Fixes test presented orally (5)
I believe the answer is:
tacks
'fixes' is the definition.
(tacking is a kind of fixing)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tacks that I've seen before include "Fixes" , "Approaches" , "Changes course" , "They secure" , "Small broad-headed nails" .)