Tell me questions

Question 1

Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before the start of a journey

Answer 1

• breaks 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 how you’d find the information for recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked

Answer 2

• Manufacturers guide
• Use a reliable pressure gauge and adjust pressure when tyres are cold
• Don’t forget spare tyre and to refit the 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

• Rigid part of the restraint should be level with the top of your ears and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable
• Some restraints may not be adjustable

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

• 1.6mm of tread depth across the inner three quarters of the tyre breadth and around the entire circumference
• ensure there are no large slashes or gouges

Question 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

• Explain to operate the headlight switch, then explain to walk around the vehicle

Question 6

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

Answer 6

ABS warning light should illuminate if there is a fault

Question 7

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

Answer 7

Explain to turn on hazard lights, then to walk round the vehicle

Question 8

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

Answer 8

Explain to operate the brake pedal, then to either look in reflections 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

lookout for heaviness on the steering wheel when:
- engine is switched on and gentle pressure is applied to the wheel
- turn the steering whee when moving off

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

• Explain how to operate the switch then check if the warning light is on.
• To be used when visibility is seriously impaired (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

• Explain to operate the switch, then check the 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 the dipstick, clean it then dip back in
• ensure oil level is between maximum and minimum levels

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 the tank
• Use a mix of water and anti freeze to top up to between high and low markers, when the engine is cold

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 against high and low markings as shown in car manual