Tests on driver and vehicles

TESTS ON DRIVER

A driving test is administered to test a person's ability to drive.a motor vehicle. It is a requirement to obtain a driver's license. It generally consists of two parts. A theory test to check the candidate's knowledge regarding the latest traffic rules and a road test to test a persons driving ability under normal operating conditions. The driving tests are normally standardised tests.The written test  typically consists of questions related to road signs and traffic laws of the country. The requirements of the driving test generally comprises of:

• driving back and forth through a set of traffic cones
• reversing around a corner or into a parking space, with or without a trailer or semi-trailer, or with an extra one for multi-rig road trains
• Turning and leaving controlled junctions with trailer and/or with an extra one for multi-rig road trains
• emergency stops or evasive maneuvers
• maintaining a motorcycle stable at low speed
• Parallel Parking (with a maximum of 2 separate forward movements)
• Reverse Angled parking (cars, trucks and road trains)
• Three-point turns (in 3 movements)
• Uphill starts, downhill curbside parking with gear shifts
• Gear shifts moving off green lights (manual cars and trucks only)
• Lane changes
• Entering and leaving intersections (from give ways, stop signs, roundabouts)/

Other tests may be required, such as an eyesight test or a reaction test. These may be part of the theory test or the practical test or may be separate tests. 

TESTS ON VEHICLES

The following is the list of tests to be carried-out on vehicles with respect to safety of driver / passengers / occupants

• Engine oil
• Before starting the engine, the oil level should be checked daily. 
• The oil being used should be checked for the right viscosity in case of  operating the vehicle in extreme heat or cold.
• Air pressure in tires
• Visually confirmation of tires verifies if the tires are properly inflated.
• In addition, tires should be checked for signs of damage or unusual wear 
• A tire gauge should be used to confirm that all tires are inflated to manufacturer recommendations.
• Spare tire
• Tire gauge should be used to confirm that the spare tire is inflated to recommended pressure.
• The spare tire should be constantly rotated in order to achieve even tire wear
  
• Tread depth in tires
• A tread depth gauge should be used to check tread depth of all tires.
• The Motor Vehicle Act requires that tires be replaced when tread depth wears to 1.6 mm.
• Tires should be replaced tires when tread depth is 3.2 mm.
  
• Head lights
• Constant checks should be performed to ensure hi-beams, low-beams and fog lights work.
  
• Tail lights
•  Constant checks should be performed to ensure that tail lights work
  
• Turn signals
•  Visual test or use of lumino scope to ensure proper functioning of turn signals
  
• Emergency signals
• Functioning of emergency signals is validated by visual inspection. 
• Before venturing out, the functioning of emergency signals should be verified
  
• Windshield
• The windshield should be carefully inspected for any cracks, splinters and clear vision before venturing on any journey
  
• Wipers
• The fitment and functioning of the wipers can be verified visually
• The condition of wipers (including level and effectiveness of cleaning fluid) is essential especially in case of dusty / misty / wet conditions
  
• Heater / Defroster
• While testing the windshield defrosting and defogging system, the test procedure involves
• Warm-up procedure for cold weather starting.
• Engine speed shall not exceed 1,500 rpm in neutral gear
• The windshield wipers may be used during the test if they are operated without manual assist.
• The defroster blower may be turned on at any time.
• Horn
• Horn is an essential safety feature fitment on all the vehicles.
• The Horns shall be complying with the requirements of IS:1884 –1993.
• The measurement of the sound pressure levels shall be made using a sound
  level meter in accordance with IS : 9779 – 1981.
• The sound pressure level of the background noise and wind noise must be
  at least 10 dB(A) below the sound level to be measured.
• Sound levels should be between 83 dB(A) to 112 dB (A) for horns fitted on 2 wheelers or 3
  wheelers of a power less than or equal to 7 kW.
• Sound levels should be between 93 dB (A) to 112 dB (A) for the horn fitted on all other
  motor vehicles including tractor, 2 wheelers and 3 wheelers of a power greater than 7 kW.
  
• Seat-belts
• Five essential safety checks for seat belts are listed below
• Webbing - check for nicks, cuts, webs and holes
  
• Buckle - check for damage and loose connection to the vehicle
  
• Retraction - check by pulling the seat belt with a jerk thereby locking it in position
  
• All ages adjuster -Check the adjuster to position it above occupant's shoulder height
  
• Twisting  - Twisted seat belts cause greater harm to the occupant as the seat belt takes the entire impact on the twisted area instead of distributing it over the entire seat belt.
  
