Test day: desk questions
Read-aloud uses AI-generated voices when recordings are available.
Before the drive, the tester asks you 14 questions: 6 on the Rules of the Road, 6 road signs and 2 hand signals. At the car you explain 3 checks and work 3 controls. Practise all of it here.
1. Rules and signs
12 questions from our question bank: 6 on the rules, 6 on road signs. A new mix each time. Say your answer out loud first, then tap it.
Start 12 questions2. Hand signals
The tester may ask you to show 2 hand signals with your arm. These are the signals a driver gives to traffic behind: right arm out of the window.
I am moving out or turning right
Hold your right arm straight out of the window, level with your shoulder, palm facing forward.
I am turning left
Hold your right arm out and turn it in slow circles, anticlockwise.
I am slowing down or stopping
Hold your right arm out, palm down, and move it slowly up and down.
We could not find which 2 the tester picks, so learn all 3. From the Rules of the Road (RSA, 2026), pp.111–112.
3. Car checks
At the car, the tester asks you to explain 3 checks (Tell me) and to work 3 controls (Show me). Say your answer out loud, then tap to compare.
Tell meHow would you check the tyres?
Look at every tyre, the spare too: at least 1.6 mm of tread and no cuts or bulges. Check the pressures with a gauge, using the figures in the handbook.
Tell meHow would you check the lights?
Switch on each light in turn and walk around the car to see that it works and is clean. For the brake lights, ask a helper or look at a reflection.
Tell meHow would you check the reflectors?
Look at the back of the car: the 2 red reflectors must be there, clean and not cracked.
Tell meHow would you check the indicators?
Switch on the left, then the right indicator (or the hazard lights) and walk around the car to see each one flash.
Tell meHow would you check the engine oil?
Engine off, car on level ground. Open the bonnet, pull out the dipstick, wipe it, put it back and pull it out again. The oil should be between the two marks.
Tell meHow would you check the coolant?
With the engine cold, open the bonnet and find the coolant tank. The level should be between MIN and MAX. Never open the cap when the engine is hot.
Tell meHow would you check the wipers and washer fluid?
Look for damaged wiper blades. Find the washer bottle under the bonnet, check the fluid and top it up if needed. Close the bonnet securely. Use the washer and wipers to check that they clear the glass.
Tell meHow would you check the steering?
With the engine running, turn the wheel a little each way. It should move freely and evenly, with no knocking or sudden play.
Tell meHow would you check the brakes?
Under the bonnet, the brake fluid should be between MIN and MAX. As you move off, test the brakes gently: the car should stop in a straight line. The handbrake should hold the car.
Tell meHow would you check the horn?
Press it briefly: it should sound clearly.
Show meSwitch on the front wipers.
Use the wiper control to start the front wipers, then switch them off.
Show meSwitch on the dipped headlights.
Use the lighting control to switch on dipped headlights. Show the dashboard indicator if your car displays one.
Show meUse the windscreen washer.
Use the washer control to spray fluid onto the windscreen. Release it after the spray.
Show meTurn the fan speed up.
Find the cabin fan control and increase the fan speed.
Show meAdjust an air vent.
Use the vent’s tabs or wheel to aim the air, or to open or close the vent.
Show meSwitch on the rear window heater.
Find the rear window heater button. Switch it on and then off.
Show meSwitch on the air conditioning.
If the car has air conditioning, turn it on using its climate controls.
Show meTurn the temperature up.
Find the temperature control and choose a warmer setting.
Show meShow me the rear fog light.
Switch it on, point to its light on the dashboard, then switch it off. Say you use it only in thick fog or falling snow.
Show meChange from recirculated air to fresh air.
Use the air intake control to switch off recirculation so fresh air comes in.
Extra practiceClear a misted windscreen.
Turn on the front demister and point the fan at the windscreen. Air conditioning clears it faster. The rear window has its own heater button.
From the Rules of the Road (RSA, 2026), Section 4: Vehicle safety, pp.40–44, and your car's handbook. Your handbook comes first. RSA driving test procedures (PDF)