Tell me questions

Question 1

Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting your journey

Answer 1

Just as you move off you should operate the brake pedal and the brakes should not feel spongy or pull to one side

Question 2

Tell me where you would find the information for recommended tire pressure for the car and how the pressure should be checked

Answer 2

Use the car manufacturers guide or manual. Check the tire pressure when tires are cold with a reliable pressure gauge. Don’t forget the spare tire and to refit the valve caps.

Question 3

Tell me how to ensure your head restraint is correctly adjusted

Answer 3

The middle of the head restraint should be as high as the eyes and as close to the back of the head as comfortably possible.

Question 4

Tell me how you would check the tires to ensures they have sufficient tread depth

Answer 4

The tire must have no cuts or bulges. Legally the tread must be at least 1.6mm around the central 3/4 of the tire and around the entire outer circumference. This should be done with a tread depth gauge.

Question 5

Tell me how to check the headlights and tail lights are working

Answer 5

Turn on dipped headlights using the light switch then walk around the vehicle and check the lights are working. Turning the ignition on may be necessary.

Question 6

Tell me how you would know there was a problem with your antilock braking system

Answer 6

A red warning light will illuminate the dashboard if there is any fault.

Question 7

Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working

Answer 7

Activate hazard warning lights, exit the vehicle and walk around it to check indicators are working correctly.

Question 8

Tell me how break lights are working

Answer 8

Operate brake and get someone to get out and check if the break lights are working. If you don’t have anyone try to use reflections from car doors or mirrors

Question 9

Tell me how you would check power assisted steering is operational

Answer 9

Steer to one side with the car switched off and the steering wheel shouldn’t move. Then turn on ignition and the steering wheel should move easily.

Question 10

Tell me how you would switch on rear fog lights

Answer 10

Operate fog light switch, (dipped headlights and ignition may need to be turned on). Fog lights must only be used in low visibility conditions or fog and should be switched off after fog disperses.

Question 11

Tell me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam

Answer 11

Turn on ignition and dipped headlights then press the switch for main beam and check the blue warning light on the dashboard pops up

Question 12

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the oil

Answer 12

Open the bonnet
Identify the dipstick for the oil
Remove dipstick and dry off
Reinsert the dipstick and ensure oil is between maximum and minimum.

Question 13

Open up the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient coolant

Answer 13

Open up the bonnet
identify coolant reservoir by water
Ensure coolant between maximum and minimum level

Question 14

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

Answer 14

Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check that the brake fluid is between the high and low levels

Question 15

Open up the bonnet

Answer 15

Press the release inside the car at the bottom, press the release outside the car and open the bonnet