| The inner workings of your car that you are | | | | there will still be some older cars without some of |
| required to know for the Irish Driving Test can be | | | | the more recent innovations. In addition the |
| split up into two sections, actually three. They are | | | | location and identification of this equipment is |
| as follows: | | | | often different in certain makes and models. |
| Technical Checks under the Bonnet. | | | | If you have changed your car before the Driving |
| Technical Checks both inside and outside of the | | | | Test it is essential you take some time to |
| Car. | | | | familiarize yourself with the equipment in your car. |
| Secondary Controls. | | | | A valuable mark can be thrown away by not |
| Technical Checks under the Bonnet or Hood | | | | being able to answer these Technical Checks |
| 1. Identify Oil Dipstick and demonstrate how to | | | | adequately. Eight grade two faults throughout the |
| check the correct oil. | | | | Test will get you through ...JUST... but nine or |
| 2. Identify Coolant reservoir and demonstrate | | | | more will lead to a fail. |
| how to check correct level. | | | | Any Driving Instructor worth his or her salt will |
| 3. Identify Screen wash reservoir and | | | | have gone through these checks on day one |
| demonstrate how to check correct level. | | | | (weather permitting) so that you will not have an |
| 4. Identify Power Steering Reservoir (if fitted) | | | | avalanche of things to remember on the day of |
| and demonstrate how to check correct level. | | | | the Driving Test. |
| 5. Identify Brake Fluid Reservoir and demonstrate | | | | Why no answers? Well you tell me. Driving a car |
| how to check correct level. | | | | is not the same as steering a Supermarket |
| Technical Checks Inside and Outside the Car. | | | | Trolley and throwing in a few packets of pasta |
| 1. Demonstrate how you would check the Brake | | | | while on the way to the Checkout. It requires |
| Lights when on your own. | | | | commitment and action on your part to both |
| 2. Demonstrate the three checks you would | | | | drive safely and to pass the Irish Driving Test. I |
| perform on a Tyre to ensure it was safe and | | | | am sure you can find a way to come by the |
| legal. | | | | answers. Can you read? |
| 3. Demonstrate how you would check the Brakes | | | | One tip I will give you is that many non European |
| for correct operation. | | | | Cars have no colour identifying marks for the |
| 4. Demonstrate how you would check the | | | | equipment you need to recognize so if you leave |
| Handbrake for correct operation. | | | | it to the last minute before becoming totally |
| 5. Demonstrate how you would check that the | | | | familiar with your kit you will come unstuck...period. |
| Power Steering was operational. | | | | Some cars have a hydraulic strut to support the |
| Secondary Controls Checks. | | | | Bonnet (hood) which is very convenient others |
| 1. All Lights Headlights and Indicators including Fog | | | | have the traditional bar which has to be put in |
| lights. | | | | place before the bonnet is secure. |
| 2. Heater and Demister controls. | | | | Any fiddling around with these items and hesitant |
| 3. Wiper and Screenwash controls front and rear. | | | | answers to the questions will show the Examiner |
| 4. Electric Mirrors and any other Electrically | | | | immediately that you have not taken the trouble |
| operated equipment such as Driver and Passenger | | | | to learn what are vital and essential skills in running |
| Windows. | | | | and driving a car. You will already be trying to |
| As you can see the list is extensive but not | | | | climb a mountain that was just a hill a few |
| rocket science once you have been guided by | | | | minutes previously. |
| your Instructor. While the under the Bonnet | | | | The choice is yours! |
| (hood) equipment is standard kit in every new car | | | | |