Pre-Trip Vehicle Inspection

A physical pre-trip inspection of the vehicle shall be executed, irrespective of the weather conditions, on instruction and under supervision of the examiner for every driving license test.

As the applicant is demonstrating the pre-trip inspection, they must mention out loud what is being checked as they proceed with both the exterior and interior inspection.

Exterior Inspection (Module 1)

(a) The examiner shall accompany the applicant to his/her vehicle, where a pre-trip exterior (outside of vehicle) inspection shall be conducted, prior to entering the vehicle.

(b) The examiner may allow minor defects to be rectified, however, no extra time shall be allowed and the stopwatch shall not be stopped.

(c) Should any of the items indicated on the test report under the headings  “Pre-trip inspection” be inoperative, the vehicle will be considered non-roadworthy and the examiner shall circle the black block under the heading “ROADWORTHINESS” on the test report, make a cross in the “FAIL” block and immediately discontinue the test.

Interior Inspection (Module 2)

(a) The examiner shall request the applicant to enter the vehicle and operate the lights (dipped beam and main beam), direction indicators, brake lights, wipers and horn on request.

(b) The examiner shall request the applicant to proceed with the interior pre-trip inspection (inside of vehicle).

(c) The examiner may allow minor defects to be rectified, however, no extra time shall be allowed and the stopwatch shall not be stopped.

(d) Should any of the items indicated on the test report under the headings  “Pre-trip inspection” be inoperative, the vehicle will be considered non-roadworthy and the examiner shall circle the black block under the heading “ROADWORTHINESS” on the test report, make a cross in the “FAIL” block and immediately discontinue the test.

Exterior Pre-Trip Inspection

1. Check under vehicle for obvious leaks, obstructions, etc.

2. Unlock all doors.

3. Inspect vehicle for possible damage, preferably from top to bottom, left to right in an anti-clockwise direction, starting by the driver door side.

4. Check right-hand exterior mirror for damage, cleanliness and stability.

5. Check right-hand portion of windscreen for damage and cleanliness.

6. Check right-hand windscreen wiper blade for wear, stability and cleanliness and leave in extended position, if possible.

7. Check right-hand front wheel: tyre tread for wear and damage, sidewall damage, inflation, valve cap, oil, grease leaks and wheel nuts.

8. Check right front lenses (lights) and reflector for damage, cleanliness and stability.

9. Check front of vehicle for damage and security of bonnet or boot, grill and bumper.

10. Mention that inside the engine compartment the oil, water, brake fluid and fan belt have been checked.

11. Check front registration plate (number plate) for damage, cleanliness, stability and validity.

12. Check left front lenses (lights) and reflector as described in item 8.

13. Check left front wheel as described in item 7.

14. Check left-hand portion of windscreen as described in item 5.

15. Check left-hand windscreen wiper blade as described in item 6.

16. Check Certificate of Clearance/Roadworthiness disc (if applicable) for validity.

17. Check left-hand exterior mirror as described in item 4. (If fitted)

18. Check left-hand doors for operation of doors and window winder(s). (If manually operative)

19. Check seat belts for stability and damage.

20. Check information plate for damage, cleanliness, stability and validity. (If applicable)

21. Check left rear wheel as described in item 7.

22. Check left rear lenses (lights) and reflector as described in item 8.

23. Check rear window for damage and cleanliness.

24. Mention that spare wheel, jack and wheel spanner should be checked.

25. Check rear of vehicle as described in item 9 and the exhaust.

26. Check chevron for damage, cleanliness, stability and validity. (If applicable)

27. Check rear registration plate (number plate) and light as described in item 11.

28. Check right rear lenses (lights) and reflector as described in item 8.

29. Check right rear wheel as described in item 7.

30. Check fuel cap for security.

31. Check right-hand doors as described in item 18.

Note A:

On approach to the vehicle the examiner shall request the applicant to conduct a pre-trip exterior inspection prior to entering the vehicle.

Note B:

The examiner may allow minor defects to be rectified, however, no extra time will be allowed. (The stopwatch shall not be stopped)

Note C:

The applicant shall not be penalized for the following:

– should he/she fail to execute the pre-trip inspection in an anti-clockwise direction,

– should he/she fail to raise the windscreen wipers from the windscreen,

– when he/she checks one wheel and later only refers to the other wheels being checked as per the first wheel,

– when he/she fails to check both sidewalls of a tyre for damage, and

– when checking those parts of the vehicle which he/she has to check, it is not expected of him/her to make mention of all the properties of that particular part.  For example, when the wheels are checked, it is not expected of him/her to mention that he/she checks the tyre tread for wear and for damage to the sidewall, tyre pressure and the valve-cap etc.  When it is clear to the examiner that the applicant has paid attention to the specific parts, (whether mentioned or not) he/she shall be credited.

Note C applies only to Module 1.

Interior Pre-Trip Inspection

1. Ensure (from driver's seat) that the parking brake (hand brake) is applied.

2. Ensure gear lever is in neutral position. (In "P" or "N" for automatic transmission)

3. Check for obstructions at pedals.

4. Check for warning lights and gauges, where applicable.

5. Check seat adjustment for correct driving position.

6. Check all mirrors for maximum rear view vision.

7. Turn ignition key to be in the “on” position without starting the engine.

8. Check electric windows operation, if applicable.

9. Check all instruments on instrument panel and mention any changes.

10. Upon instruction, check operation of front and rear lights, indicators, horn (hooter) and windscreen wipers.

11. Switch ignition off and return all switches to "off" position.

12. Check steering for excessive free play.

13. Check pressure on brake and clutch pedals.

14. Return wipers to normal position, where applicable.

15. Check that doors are properly closed and that passengers are conversant with operation of doors.

16. Fasten seat belt and request passengers to fasten seat belts.

17. Ensure that passengers are conversant with operation of release mechanism of seat belts.

Note A:

The examiner shall request the applicant to operate the lights, direction indicators, horn (hooter) and windscreen wipers, where these shall be checked for operation, by such examiner.

Note B:

The examiner may allow minor defects to be rectified, however, no extra time shall be allowed. (The stopwatch shall not be stopped)

Note C:

Item 1 and 2 as well as 5 and 6 must be checked in sequence.