• Rear-view mirrors
• Before turning right or left or moving out to pass or pulling up, always glance back or look through rear view mirror behind and make sure it is safe 
• Check the vehicle and its fixtures every day and when driving, always adjust the rear view and side mirrors
• Objects in the rear view mirror on both sides and behind the vehicle to see that there is nothing around to interfere with movement of the vehicle
• Rear-view mirrors and the field of vision provided by them is a safety
  requirement.
• “Rear-View Mirror” means a device other than a complex optical system, whose aim is to give a clear view towards the rear of the vehicle. It may be interior or exterior
  
• All rear-view mirrors shall be examined visually for harmful defects
• The contours of the reflecting surface shall be of simple geometric form and its dimensions such that it provides, the required field of vision
• The contours of the reflecting surface shall be of simple geometric form and its dimensions such that the mirror provides the required field of vision.
• The test provided shall not be required in the case of any exterior rear-view mirror
• Impact test consists of a pendulum capable of swinging about two horizontal axes at right angles to each other, one of which is perpendicular to the plane containing the “release” trajectory of the pendulum. The end of the pendulum comprises a hammer formed by a rigid sphere with a diameter of 165 ± 1 mm and having a 5 mm thick rubber covering of hardness score A 50.
• The center of percussion of the pendulum coincides with the center of
  the sphere which forms the hammer.
• The reduced mass of the pendulum to its center of percussion is m0 = 6.8 ± 0.05 kg
• The test consists in allowing the hammer to fall from a height corresponding to a pendulum angle of 60° from the vertical so that the hammer strikes the rear-view mirror at the moment when the pendulum reaches the vertical position.
  
• In-cab ergonomics
• Effective cab ergonomics play an important role in driver productivity, safety and health
• Ergonomics plays a critical role to help enable drivers to perform efficiently.
• Sleeper cabs feature seats, steering wheels and pedals that can adjust to comfortably fit any body type.
• Cab ergonomics play a vital role in reducing driver distraction and fatigue.
• Components of In-cab ergonomics include:
• larger windshields and windows for improved visibility
• adjustable tilt 
• telescoping steering wheels, 
• adjustable seat belts, and 
• movable cup holders.
  
• In-cab ergonomics also can help reduce worker injury due to prolonged sitting and repetitive motion
• Ergonomic design can help reduce these exposures. By making cabs more ergonomically friendly and reducing the likelihood of drivers becoming symptomatic from injuries
• Aspects such as steps for egress and entry to the cab signify the importance of a focus on a much-needed safety feature
• Mirror placement can reduce neck strain and leather steering wheel allows a more comfortable grip
• Improved door seals, help provide the driver with a quiet environment
• Ergonomics is shaping a new paradigm of habitability for drivers
• Parking brake
• A parking brake is a special brake used to prevent a motor vehicle from rolling after it has stopped or been parked. 
• It refers to any brake meant to stop a vehicle in an emergency.
• Conducting the test on a monthly basis gives peace of mind, knowing that the vehicle is road-worthy.
• The parking brake can be checked by driving it up a small hill with enough slope for the vehicle to roll freely once the foot is taken off the brake
• The vehicle should start rolling the down the hill
• With the vehicle in motion, the parking brake should be engaged to stop the vehicle abruptly.
• Repeat the same steps in the opposite direction. The parking brake should work in the same way.
• If the parking brake does not stop the vehicle immediately, an in-depth look in the vehicle's brake system is required
  
• Brakes
• To check the efficacy of brakes, the stopping distance at a speed of  30kmph should be less than 13 meters
• Similarly the parking brake should be checked as discussed above
• Leakage of brake oil should be checked frequently
• The type of check for brakes is called "BRAKE TEST"
  
• Instrument panel / Gauges / Warnings
• Instrument panel varies on different vehicles based on manufacturer's specification. However, most instrument panels contain the following
• Speedometer - gives the speed of the vehicle
  
• Odometer - displays distance travelled by the vehicle
  
• Tachometer - displays rotations made by engine at that instant
  
• Fuel gauge - displays the amount of fuel remaining in fuel tank
  
• Gear display - displays the gear currently engaged in vehicle
  
• Turn signal indicators - indicates direction of turn of vehicle (simultaneous blinking in both directions indicates hazard lights)
  
