Question 1

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working correctly before starting a journey.

Accepted Answer

The brakes should not feel spongy or slack when you press the brake pedal. You should test them as you move off, and the vehicle should not pull to one side when braking.

Question 2

Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Accepted Answer

The recommended tyre pressures can be found in the manufacturer's handbook, or sometimes on a label inside the driver's door or fuel flap. Check the pressures using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Adjust them if necessary and replace the valve caps.

Question 3

Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.

Accepted Answer

The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

Question 4

Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they are safe and legal.

Accepted Answer

There should be no cuts, bulges or other damage. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Question 5

Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Accepted Answer

Turn on the lights using the appropriate controls, then walk around the vehicle to check that they are working.

Question 6

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system.

Accepted Answer

The ABS warning light would illuminate if there was a fault with the system.

Question 7

Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working.

Accepted Answer

Switch on the hazard warning lights and then check all the indicators are working by walking around the vehicle.

Question 8

Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working.

Accepted Answer

Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or garage doors to check the lights are working. Alternatively, ask someone to check for you.

Question 9

Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Accepted Answer

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working correctly. Before starting the engine, apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine. The steering should become slightly lighter as the power assistance operates.

Question 10

Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.

Accepted Answer

Turn on the dipped headlights and then select the rear fog light control. Use rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres. Switch them off when visibility improves.

Question 11

Tell me how you would switch from dipped headlights to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

Accepted Answer

Use the appropriate headlight control or stalk to switch from dipped headlights to main beam. A blue warning light on the dashboard indicates that main beam is on.

Question 12

Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Accepted Answer

Identify the engine oil dipstick or electronic oil level indicator. If using a dipstick, remove it, wipe it clean, replace it and remove it again. Check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum markers.

Question 13

Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine coolant level.

Accepted Answer

Identify the coolant reservoir and check that the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markings. If necessary, top it up with the correct coolant when the engine is cold.

Question 14

Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the brake fluid level.

Accepted Answer

Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check that the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum markings. If the level is unusually low, the vehicle should be checked by a qualified professional.

Question 15

Show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen.

Accepted Answer

Operate the windscreen washer control and use the appropriate setting to wash and clean the front windscreen.

Question 16

Show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen.

Accepted Answer

Operate the rear windscreen washer/wiper control to clean the rear windscreen.

Question 17

Show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.

Accepted Answer

Use the headlight control to select dipped headlights.

Question 18

Show me how you would set the rear demister.

Accepted Answer

Operate the rear demister switch and check that the warning light illuminates.

Question 19

Show me how you would operate the horn.

Accepted Answer

Press the appropriate part of the steering wheel to sound the horn. Only use the horn when necessary and in accordance with the rules of the road.

Question 20

Show me how you would demist the front windscreen.

Accepted Answer

Use the appropriate windscreen demisting controls, including the fan and temperature settings, to clear the front windscreen.

Question 21

Show me how you would open and close the side window.

Accepted Answer

Operate the window control to open the window and then close it safely.

Show Me, Tell Me Questions & Answers

Tell Me questions

Show Me questions

Practise with an instructor

Tell Me questions

1Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working correctly before starting a journey.

2Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

3Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.

4Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they are safe and legal.

5Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

6Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system.

7Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working.

8Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working.

9Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

10Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.

11Tell me how you would switch from dipped headlights to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

12Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

13Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine coolant level.

14Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the brake fluid level.

Show Me questions

1Show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen.

2Show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen.

3Show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.

4Show me how you would set the rear demister.

5Show me how you would operate the horn.

6Show me how you would demist the front windscreen.

7Show me how you would open and close the side window.

Practise with an instructor