Show me, Tell me Questions

Question 1

Tell me how you would know if there is a fault in the anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Answer 1

You know there is a problem with your ABS if the ABS warning light on the dash appears after the car has started. It is normal for the ABS light to briefly appear while the car is starting.

Question 2

You have pulled the main bonnet release. How do you lift the bonnet?

Answer 2

The secondary bonnet release will be found underneath the front of the bonnet. Typically, this is a small hook which must be moved to allow the bonnet to open. Reach underneath the popped bonnet and feel for a hook, lever, or depression. From there, you will be able to push the release and raise the bonnet.

Question 3

Show me how you would clean your windscreen using the windscreen washer.

Answer 3

Turn on your ignition and press the windscreen washer button until the windscreen is clean. In newer cars, the windscreen wipers engage automatically.

Question 4

Tell me how you would check whether your headlights and taillights are operational.

Answer 4

Turn on your ignition if necessary, set your parking brake, and switch on your lights. Walk around the car and check that all your headlights and taillights are functioning.

Question 5

1) Tell me how you would check your engine oil.

2) Handle colour in newer cars is generally..

Answer 5

1) Remove the dipstick fully and wipe it clean of oil. Replace it and then remove it again. Inspect the oil level on the gauge at the end of the dipstick. Replace the dipstick and you are done.
2) Yellow

Question 6

1) Tell me how you would check your engine coolant level

2) Colour

Answer 6

1) Open the bonnet, find the coolant reservoir, and check its fluid level against the gauge on its side
2) Pink

Question 7

1) Tell me how you would check your brake fluid level

2) Colour

Answer 7

1) Open the bonnet, locate the brake fluid reservoir, and check the fluid level against the gauge/high low markings
2) Yellow

Question 8

Show me how to correctly test the horn.

Answer 8

Press the horn to test it.

Question 9

Show me how you would check that your-power assisted steering is working.

Answer 9

Start the engine and move the steering wheel. If the steering wheel turns easily, the power steering system is functioning. If it is difficult to turn, the power steering system is not functioning correctly.

Question 10

Show me how you would check whether your indicators are working.

Answer 10

Turn on your hazard lights then walk around and check

Question 11

Tell me how you would check your tyre’s condition and tread.

Answer 11

Check that none of your tyres have any cracks, tears, or bulges. Make sure that the central three-quarters of each tyre and the edges of the tyre have at least 1.6 millimetres of tread.

Question 12

Show me how you can test if your mechanical parking brake is worn out.

Answer 12

Apply the parking brake firmly. Check that the parking brake secures the vehicle without your needing to pull the lever too high.

Question 13

You have located and removed the oil filler cap from the top of your engine. How much oil should you pour in?

Answer 13

• Pour the oil in slowly, pausing frequently to check the dipstick
• Each time, give the oil a moment to drain to the bottom of the engine before you check the dipstick. You don’t want to overfill.

Question 14

Tell me how you would check your tyre pressure and how you would find the correct pressure to use.

Answer 14

Use a pressure gauge to check whether the pressure matches the figure in the car’s manual (need to check each tyre individually)

Question 15

Show me how you would turn on your rear fog lights.

Answer 15

Press the fog light button (on the right) and check the fog light warning light

Question 16

Tell me how the headrest on your seat should be adjusted.

Answer 16

Rigid area of the headrest should be at or above eye height and the headrest should be positioned comfortably.

Question 17

Show me how you would check whether your brake lights are working.

Answer 17

Put your foot on the brake to activate the brake lights. Ask the examiner to get out and check whether they are working.

Question 18

Show me how you would demist your front and rear windows.

Answer 18

Turn on your engine, turn on your air conditioning, set it to dempster mode, and press the rear dempster button

Question 19

How would you identify the type of oil that your car requires?

Answer 19

Different vehicles require different oils. Check your car’s manual before you choose the wrong oil for your car.

Question 20

Tell me how you would test your brakes.

Answer 20

Start the car, move forward slowly and apply the brakes

- Brakes should not feel weak/spongy/slack

Question 21

How can you check your power-assisted steering fluid level?

Answer 21

Power steering fluid is in a reservoir under the bonnet

- to check fluid level, remove reservoir cap and use attached dipstick

Question 22

Name of lever thingy to open the bonnet

Answer 22

Main bonnet release

Question 23

When can you use your rear fog lights?

Answer 23

Only when visibility is severely reduced by poor weather (below 100m)

Question 24

Show me how to switch the headlights between the high-beam and low-beam modes.

Answer 24

The high-beam/low-beam switch is usually attached to the steering column. You should activate the high beams and check the high-beam warning light on the dash.

Question 25

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

Answer 25

Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
(may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

Question 26

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

Answer 26

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Question 27

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 27

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

Question 28

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

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

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

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

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

Answer 30

Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Question 31

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 31

Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

Question 32

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

Answer 32

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.

Question 33

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 33

Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Question 34

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 34

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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Question 35

1) 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.
2) Colour

Answer 35

1) Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
2) Yellowy one

Question 36

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.

Answer 36

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference

Question 37

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting
a journey (3)

Answer 37

1) Brakes should not feel spongy or slack.
2) Brakes should be tested as you set off.
3) Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Question 38

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

Answer 38

PRESS BUTTON on the side

Question 39

Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle).

Answer 39

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a “Tell Me” question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)

Question 40

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

Answer 40

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on.Explain use.

Question 41

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

Answer 41

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Question 42

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 42

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

Question 43

Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle).

Answer 43

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check
the lights).

Question 44

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 44

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Question 45

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

Answer 45

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.