Show Me / Tell Me Questions

Question:

Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working

Answer:

You can either apply the hazard warning switch or turn the ignition key until the auxiliary lights display and then operate the signal arm. Then walk around the car to visually check that the each indicator is correctly working.

Note:

Ensure that you do not start the engine to carry out the checks and be aware of other road users throughout this exercise.

Question:     

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

Answer:       

I will apply pressure to the brake pedal to ensure that the travel of the pedal has some resistance and does not feel spongy or slack. I will also depress the footbrake as the car moves to check that the car brakes effectively and does not pull to one side.

Question:     

Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Answer:       

There is the windscreen washer water bottle and I can either visually check the water level through the neck of the bottle or manually operate the windscreen washer function in the car.

Note: 

You only need to explain how to do this check. This should be checked weekly or before a long journey. Your car may have a warning light display on the dashboard.

Question:     

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)

Answer:       

Turn the ignition key until the auxiliary lights display, but do not start the engine. When the examiner is at the rear of the car apply pressure to the brake pedal and wait until you receive confirmation that the brake lights are working. If I am by myself I would check the brake lights are working by reversing up to a reflective surface such as a shop window.

Question: 

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

Answer:       

I would apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel and when I start the engine the steering should feel light to turn and not heavy.

Note: 

Try not to unnecessarily steer whilst stationary to avoid dry steering.

Question:     

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

Answer: 

I can check the recommended tyre pressures in the manufacturer’s guide. I manually check all the tyres when the they are cold and with a reliable pressure gauge.

Note: 

I also check the spare tyre and remember to replace the dust caps.

Question:     

Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear. Make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle

Answer:       

Firmly apply the footbrake, release the handbrake and then reapply it fully ensuring it secures itself and does not extend to the end of its working travel or flop back to the floor.

Note: 

Make sure the handbrake is secured before releasing the footbrake.

Question:     

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.

Answer:       

When the engine is cold and on level ground I would remove the dipstick, clean it with a cloth, replace it and then remove it to check the oil level is between the minimum and maximum markers located on the dipstick.

Note: 

You only need to explain how to do this check. This should be checked weekly or before a long journey. Your car may have a warning light display on the dashboard.

Question:     

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.

Answer:

When the engine is cold and on level ground, I will check the coolant reservoir level is between the minimum and maximum markers located on the side.

Note: 

You only need to explain how to do this check. This should be checked weekly or before a long journey. Your car may have a warning light display on the dashboard.

Question:     

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

Answer:       

I will adjust the head restraint so the rigid part of the head restraint is level with my ears and as close to the back of my head as is comfortable.

Note:

The head restraint must not be used as a headrest.

Question:     

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.

Answer:

When the engine is cold and on level ground, I will check the brake fluid reservoir level is between the minimum and maximum markers located on the side.

Note: 

You only need to explain how to do this check. This should be checked weekly or before a long journey. Your car may have a warning light display on the dashboard.

Question: 

Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that there general condition is safe to use on the road.

Answer: 

I would check the tyre treads when the wheels are cold with a reliable depth gauge to ensure the tread depth is not less than 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre width and around the entire circumference. I will also check for any cuts and bulges.

Note: 

I will also check the spare tyre.

Question:     

Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Answer:       

Providing you are in a safe and legal position sound the horn.

Note:        

This is permitted in test centre car parks. You may need to turn the ignition on until the auxiliary lights display to operate the horn.

Question:     

Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Answer:       

Operate the control to wash and clear windscreen.

Note: 

You may need to turn on the ignition until the auxiliary lights display.

Question:     

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

Answer:

I would turn on the lights and then walk around the car to check.

Note:             

You do not need to exit the car, just explain. You should check your lights at least once a week.

Question:     

Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens

Answer:       

Carry out this exercise as if the car was running. Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction and heated screens to clear windscreen and windows.

Note: 

If relevant you can also explain that your car has air conditioning.

Question:     

Show me how you would switch on the fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)

Answer:       

Turn on dipped headlights and then turn on fog light/s switch. Highlight the warning symbol on the dashboard. Explain when you would use the fog lights.

Note:           

Lights should be used when visibility is less than 100 meters.

Question:     

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Answer:       

When I start the car the ABS warning light should illuminate on the dashboard and will remain on if there is a fault.

Note: 

Your car may not have an anti-lock braking system.

Question: 

Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car

Answer:       

Turn the engine on if required and switch on your dipped headlights to enable you to demonstrate the main beam and highlight where the warning light is on the dashboard.

Note: 

Remember to turn off your main beam if it is necessary to use your dipped headlights for the drive.