level being lower than half way mark I would top up to maximum level”…Candidate

This latter sentence has been put in for good measure since it’s not much good knowing how you would check oil if you didn’t then follow through on result!

Since all equipment in your car needs to be in tip top shape and regularly inspected if we are to stay safe and avoid accidents, look on acquisition of these technical skills as two sides of same coin ….Safety and Economy .If you look after your equipment you will be both safe and economic. In a number of future articles we will explore advantages of correct techniques and impact they will have on your safety AND your bank balance.

My dad showed me how to change my oil and filter, and to take care of my car. We also worked on brakes and much more together. I would spend a whole day, cleaning, washing and waxing that car. It was perfect car for my “lead foot”. I can’t count number of cars that would pull up next to me, and reeve up their engines thinking “It’s a girl, she’ll never beat me off line”! Well, how wrong they were. I can count on one hand those that took me off line!

I hung around with a group of friends, mostly guys, but some girls also. The cars were varied, Mustangs, Vettes, Chargers, Chevelle’s and a multitude of street cars. We all loved cars and driving them, and especially driving them to their limits. Which we did! Did us girls always beat guys, nah, but it was sure fun when we did!

So remember, next time you come up next to a lady driver, “Girls like them Fast and Furious Too!

Copyright 2005 DeFiore Enterprises

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