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

• 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

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
• 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre

Question 5

Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle

Answer 5

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle

Question 6

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

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle

Answer 7

• Turn on the warning hazard light (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle

Question 8

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

Answer 8

Press the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help

Question 9

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

Answer 9

• Turn the ignition on and turn the steering wheel
• Should turn with ease
• Or turn the steering after you have just moved off

Question 10

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 10

• Turn the engine on
• Turn on the dipped headlights then the fog lights
• Check that the warning light comes on the dashboard
• Only use it when the visibility is reduced (100m)

Question 11

Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on

Answer 11

• Turn the ignition on
• Then turn to dipped headlights
• Use the stick to turn on main beam
• A warning light will appear in the dashboard

Question 12

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

Answer 12

• Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean
• Put it back in the holder
• Then take it out again
• Look at high and low mark (should be between)
• Don’t fill it too much because could damage the engine

Question 13

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

Answer 13

• Check the high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap
• Top it up with a water and anti-freeze mix (only when engine is cold)

Question 14

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

Answer 14

• Brake fluid must be kept between the high and low marks
• Top it up with the correct type of fluid if necessary
• Find out what fluid this is in your manual