Pre-Drive Safety Checks

Key Pre-Drive Safety Checks Every Driver Should Follow

Pre-drive safety checks should always be performed before going on a drive, but they are particularly important before taking your driving test. It helps make sure your vehicle is in good condition and keeps you safe on the road. In Victoria, Australia, the pre-drive test is a required part of the VicRoads driving test. You and your testing officer will go through these checks before you start driving. The goal is to ensure that the vehicle is safe to use and that you know how to operate its controls.

During these checks, you’ll look at things like the main controls, dashboard lights, seat adjustment, and mirrors. It’s your responsibility as a driver to make sure your car is working properly before you drive. Doing these checks not only helps you feel more confident but can also warn you about any problems that need fixing.

Knowing how to perform these pre-drive safety checks can be a big help for your driving test. It shows the examiner that you understand how to inspect your car before driving, which is a key part of being a safe and responsible driver. In this blog, we will talk about the most important parts of the pre-drive check and explain how to do it. 

Purpose Of Pre-Drive Safety Checks

  • The pre-drive check is important to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive, helping you avoid accidents when driving. 
  • It helps you become familiar with all the controls in your vehicle, so you can feel confident in your driving skills
  • Checking your vehicle helps make sure it is safe to drive and meets the necessary rules.
  • By looking over your vehicle carefully, you can find any problems before you start driving, which makes your commute or journey easier.
  • Pre-drive checks assist you in getting familiar with the controls of your car and improve your ability to show that you are prepared for the VicRoads driving test.
  • When learning to drive, practising pre-drive checks daily can boost your confidence and help you feel ready for your driving test.

Pre-Drive Safety Check Steps

Make sure your car is safe and ready to drive before getting on the road. You can find peace of mind and find possible issues by carrying out a pre-drive safety check. The following steps are the most important ones to perform:

1. Check The Outside Of The Car

  • Tyres: Check that each tyre has enough tread depth and is well inflated. Keep an eye out for signs of damage or holes.
  • Leaks: Check below the car for any areas that look like fluid or oil leaks.
  • Lights: Confirm that every light is working. This covers turn indicators, brake lights, and headlights. 
  • Windows and Mirrors: Make sure there are no cracks in the windows and they are clean. Position your mirrors to maximise the angle of view.

2. Look Under The Hood

  • Battery: Check that the connections on the battery are tight and clean. Look for any signs of rust.
  • Fluids: Make sure all important fluids are at the right levels. Engine oil, the coolant, brake fluid, gearbox fluid, and fluid for windshield washers are all included in this. If any are low, refill them.
  • Hoses and Belts: Check hoses and belts for leaks, cracks, or wear. The correct functioning of your car depends on these parts.

3. Check The Inside Of The Car

  • Seat Adjustment: Make sure you can comfortably reach the pedals by adjusting your seat.
  • Seatbelt Functionality: Check the functionality and tightness of each seatbelt.
  • Dashboard Indicators: Don’t start the engine, instead, turn the key to the “ON” mode. Try to see whether all of the indicators on the dashboard flash for a short time before going out. It indicates that all of the car’s systems are functioning as planned.
  • Mirror Adjustment: For maximum visibility, adjust your side and rearview mirrors.

4. Test The Vehicle Controls

  • Indicators: Turn on your turn signals to make sure they work.
  • Headlights: Check that you can turn your headlights and high beams on and off easily.
  • Wipers and Washers: Test the windscreen wipers and washers to make sure they clear the windshield.
  • Horn: Give a soft honk to check that the horn works.
  • Brake Lights: Press the brake pedal to see if the brake lights at the back of the car turn on.
  • Hazard Lights: Practice using the hazard lights in case of emergencies.

5. Use The Demisters

  • Windscreen Demister: This function helps in clearing frost or fog from your front windscreen. Turning it on before you drive is a smart idea, particularly in chilly or humid weather. Try not to brake suddenly when the demister is in use to keep your attention on the road.
  • Rear Demister: This function clears the back window. Use it when necessary, especially in adverse weather conditions. Make sure the rear window is clear before you begin driving.

6. Use The Handbrake

Find your handbrake, which is usually a knob on the left side of the driver’s footwell or a lever between the front seats. Pull the lever up or firmly press the pedal down to engage the handbrake. This will make sure that when your car is parked, it remains steady. press the pedal again or click the button located at the end of the lever to release the handbrake.

7. Turn On Low Beam Headlights

Check the headlight control, which is usually found on the dashboard or the turn signal lever. Turn the switch to the low beam position, which is usually indicated by a sign like a headlight with downward-pointing lines. Double-check the dashboard indicator lights to ensure that the low-beam headlights are turned on.

8. Turn On The Engine

Check that the gear lever is in park (for automatic automobiles) or neutral (for manual autos). After that, completely press the clutch pedal (if it’s manual) or brake pedal (if it’s automatic). Next, turn on the engine by inserting the key into the ignition or by pushing the button. You can let go of the button or key once the engine starts.

Why Pre-Drive Safety Checks Are Important

Pre-drive safety checks are not only important for safe driving but also play a critical role in helping you pass your VicRoads driving test. The test is divided into two parts: the pre-drive check and on-road driving. By regularly practising these checks, you’ll not only familiarise yourself with your vehicle’s controls but also increase your chances of success during the test. 

During the pre-drive test, the testing officer will ask you to identify and use critical features such as the indicators, horn, headlights, handbrake, and other important controls. This approach not only confirms that your car is road-ready, but additionally, it shows that you know your car well and how its primary functions work. Showing that you can comfortably use these controls displays how prepared you are for the test and for safe driving on the road.

How Frequently Should You Perform Pre-Drive Checks?

The frequency of pre-drive checks depends on how often you use your vehicle and the type of driving you do. Pre-drive checks are a great thing to do more often if you drive frequently for work, school, or long distances. For example, making sure your car is safe and in good working order before every work shift or once a week for long commutes will help.

If your car has recently been serviced and is in good condition, you might not need to do a pre-drive check right away. However, if you notice any unusual signs, such as issues with the electrical system or engine performance, it’s important to do a pre-drive check immediately before hitting the road. Regular checks help you catch any potential problems early and keep your car in good condition. 

Conclusion 

Sprint Driving School is ready to assist you if you’re searching for a trustworthy driving school near you in Melbourne. We provide complete driving instructions that will make you ready for both your driving test and daily driving conditions. During our sessions, you will learn how to do pre-drive checks to ensure that your car is prepared and safe to drive. These checks ensure that you understand how your car operates and help you become more confident in yourself. Our goal at Sprint Driving School is to make you a competent, responsible, and capable driver.