What are the steps for the pre-driving vehicle inspection in Subject 3?
3 Answers
Before getting into the car, you need to walk around the vehicle to inspect its exterior and the surrounding environment. The inspection sequence involves walking around the car from the driver's side towards the rear. Sit upright with both hands on the steering wheel, ensuring your wrists can comfortably rest on it. Then, press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot and place your right foot on the brake pedal, ready to apply force. Left rearview mirror: Adjust it so that the sky and ground each occupy half of the mirror, with the car body occupying about 1/4 of the mirror's surface. Finally, check that all light switches are in the off position to avoid penalties for incorrectly activated lights after starting the vehicle.
I remember being extremely nervous during my Category 3 driving test last year. The instructor had me walk around the vehicle first to check for any tire leaks or wear, and I even had to squat down and feel the tire treads with my hands to ensure safety. Then I needed to inspect the car body for any scratches or dents - if the examiner spotted even minor flaws during the test, it would be troublesome. The lighting system couldn't be forgotten either - I had to test the headlights, turn signals, and brake lights to see if they worked, and press the horn to check if it sounded. I was always afraid of mixing up the steps, so during practice I memorized a little rhyme: 'Walk around the car with care, check lights and tires everywhere.' This process took about a minute or two, but the exam required thoroughness - otherwise you'd lose points right from the start. On test day, passing this inspection successfully gave me much more confidence. With more practice during preparation, everyone can master this routine.
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I consider the walk-around inspection a fundamental safety practice. Before getting in the car, you must circle it once, scanning every corner with your eyes: first check if the tires are underinflated or have cracks, then inspect the body for dents or abnormalities – don't let minor issues lead to major trouble. For lighting, I test both high/low beams and hazard lights to ensure all functions properly. During the test, the focus is proving your attention to detail, so I've made this a habit after parking to prevent accidents. This routine originated from a tire blowout experience – since then I've performed thorough walk-around checks before every trip. Remember to practice multiple mock inspections before the test; though the steps are simple, they significantly improve pass rates.
