(Image Suggestion: A clear photo of a learner driver pointing to the tyre of a car while an examiner observes with a clipboard. The image should convey a sense of methodical checking.)
Before you begin any driving, the K53 test requires you to prove that the vehicle is safe and roadworthy. This is done through a systematic pre-trip inspection. This is not just a formality; it’s your first opportunity to demonstrate to the examiner that you are a responsible and safety-conscious driver.
The inspection is broken down into two parts:
- Exterior Inspection: A walk-around of the vehicle, including under the bonnet.
- Interior Inspection (Cockpit Drill): A series of checks performed from the driver’s seat before starting the engine.
You must verbalise every single check as you do it. The examiner cannot read your mind; you must say what you are checking out loud.
6.1 Exterior Inspection
You will typically start at the front of the vehicle and work your way around in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Be systematic.
A. Under the Bonnet (Engine Compartment)
The examiner may ask you to perform these checks. Open the bonnet securely.
- Fluid Levels:
- What to Check: Point to the respective reservoirs. Check that the engine oil (using the dipstick), coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid are between their minimum and maximum markings.
- What to Say: “I am checking the engine oil level, it is correct. I am checking the coolant level, it is correct. I am checking the brake fluid level, it is correct. I am checking the windscreen water level, it is correct.”
- Belts and Wires:
- What to Check: Look at the various belts (like the fan belt) for any visible cracks or damage and ensure they are not loose. Check that wiring is secure.
- What to Say: “I am checking the belts and pipes for cracks, damage, and security. They are secure.”
- General Leaks:
- What to Check: Look for any signs of oil or water leaks in the engine bay.
- What to Say: “I am checking for any visible leaks in the engine bay.”
B. Exterior Walk-Around (Starting from the front-right of the vehicle)
- Front of Vehicle:
- What to Check: Look underneath for any leaks. Check that the headlights and indicator lights are secure and not cracked. Check the condition of the windscreen and licence disc.
- What to Say: “I am checking underneath for any leaks. I am checking that the headlights and indicators are secure, not damaged, and clean. The windscreen is secure and not cracked, and the licence disc is valid and visible.”
- Tyres (Check every tyre, including the spare if visible):
- What to Check: Check the tyre pressure (it should look correctly inflated), look for any visible damage (cuts, bulges), and check that the tread depth is sufficient (at least 1mm). Check that the wheel nuts appear secure.
- What to Say: (At the first tyre) “I am checking the tyre. The pressure appears correct. There is no visible damage. The tread is sufficient. The wheel nuts are secure.” (Repeat for each tyre).
- Side of Vehicle:
- What to Check: Check that the side indicator and mirror are secure and not damaged. Check that the bodywork is secure.
- What to Say: (As you walk down the right side) “The indicator and mirror are secure and not damaged. The body of the vehicle is secure.”
- Fuel Cap:
- What to Check: Ensure the fuel cap is secure and closed properly.
- What to Say: “The fuel cap is secure.”
- Rear of Vehicle:
- What to Check: Check the rear lights (tail lights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights) are secure and not damaged. Check the rear windscreen is not cracked. Check that the boot is securely closed. Look underneath for any leaks.
- What to Say: “The rear lights and reflectors are secure, not damaged, and clean. The rear window is secure. The boot is closed properly. I am checking underneath for any leaks.”
- Left Side of Vehicle:
- What to Check & Say: Repeat the same checks for the tyres, bodywork, indicator, and mirror as you did on the right side.
6.2 Interior Inspection (Cockpit Drill)
After the exterior checks, you will get into the driver’s seat to perform the interior inspection.
- Door and Parking Brake:
- What to Check: Ensure your door is properly closed. Ensure the parking brake (handbrake) is applied firmly.
- What to Say: “My door is securely closed. The parking brake is applied.”
- Seat and Steering Adjustment:
- What to Check: Adjust your seat so you can comfortably reach all the pedals. Adjust your steering wheel (if possible) for comfort and a clear view of the instrument panel.
- What to Say: “My seat is adjusted correctly. My steering wheel is adjusted correctly.”
- Mirrors:
- What to Check: Adjust your interior and exterior mirrors to ensure maximum visibility with minimal blind spots.
- What to Say: “My interior and exterior mirrors are adjusted for a clear view to the rear.”
- Seatbelt:
- What to Check: Fasten your seatbelt and ensure it is not twisted.
- What to Say: “My seatbelt is fastened and secure.”
- Starting the Vehicle:
- What to Check: Ensure the gear lever is in Neutral. Start the engine.
- What to Say: “The gear lever is in neutral. I am now starting the vehicle.”
- Post-Start Checks:
- What to Check: Look at the instrument panel. All warning lights should go off after a few seconds.
- What to Say: “I am checking the instrument panel for any warning lights. There are no warning lights.”
- What to Check: Gently test the horn, wipers, and steering wheel free play.
- What to Say: “I am checking the horn. I am checking the wipers. I am checking the steering for excessive free play.”
Once these checks are complete, you are ready to receive instructions for the yard test. Mastering this sequence shows the examiner you are a methodical and safe driver from the very beginning.