At the start of the driving test candidates will be asked 2 questions relating to safety checks of the vehicle or use of auxilary controls. One will be a question requiring you tell the examiner the information required, the other requires you to show him how you would perform a certain action.
TELL ME - SHOW ME Safety questions
Q) 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?
A) Identify dipstick/ oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/ maximum markers. * photo *
Q) 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?
A) Identify high/low markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level when the engine is cold. * photo *
Q) Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and TELL me how you would check the windscreen washer level?
A) Identify reservoir and explain how to check level by filling to top at regularly. * photo *
Q) 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?
A) Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings. * photo *
Q) 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 do not start the engine.
A) Switch ignition on, but do not start engine. Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc or ask someone, such as examiner to help.
Q) TELL me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
A) Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q) TELL me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how the tyre pressures should be checked?
A) Manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Q) 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?
A) No cuts and bulges, and there is at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q) SHOW me and explain how you would check that 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 the 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 working.
Q) TELL me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
A) (No need to exit the vehicle). Turn on ignition, operate switch, explain that you would examine each lamp front and rear. * photo *
Q) TELL me how you would 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 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. Some restraints may not be adjustable. * photo *
Q) TELL me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system. (ABS)
A) A warning light on the dashboard will light when ignition first turned on and should then go out, if it then lights up there is a fault with the ABS. * photo *
Q) SHOW me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?
A) Switch ignition on, but not starting engine, applying the indicators or better to use hazard warning switch and check all indicators by walking around vehicle. * photo *
Q) SHOW me how you check that the horn is working (off road only)?
A) Check is carried out by turning on ignition, but do not start engine and sounding horn.
Q) SHOW me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of car.
A) Press footbrake to hold car still, apply parking brake (Handbrake) fully so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and it is not at the end of the working travel.
Q) SHOW me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A) Switch on ignition, but do not start engine, operate washer and wipers to clean windscreen. * photo *
Q) SHOW me how you would set the demister controls to clear the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
A) Switch on ignition, without starting engine, set fan to maximum, temperature to hot and air direction to windscreen, using fresh air. Switch on rear heated window. Explain that the air conditioning would also remove moisture when the engine is running. *photo*
Q) SHOW me how you would switch on rear fog lights. No need to exit the vehicle, please do not start the engine.
A) Switch on ignition, but do not start the engine. Switch on headlamps and then switch on fog lights, ensuring the warning light on the dashboard is lit. explain you would use fog light when visibility is severely reduce under 100 metres, switch the fog light off as soon as visibility improves to prevent distracting other drivers. * photo *
Q) SHOW me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
A) Switch on ignition, but do not start engine. Switch on headlights and use stalk to toggle to main beam. When main beam is in operation the blue warning lamp will illuminate on dashboard. * photo *