• Active system lights - alerts the driver to parts of the vehicle that are activated
• The instrument panel is a one source stop for the driver regarding the health of a vehicle. 
• Its functionality should be verified by driver every time the vehicle is used. Any malfunction is indicated by loud noise and flashing lights
• Temperature Warning Light indicates that the car's engine is overheated and needs coolant
• Oil Pressure Warning Light indicates that oil level is too low
• Check engine warning light that there is a serious problem with the engine that requiring immediate attention
• Tire pressure warning light indicates that one or more vehicle's tires have low pressure.
• Brake System Warning Light indicates that there is a problem with the brake system
• ABS Warning Light indicates that the vehicle's anti-lock brake system (ABS) has been deactivated due to an issue with the ABS
• Electronic Stability Control Light indicates that the vehicle's traction control is activated to prevent skidding
• Transmission Temperature Warning Light indicates that the transmission's current temperature is higher than normal.
• Battery Warning Light indicates that your vehicle's charging system is not working correctly
• Airbag Warning Light indicates that the vehicle's airbag system is not working properly
• Door Ajar Warning Light indicates that there is a door or the trunk door is open
• Fog Lamp indicates that the vehicle's front lamp is turned on
  
• Body damage
• A vehicle damage report summarizes the overall findings from a vehicle damage assessment. 
• Damage reports are used by owners to support insurance claims
•  A vehicle damage report summarizes
• Details of accident and
• Extent of damage is primarily due to collision, weather-impact, and unintended scratches/ dents
• A good vehicle damage report strengthened by facts, photo evidence, and witness statements
• Battery
• Vehicle battery can be checked using a standard multi-meter and should be checked every time a vehicle is driven
  
• Batteries in vehicles are of two types
• Lead-Acid battery (Old fashioned, uses Strong Acid - corrosive/leakage problems) 
• Maintenance free batteries (Gel based / leak proof / more expensive)
• Lithium-ion batteries (Extremely expensive / very user friendly)
  
• Vehicle documents
• The list of documents to be carried by all drivers is as follows
• Registration certificate
• Pollution Under Check (PUC) certificate
• Driving license
• Insurance policy
• Any other required permits like
• Certificate of fitness (of vehicle)
  
• License plate
• vehicle’s license plate is commonly known as ‘a number plate’.
• It is a metal plate which is attached to a vehicle and has the official registration number of a vehicle embossed on it.
• The official license plate number in India consists of 4 different parts, each of which has a specific purpose
• Number plates help anyone to identify a vehicle
• The first part indicates the state or Union territory, this is denoted by two letters.
• The next two digits refer to a district’s sequential number.
• The third part of the license plate is a unique number which helps to identify the vehicle 
• The fourth and final part is an oval logo which reads, “IND”, the acronym for India
  
• Transmission
• The main function of the transmission is to:
• transmit power from the engine to the rear wheels of the vehicle
• make reduced speed available, to rear wheels of the vehicle
• alter the ratio of wheel speed and engine speed in order to suit the field conditions.
• The transmission system consists of clutch, transmission gears, differential, final drive, rear axle and rear wheels
• Combination of all these components are responsible for transmission of power from crankshaft to the rear wheels.
• An automatic transmission system should be checked for:
• Delayed engagement
• Harsh shifting and
• Slippage

• A Manual transmission should be checked for:
• clutch (slip on acceleration, production of burning smell and engage too quickly)
• A continuous variable transmission should be checked for 
• Jerky engagement
• Rattling
• Slipping and
• loud whining noise while cruising
  

• Steering
• The steering system allows the driver to guide the vehicle.
• The steering wheel is connected, via the steering column and a series of pivoted joints, to the suspension system.
• The steering system also requires precise adjustment, as any looseness in the joints can make the steering dangerous
• The steering systems should be inspected:
• at 80,000 km
• as part of annual service
• if tires are replaced or brakes are serviced
• whenever  oil and filters are changed

• Symptoms of faulty steering and/or suspension include
• Nose dives, squats or rolls
• Bottom out
• Bouncing over bumps
• Bumpy ride
• Bump steer
• Over steer / under steer
• Hard steering
• Loose steering
• Car pulls to one side when driving
• Steering wheel jerks
• Steering wheel vibrates
• Steering wheel wobbles
• Noises while turning a corner
• Noises from the power steering unit
• One low corner
• The steering and suspension systems should be checked annually or bi-anually
  

