| Part of your test includes a 'Show me, Tell Me' section. This is when your examiner will ask you one 'Show me' and one
'Tell me' question about general maintenance and safety checks on your
car.
You can get an idea of the questions you will be asked on this page and
by clicking each of these , you can see see an example of the response you
would give. A wrong answer to one, or both of the questions counts as one Minor
Fault.
Tell Me Questions |
Tell me how
you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey |
Brakes should be tested as you set off by applying gentle
pressure at slow speed. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the
vehicle should not pull to one side. |
Tell me where
you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this
car and how tyre pressures should be checked |
In the manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check
and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre,
remember to refit valve caps. |
Tell me how you
would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and
that their general condition is safe to use on the road |
Tyres
should be checked to ensure there are no cuts or bulges. There should be
1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and
around the entire outer circumference. This can be checked with a tyre
depth gauge or the depth markers in the tyres themselves. |
Tell me how you
make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the
best protection in the event of a crash |
Adjust the rigid part of the restraint so that it is close to the
back of your head and level with your eyes or top of your ears |
Tell me how you
would check that the headlights & tail lights are working? (no need to
exit the vehicle) |
Operate light switch (turn on ignition if necessary). |
Tell me how you
would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking
system |
The ABS
warning light would become illuminated on the instrument panel if there is
a fault |
Open the
bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me
how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil |
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil
level against the minimum/maximum markers. |
Open the
bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you
would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid |
Identify reservoir, check fluid level is between high / low
markings. |
Open the
bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell
me how you would check that the engine has the correct level |
Identify high / low level markings on header tank where fitted
or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to
correct level. |
Open the
bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how
you would check the windscreen washer level |
Identify reservoir and explain how the washer fluid should be
filled to a level between the min and max markers on the side of the
reservoir |
| Show Me Questions |
Show me /
explain how you would check that 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 two 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. |
Show me how you
would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure
you keep control of the vehicle |
Apply foot brake firmly, Demonstrate by applying parking brake so
that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of
the working travel. |
Show me how you
would check that the horn is working (off road only) |
Check
is carried out by pressing gently on the control (turn on ignition if
necessary) |
Show me how you
would check that the direction indicators are working |
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check
functioning of all indicators. You may need to switch the ignition on,
however you should not start the engine. |
Show me how you
would check that the brake lights are working on this car (I can assist
you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the
engine) |
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage
doors, etc, or ask someone to help. As this is now a show me question the
examiner may check the brake lights for you. You may need to switch the
ignition on, however you should not start the engine. |
Show me how you
would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and
wipers |
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. You may need to
switch the ignition on, however you should not start the engine. |
Show me how you
would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this
should include both front and rear screens |
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air
direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows.
Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration |
Show me how you
would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it
/them (no need to exit the vehicle) |
Operate the rear fog switch after switching on dipped headlights
check switch is illuminated and explain that they should only be used when
visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less |
Show me how you
would switch on your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how
you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car |
Move the stalk attached to the steering column forwards which
will illuminate a blue warning light on the instrument
panel |