Walk Round Check
There are a minimum number of checks that must be performed both inside and outside the vehicle. Depending on which aspects of previous topics have been already covered in your test, your examiner may tell you to omit certain checks. Follow the order of checks given in this section and obey the instructions given by your examiner. We have been careful to construct a walk around routine that does more than simply cover the requirements of the test, this routine will enable you to be sure of the road worthiness of your vehicle in the real world.
The following internal checks must take place;
- Tachograph calibration
- Height indicator
- Seat belt
- Warning lights and gauges
- Indicators and lights
- Horn
- Washers and wipers
- Windscreen, windows and mirrors
- Exhaust
- Rolling brake check
In addition to internal checks, the following external checks must also take place;
- Indicators and lights
- Fluids
- Windscreen and wiper blades
- Security of mirrors, doors and bodywork
- Security of fuel tank and exhaust
- Condition of tyres
- Security of wheels
- Air leaks
- Security of load
At all points during the walk around check the driver should be listening for air leaks – tell the examiner that you are doing so.
Do not assume that the vehicle has no load. All training vehicles must carry a load; this is generally a number of large containers filled with water. The driver has a responsibility to check the security of the load, so you should offer to do so – the examiner will not allow you to climb into the load area for safety reasons.
When you take your test we recommend that you use the provided walk around checklist. This is not a requirement and you don’t have to fill it in or give it to the examiner, but using it will ensure that you complete the walk around check efficiently and that nothing is missed out. Use of the checklist is demonstrated in the following video.
Download a copy of the checklist HERE