Under the Bonnet Questions for the Irish Driving Test

Know how you would check oil, coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid safely. Study the steps, then locate the real components in the car you will use for your test.

Tester Basics

🔥

Do not touch a hot engine

The tester may ask you to point out parts and explain checks, but you should avoid touching anything if the engine is hot.

🛢️

Know how to check the oil

Engine cool, car on level ground, remove the dipstick, wipe it, insert it again and check the oil is between minimum and maximum.

💧

Know how to check coolant

With the engine cool and the car level, look through the reservoir and make sure the level sits between the minimum and maximum marks.

🏷️

Learn the labels in your own car

Reservoir caps and covers are usually labelled. Reading your own car first is the best way to recognise the items during the test.

A strong answer follows three steps

1

Identify

Point to the correct reservoir, cap, dipstick or control in your own test vehicle.

2

Explain

Describe how the level or operation would be checked, including the relevant minimum and maximum markings.

3

Keep it safe

Mention a level surface, a cold engine where required and never opening a hot coolant system.

Sample Engine Bays

These diagrams are sample layouts only. Your own car may look different by year, trim or engine.

Kia xCeed engine bay

Kia

xCeed

2021 style
Hyundai i20 engine bay

Hyundai

i20

Sample
Hyundai Getz engine bay

Hyundai

Getz

Sample
Nissan Micra engine bay

Nissan

Micra

School car
Renault Fluence engine bay

Renault

Fluence

Sample
Toyota Yaris engine bay

Toyota

Yaris

Sample
Ford Focus engine bay

Ford

Focus

2021 style
Volkswagen Golf engine bay

Volkswagen

Golf

Sample
Volkswagen Passat engine bay

Volkswagen

Passat

Sample

Practise in the car you will present

Engine-bay layouts differ by make, model, year and powertrain. Use the diagrams to understand the checks, then ask your ADI or supervising driver to confirm the exact locations and safe procedure for your vehicle.

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