Is your learner vehicle ready for the first drive?

You have your provisional license, the car, the insurance and a person willing to risk their life with you. Before setting off there is one thing you must have and a few things that are worth a look before you start.

L-Plates are a must

As per the UK government website you must have L plates on the car and you can get points if you don't display them. L-Plates come in a few forms, magnetic, requiring attachment with string/wire tie or the self adhesive.

Self adhesive learner driver plates

Worth checking the quality of the paint in the area where you plan on sticking the learner driver plate, you will after all, need to remove it once you pass your test. Make sure you clean the area before you stick the plate to the car. Note if you are sharing the car with someone they will not have the option to remove the plate when they are driving.

Multifix learner driver plates

These will require a method for attaching them to the car - string, wire ties or something else. You will need a grill or something on the car that the plates can be tied to, making them unsuitable for many cars.

Magnetic learner plates

We opted for these, they seem to overcome the issues with the other two options. They don't require something to tie them to and can be removed. However, as we found out on a couple of occasions, the magnets may not be the strongest and as easily as you can remove them so can 60 mph of wind when you are on a faster road. A couple of times we got to practice a turn in the road and then spent 5 minutes walking down the road to find where the plate had landed. Worst case you are on a dual carriage way and it is probably best to leave it rather than step in front of cars travelling at 60. Some duck tape can be used to tape the bottom edge to the front of the car.

Other points to consider

2nd Rear View Mirror

If you plan on taking your test in your own car you will need a 2nd rear view mirror for your examiner, noted on the government website - using your own car for your test. You might as well grab one at the start and then your driving partner can use it as well.

Serviceable items

As part of the driving test you will be asked show me, tell me questions (follow the link to the government website). The best way to understand and answer these questions is to have a go.

Oh, but I don't need to know that stuff someone can do it for me. Not a bad argument, but knowing a few basics will save you money and could save you from a broken engine in the worst case. Forgetting to check the oil can cost you an engine. Been there had to fit a new engine, learn from my mistakes.

Wipers - Can cause a failure on your MOT if they don't clean the screen properly. If you aren't fortunate enough to catch a sunny day for your test, imagine the heart break of failing because your wipers didn't clear the screen. What's £10 and a few moments of your time to fit a wiper blade? ECP will match your registration number to the correct fitting wiper blades https://www.eurocarparts.com/wiper-blades

It is only flat at the bottom!

Tyre pressure - Low tyre pressure can result in poor stability and increased tyre wear. A tyre pressure pump with a built in gauge saves those trips to the petrol station and can get you going if you find the tyre pressure has gone down over night due to a puncture. The tyre pressure figures can typically be found on the door panels.

Screen Wash - Make sure this is topped up so you have a clear view of the road. A number of retailers now do a screen wash that doesn't smell half bad, goes to -10 and is pre-mixed so all you need to do is top up the tank.

Lights - Worth checking all the exterior light bulbs are working, especially on the run up to your test. If one of your bulbs isn't working Halfords will help you identify which bulb fits and charge a minimal fee for fitting it if you aren't too handy around the car.

The Engine Bay

There are 3 show me, tell me questions related to what is happening in the engine bay.

1. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil. This is usually described in the owners hand book.

2. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant. Normally there is a clear tank in the engine bay with a max fill line.

3. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid. This can be the trickier one of the 3, if it isn't in the owners manual then a quick search online will usually help.