Show Me Tell Me

Q1: Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey

A: Brakes should feel firm and should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q2: Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked

A: Manufacturer’s guide, or on the door pillar. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, including the spare tyre and remember to refit valve caps.

Q3: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash

A: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: some restraints might not be adjustable.

Q4: Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A: No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

Q5: Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle

A: Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle and check (as this is a ‘tell me’ question you don’t need to physically check the lights)

Q6: Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

A: Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system. If it comes on when driving pull over where it is safe to do so to have the brake checked. If there is no problem with the ABS, the light will go out on its own.

Q7: Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

A: Explain that you’d operate the hazard switch (turn on ignition if necessary) and then walk around the vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights)

Q8: Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car

A: Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

Q9: Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey

A: If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.

Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Q10: Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle

A: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain that you would use it when visibility is less than 100 meters.

Q11: Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

A: Turn the ignition on. Twist the light switch from auto to dipped. You then need to push the left lever away from you to activate the main beam. Check that the blue main beam warning light is on.

Q12: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A: Identify dipstick/oil level indicator. Park on level ground, let the oil settle then remove the dipstick. Wipe it clean, put it back in the oil and then remove it and check that the oil is between the min and max markers.

Q13: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

A: Identify min and max level markings on engine coolant.

Q14: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid

A: Identify reservoir, check level and max and min markings.