Ian Noctor buttonholed drivers about the new test.
MARTINA PRICE
Enniskerry, Co Wicklow:
I'd have no problem performing any of the technical checks. I'd be comfortable checking the oil, water, indicators, etc. It's pretty straightforward. I think the more knowledge people have the better, but knowing how to perform these checks doesn't make you a better driver. Improving peoples on-road skills is much more important than whether they can check their oil.
PETER PURDUE
Baldonnel, Dublin:
I'm mechanically minded and have looked after my own cars in the past. I could do it no bother. It's a good idea to be able to look after the basics a bit better. I'm all for it.
HELEN KANE
Harold's Cross, Dublin:
I know how to perform the checks but wouldn't have any interest in doing them. That's what boyfriends, fathers and brothers are for. I'm fairly female when it comes to doing that sort of thing. I do think it's a good idea for all drivers to know how to do these checks in case they end up needing to do them in an emergency.
KRISHNA SAMBATURU
Dublin:
It's extremely important that people know where the oil and water go in a car. What do they do if their car stops because a lack of water and they don't know how to replace it? Drivers should know how to carry out these basic checks.
MARIANNE STOBIE
Walkinstown, Dublin:
Making these checks mandatory in the driving test is over the top. I can check the oil and water and I know about thread depth on the tyres but why do you need to know how to do it to pass your driving test? There'll always be someone around to help if you get stuck.
JANET DELAHUNT
Straffan, Co Kildare:
I've already been tested on the new checks by my kids. My 15-year-old daughter went through the items to be tested with me and, I'm happy to say, I knew how to carry out all the checks. It's a wonderful idea ensuring people know these basics. There's nothing worse than seeing someone stuck on the side of the road and not knowing what to do.