Show Me Questions
- When it’s safe, show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen
- When it’s safe, show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen?
- When it’s safe, show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
- When it’s safe, show me how you’d set the rear demister?
- When it’s safe, show me how you’d operate the horn?
- When it’s safe, show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
- When it’s safe, show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Tell Me Questions
1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
The brake pedal should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
The required pressures are detailed in the manufacturer’s guide (car manual). To check pressures, use a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold (don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit valve caps).
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
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: Restraints in some cars might not be adjustable.
4. 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.
There should be no damage (cuts or bulges) on the side wall of the tyres and there should be at least 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.
5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch (after turning on the ignition first), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
The ABS warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system (it will illuminate briefly when you turn on the ignition and then should turn off).
7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch for the Hazard Warning Lights (there is no need to turn on the ignition), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal (after switching on the ignition) and either make use of reflections (after reversing to a window, fence, garage doors etc) or ask someone to check for you.
9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.
With gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, you should notice a change in the pressure of the steering wheel 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.
10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate switch (turn on ignition and dipped headlights first). Check warning light is on. Explain use (i.e. when visibility is less than 100 metres).
11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate switch on the indicator stick (turn on ignition and dipped headlights first) and check for blue main beam warning light. Explain use (i.e. where there are no street lights, in the dark, with no oncoming vehicles).
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator. Describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers (after removing the dipstick and cleaning it first). Note: The check should be performed when the engine is cold.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify maximum and minimum level markings on header tank, and describe how to top up to correct level (i.e. any check and refilling should be performed when the engine is cold).
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against maximum and minimum level markings. Note. If the level falls below minimum, it is best to seek professional advise from a garage mechanic, as there may be a leak in the braking system.
Source: Gov.uk. Information effective from 4/12/2017