Tell Me questions

Question 1

What is the cockpit drill?

Answer 1

Doors
Head restraint
Seat
Steering-reach
Seatbelt
Mirrors

Question 2

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

Answer 2

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

Question 3

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

Answer 3

1. Manufacturer’s guide
2. Use a reliable pressure guage
3. Check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold
4. Don’t forget spare tyre
5. Remember to refit valve caps

Question 4

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 4

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 5

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 5

1. No cuts and bulges
2. 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumstance of the tyre

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Warning light sjould illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

Question 7

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

Answer 7

1. Operate the switch and turn on ignition if necessary
2. Then walk round the vehicle

Question 8

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

Answer 8

1. Operate the brake pedal
2. Make use of reflections in windows or doors, or asl someone to help

Question 9

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

Answer 9

1. If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly
2. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made
3. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate
4. Alternatively 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. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Answer 10

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary).
Symbol is semicircle on left with squiggly lines on the right.
Check warning light is on (blue).
Used for 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

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light

Question 12

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

Answer 12

1. Operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary)
2. Then walk round vehicle to check the lights

Question 13

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

Answer 13

Identify dipstick/ oil level indicator and describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers

Question 14

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

Answer 14

Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to correct level

Question 15

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

Answer 15

Identify reservoir(hexagon), check against high and low rankings