Tell Me

Question 1

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

Answer 1

• drive forward slowly
• brakes should not feel spongy or slack
• vehicle should not pull to one side
• brakes should be tested as you set off

Question 2

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

Answer 2

• manufacturers guide
• use a reliable pressure gauge
• check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold
• remember to refit valve caps
• don’t forget a spare tyre

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 rigid part of the head restraint should be as high as the eye or top of ears
• as close to the back of the head as 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

• check tyres with a tread depth gage
• should be no less than 1.6mm of tread depth all around the tyre
• should be no cuts or bulges

Question 5

Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working

Answer 5

• explain you would operate the switch

- then walk around the vehicle

Question 6

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

Answer 6

• the warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault

Question 7

Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working

Answer 7

• explain you would operate the switch

- then walk around the vehicle

Question 8

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

Answer 8

• explain you’d operate the brake pedal
• use reflection 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

• give the steering some pressure as I start the engine
• should be slight movement when the power operates
• should be light to turn and not heavy

Question 10

Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you’d use them

Answer 10

• operate switch (dipped & fog button)
• check warning light is on
• explain you would use them when you can’t see past 100 metres

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

• operate switch

- check with main beam warning light

Question 12

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

Answer 12

• open bonnet
• pull out dipstick and wipe it with a cloth
• put it back in and pull it out
• see where it is between the minimum line and maximum line
• one in front

Question 13

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

Answer 13

• check down the side
• the level should be between minimum and maximum markings
• only open when it’s cool to top it up
• one in middle

Question 14

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

Answer 14

• the circle with brackets
• can check down the side
• the fluid should be between the minimum and maximum markings
• one at back