"Tell me" questions

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

Recommended type pressure: Check manufacturer’s guide
Checking pressure: 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 rigid part should be at least as high as the eyes 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.

Answer 5

Use the switch (turn on ignition if necessary) then walk around the vehicle.
(Note: As this is a “tell me” question, you don’t need to exit the vehicle or physically check the lights)

Question 6

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

Answer 6

If there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system, the warning light should light up.

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Use the switch (turn on ignition if necessary) then walk around the vehicle.
(Note: As this is a “tell me” question, you don’t need to exit the vehicle or physically check the lights)

Question 8

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

Answer 8

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

Question 9

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

Answer 9

• Gentle pressure on the steering wheel while the engine is starting should result in a slight but noticeable movement.
• Turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Question 10

Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them.

Answer 10

Switching on light: Use switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary) and check warning light is on
Using light: When visibility is less than 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

Use switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), 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

• Identify dipstick
• If oil level is halfway between minimum and maximum markers, no oil is needed

Question 13

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

Answer 13

• Identify high and low level markings on header tank or radiator filler cap
• If coolant level is between high and low markings, no coolant is needed
• If not, use a cloth wrapped around the reservoir cap to open it and add coolant

Question 14

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

Answer 14

Identify reservoir and check level between high and low level markings