• Engine belts and hoses
• The belts in a vehicle's engine drive components as the air conditioning compressor, power steering pump, alternator and water pump.
• Belts wear and tear over time, and a belt's failure could mean serious damage to the engine or its systems.
• Listen for squealing sounds from the engine when driving. These sounds likely mean one or more belts are worn, loose or damaged.  
• Check belts for signs of wear. This can be done by visually inspect the belts. This is done by pinching, squeezing and twisting them and looking for cracks, fraying, splits or brittle places
• On a serpentine belt visual inspection gives an idea about missing grooves or places where the belt's layers have separated.
• Belts should be checked for places where the rubber is slick or glazed in appearance. Slick spots can cause a belt to slip and may be precursors to overheating and cracking. 
• Pulleys should be inspected for a buildup of rubber deposits, as well as worn spots that could catch the belt and cause it to break. 
• The belts' alignment on the pulleys should be inspected if they line up straight on the pulleys. The belts should  regularly  checked for tension

•  Engine noise
• The following  tests are conducted  to address the problem of engine noise using a engine analyser or dynamo-meter
• Noise level 85 dB
• Vibration
• Leakage
• Missing washers
  
• Performance of engine
  

• Road side emergency / First aid kit
• The  vehicle  must be equipped with a first  aid kit to deal  with (provide first aid) in case of any road side emergency
  
• Windshield washer
• Windshield washing fluid should  be available in order to clean the windshield of any dirt that might accumulate on the windshield during the journey due to dust, mist, fog or rainfall
  
• Coolant level
• The driver should  ensure that sufficient coolant is available inn the coolant tankk in  the engine
• Moreover, the amount of  coolant available should be correctly indicated on the instrument panel
  
• Brake fluid level
• Brake fluid is a type of hydraulic fluid used in hydraulic brake and hydraulic clutch applications in vehicles. It is used to transfer force into pressure, and to amplify braking force. 
• Vaporization is a problem because vapor is highly compressible relative to liquid, and therefore negates the hydraulic transfer of braking force which will result in the brakes failing to stop the vehicle.
• For reliable and consistent brake system operation, brake fluid must maintain a constant viscosity under a wide range of temperatures, including extreme hot and cold
• Brake fluid with the wrong viscosity can have fatal consequences for the function of modern brake systems.
• Brake fluid should be tested for water and copper content. Electronic testers and test strips are commercially available to measure both moisture and copper content.  
• Brake fluid is crucial to the safe operation of a vehicle
• Brake fluid a part of regular maintenance routine of a vehicle and should be replaced when necessary
  
• Power steering fluid level
• Power steering makes steering and parking easy
  
•  The amount of power steering fluid is checked by mechanic during tune-up time
• The amount of power steering fluid shoulld be checked when the engine is cold.
• The reservoir that holds your power steering fluid can be found under the hood. It is usually located at the passenger's side of the vehicle.
• It is present in a heavy-duty plastic reservoir, which easily allows checking the fluid level without opening the container
• If the fluid is less, the container should be filled after ensuring that there is no leak
  
• Leak check
•  Small pools or leaks under the vehicle may indicate a number of problem
• Blackish, greasy leaks under the engine area are typically oil
• The leak might also be around the oil drain plug or crankcase and oil pan
• Thick, dark, oily leaks may mean a gear oil leak from a manual transmission, differential, an axle, or the steering gears and should be checked right away.
• Slippery, watery leaks that are green, red, blue, or yellow and coming from under the engine or radiator are likely to be coolant which require the radiator, pressure cap, engine, and hoses to be checked for leaks.
• Oily leaks that are a reddish color or clear and located toward the front could be power steering fluid.
• Light-colored or clear leaks could be brake fluid. Leaky brakes need immediate professional repair.
• Battery acid leaks typically have an odor like rotten eggs. Avoid contact with battery acid and have the battery replaced.
• Fuel leaks are usually recognizable by the gasoline smell. In this case, inspect around the fuel pump and the fuel injectors. If the leak seems to be under the center of the vehicle, it may be the fuel lines, or if it is closer to back, it could be the fluid tank