K53 pre-trip inspection

The pre-trip inspection is part of the drivers test and divided into 3 parts:

1. Exterior inspection
2. Instrument inspection
3. Interior inspection

It is performed before you commence your test and demonstrates that as a driver, know what checks to follow to determine the safety of the vehicle. Although the pre-trip inspection is more of a demonstration than an actual inspection, you will fail your test if the vehicle you are using is not roadworthy and safe, even if supplied by a driving school.

Exterior Inspection

It is required that you walk around the entire vehicle.
Be clear and assertive as you verbally announce and indicate to all the observations while walking around the vehicle. Be sure to point to the components while mentioning the checks

1. Start at the drivers door, point to the under carriage of the vehicle and verbalize "There are no leaks and there are no obstructions under the vehicle"
2. Wipers are not perished or broken
3. Windscreen is not damaged
4. Tyre is secure and inflated, the pressure and thread has been checked
5. Headlights and indicators have been checked and are in working
6. Bonnet is secure
7. Engine Oil, Water, Fan Belt and Brake fluid has been checked
8. The license disk is valid
9. Passenger front wheel has been checked as before
10. Fuel cap is closed and secure
11. Rear Left wheel has been checked as before
12. Boot lid is closed and secure
13. Rear Lights and indicators have been checked and secure
14. Rear right wheel has been checked as before

Those are the main areas of the exterior inspection. Go over them with your driving instructor as some traffic departments / examinor may or may not consider or require all as part of the test.

Instrument Inspection:

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the instruments of the vehicle. Know which lever operates the indicator, the hazards and the wipers etc.
After the exterior inspection you will enter the vehicle, check that the handbrake is engaged, the car in neutral and then put on your ignition so you can operate the instruments. The examiner will stand at the front of the vehicle and will instruct you to operate the following:

1. Indicate right
2. Indicate left
3. Headlights on
4. Bright light on
5. Bright lights off
6. Headlights off
7. Put on your wipers
8. Tap the hooter
9. Put on the hazards

The examiner will then move the rear of the vehicle and instruct you to:

1. Indicate left
2. Indicate right
3. Gear in reverse, to check the reverse light
4. Put on your lights
5. Apply brakes
6. Hazards

Interior Inspection

Your enter examiner will enter the vehicle and sit in the passenger seat.

Tip!
Before you enter the traffic department and meet your examiner make sure the vehicles driver's seat, steering and mirrors are adjusted to a comfortable position, also check that there are no loose items on the dash or on the floor near the pedals, this will save you time and take some pressure off your interior inspection. Before starting the vehicle you need to perform the following checks and announce them verbally.

1. Your door is securely closed
2. Your seat has been adjusted
3. Your seat belt is fastened
4. Your hand brake is engaged
5. Gear in neutral
6. All three mirrors are adjusted
7. There are no loose items or obstructions on the dashboard
8. There are no loose items or obstructions near the pedals

You will now proceed to the yard where the examiner will test your ability to perform the incline start and pull away, alley docking, parallel parking and 3 point turn maneuvers while obeying traffic signs and performing the observations as if you were on the road test.
This should give you a general idea of the K53 pre trip inspection for cars.