The safety questions asked by examiners at the start of the practical driving tests are moving up a gear. They have been revised and updated and from July 1 some additional questions will be included. The number of questions asked will remain the same but new questions will more accurately reflect the need for candidates to have the skills and knowledge to be safe on the road.

The new questions will cover the use of wipers, demisters, brake lights, fog lights, head restraints, Automated Braking System (ABS) warning lights and the correct operation of relevant controls and switches. "We committed to reviewing the questions in the 'Show Me Tell Me' section of practical tests for all categories of vehicle and we have now finished that review, the Driving Standards Agency chief driving examiner Trevor Wedge said. “The extra questions reflect the need to be able to show a basic knowledge about the various safety checks a driver should make before driving a vehicle."