This can highlight problems that only happen when the car's being driven. Always be very careful not to inconvenience other traffic if you're doing a road test. If you discover any problems, get them checked out soon.

1. Stop the engine. Press down the brake pedal four or five times to exhaust the vacuum in the servo, then hold it down. Start up the car, and the pedal should ‘give’ slightly. Run the engine for a few minutes, and then turn it off. Pump the brake pedal four or five times again – listen for a slight hiss each time the pedal is pressed down. After pressing four or five times, the hissing should stop and the pedal feel firm when you press it again. If the brake does not do this, the brake vacuum servo could be faulty so have it checked out pronto.
2. Make sure that handbrake works properly, without the level having to be pulled up too far. Test the handbrake to see if it holds the car safely on a slope.
3. Start driving. First ensure the car doesn’t veer to one side when you brake and check for any vibration through the steering or brake pedal when braking.
4. If you're driving over bumps and round corners, check for any strange ‘feel’, vibration or noises in the steering and suspension.
5. Listen for any strange noises coming from the engine and transmission.
6. The clutch pedal should move smoothly, and shouldn't slip – a slipping clutch will mean your engine revs will rise unexpectedly when you change gear or pull away.
7. The gears should engage smoothly and quietly. The gear lever should also be smooth.
8. Drive slowly with the steering on full lock – if you hear a click or knock it could mean wear in the driveshaft joints.
9. Make sure that your instruments and warning lights on the dashboard all work. All electrical equipment such as heaters and demisters should work with the engine running.
10. The engine should start easily when it's hot and cold, and when it’s idling it should run smoothly.