Before the road test, you show the examiner your vehicle is safe. You may walk around it, point to or touch each item, and explain what you're checking and why. You will NOT have to open the hood or crawl under the vehicle.
Know the rule
Practice inspecting vehicles with a parent/guardian or friend who is properly licensed and over the age of 21.
Handbook p. 96 ↗External inspection:
- Walk-around: general condition, and look for children, animals and debris before getting in
- Leaks: puddles or drips under the engine and around the transmission and fuel tank
- Tires: proper inflation, tread depth and condition; valve caps and stems not missing or damaged
- Headlights: low and high beams work; lenses not cracked, broken or missing
- Taillights and brake lights work; lenses not cracked, broken or missing
- Turn signals, front and back, work; lenses not cracked, broken or missing
Know the rule
Check tire pressure against the recommended psi in the owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb. If it's above, let air out; if below, add air.
Handbook p. 96 ↗Penny test for tread depth (monthly or before a long trip):
- Hold Abraham Lincoln's body between your thumb and forefinger
- Place Lincoln's head into a groove where the tread looks lowest
- If any part of his head is covered by tread, you have a safe amount of tread
Know the rule
Low inflation or worn tread increases hydroplaning, reduces cornering and raises blowout risk from heat buildup. Over-inflation increases tread separation and tire failure.
Handbook p. 96 ↗Know the rule
Check oil with the dipstick (wipe it, push it all the way in, pull it again) and coolant against the tank's 'minimum' line. Never open the radiator cap on a hot car.
Handbook p. 97 ↗The vehicle used for the driving exam must have:
- All signals working
- All tires in safe condition
- Brake lights working
- Windshield and mirrors intact
- A working horn
- A valid tag
- A safe inside temperature
Test vehicle temperature rules
| Outside temperature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Over 85°F | Air conditioner must work properly |
| 75°F–85°F | A/C must work, or passenger window must roll down |
| Under 45°F | Heater must work properly |
Internal inspection:
- Seats firmly attached; driver seat adjusted; belts not ripped or frayed and properly fastened
- Windows and windshield clear and undamaged; cracks, stickers, glare or dirt block your view
- Doors open, close and latch; mirrors secure, not damaged, clean and adjusted
- Wiper arms and blades secure; wipers and washers work
- Heater, A/C and defroster work (hand over the dash vent to test the defroster)
- Horn works
- Dash indicator lights for turn signals, flashers and high beams come on
- Fuel gauge shows enough fuel, not empty
Put it into practice
The examiner points to a rear tire. Say you're checking inflation against the door-jamb psi, tread depth with the penny test, and valve caps and stems, because low tread or pressure raises hydroplaning and blowout risk.