Part 2 · Topic 03 of 13
Vehicle checks before the test
Use the POWDERY mnemonic (Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics, Rubber, You) to confirm your car is safe, roadworthy and ready before any journey.
Key facts
- POWDERY stands for Petrol, Oil, Water, Damage, Electrics, Rubber, You
- Tyre tread depth must be at least 1.6mm
Before starting any journey, it is essential to carry out a few basic vehicle checks to ensure your car is safe, roadworthy and performing efficiently. These checks help prevent breakdowns, improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents. A great way to remember your vehicle checks is the POWDERY model: seven letters, seven checks.
The POWDERY checks
- P for Petrol. Ensure that you have sufficient fuel for your journey.
- O for Oil. Check your oil level when the engine is cold, using the dipstick and its minimum and maximum markers.
- W for Water. Check your radiator and screen wash water levels, including the coolant and antifreeze mixture, are all between the minimum and maximum markers.
- D for Damage. Check for damage on the car, such as windscreen cracks.
- E for Electrics. Ensure all electrics are working, such as headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, number plate lights and interior warning lights.
- R for Rubber. Check your tyres. The tread depth must be at least 1.6mm, with no cuts, bulges or tears. Check your tyre pressure using a pressure gauge when the tyres are cold.
- Y for You. How do you feel? Ensure you are not tired or under the influence of drink or drugs, and that you are wearing any spectacles prescribed for driving.
Vehicle technology
You should also be familiar with the technology fitted to your car:
- Dashboard controls. Know the location and function of key controls such as lights, wipers and hazard lights.
- Electronic parking brake. If your car has one, ensure you can operate it confidently, including on hill starts.
- Sat nav. Be comfortable following directions from a sat nav; this may be required during the test.
- Eco driving features. Understand how to use stop-start features, and understand and confidently use cruise control or speed limiters, where fitted.
- Air conditioning and demisters. Know how to adjust temperature settings and clear windscreen fog quickly and efficiently.
- Reversing aids. Familiarise yourself with reversing cameras or sensors and understand their use and limitations.
Task
Spend 15 minutes inside your vehicle exploring the following:
- Locate and operate the wipers, lights and hazard indicators.
- Adjust the air conditioning and demister settings.
- Try the speed limiter, cruise control and any other technology fitted.
- Practise using the sat nav and reversing aids.