Tell Me

Question 1

Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey

Answer 1

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

Question 2

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

Answer 2

• 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 3

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 3

• Rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears
• As close to the back of the head as is comfortable
• Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Question 4

Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road

Answer 4

• No cuts and bulges
• Around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
• 1.6mm of tread depth across the middle three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre

Question 5

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

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Answer 6

• Operate the brake pedal
• Make use of reflections in windows or doors
• Ask someone to help.

Question 7

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

Answer 7

• If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly
• Before starting a journey, 2 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 8

Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle

Answer 8

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

Question 9

-Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil-

Answer 9

• Identify dipstick/oil level indicator

- Describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

Question 10

-Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant-

Answer 10

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

Question 11

-Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid-

Answer 11

• Identify reservoir

- Check level against high and low markings.