Tell Me Questions

Question 1

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

Answer 1

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

Question 2

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

• Information would be found in the car’s 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

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.
• Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Question 4

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

• Tyres should have no cuts and bulges
• Have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

Question 5

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

• You would switch on your lights, turning on ignition if necessary.
• Then walk round vehicle.

Question 6

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

Answer 6

• Warning light should show up on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

Question 7

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

Answer 7

• You’d turn on the your hazard lights (turning on ignition if necessary)
• Then walk round the vehicle to check

Question 8

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

Answer 8

• You’d press the brake pedal
• Make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

Question 9

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

Answer 9

• You’d check this when you start the car and apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel.
• Normally when driving the steering wheel is light and easy to move
• If there’s a problem the wheel will feel stiff.

Question 10

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

• Turning on dipped headlights (circle switch twice to the right) then the middle button for rear fog lights
• Check the warning light is on.
• You’d use rear fog lights if visibility is less than 100 meters

Question 11

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 (with ignition on if necessary)
• Check the main beam warning light is on.

Question 12

12. Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil:

Answer 12

• Take the dipstick out.
• Wipe it and put it back in.
• Then take it out again and check the oil level is between the minimum & maximum levels.

Question 13

13. Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant:

Answer 13

• Identify engine coolant (black lid with big plastic)
• The liquid should be between the minimum & maximum levels

Question 14

14. Tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid:

Answer 14

• Identify brake fluid (black lid with small plastic)
• The liquid should be between the minimum & maximum levels