'Tell Me' Questions

Question 1

Tell me how you would check the headlights and tail lights are working on this car.

Answer 1

• press the start button to turn on the ignition
• move the switch to the second position on the right
• walk around the car to check they’re working.

Question 2

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

Answer 2

• they’re listed on the panel on drivers side door frame
• use a reliable gauge
• check and adjust when cold
• refit valve caps.

Question 3

Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth & that their condition is safe to use on the road.

Answer 3

• no cuts or bulges

- 1.6mm tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of tyre and around the entire circumference

Question 4

Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

Answer 4

• it should be adjusted so the centre of head restraint is as high as the top of ears
• close to the back of the head as is comfortable

Question 5

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Answer 5

• brake pedal shouldn’t feel spongy or slack
• drive slowly with light grip on steering wheel
• then slowly brake
• the car should stop in a straight line

Question 6

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

Answer 6

• the warning light would stay on permanently if there was a fault with the braking system

Question 7

Tell me about the engine oil level…

Answer 7

(Identify dipstick) Pull out dipstick, wipe it, put it back in. Then, pull out and the level should be between the minimum and maximum markers. Top up if required. Check on flat surface.

Question 8

Tell me about the windscreen washer reservoir…

Answer 8

(Identify reservoir) Level should be above the minimum marker, you should top it up regularly. Light acts as final reminder.

Question 9

Tell me about the engine coolant level…

Answer 9

(Identify header tank) Check that the level is between the minimum and maximum markings. Check when cold as liquid expands when hot.

Question 10

Tell me about the brake fluid reservoir…

Answer 10

(Identify reservoir) Check the level against the minimum and maximum markings. If the level drops significantly, take it to car dealer or garage.

Question 11

How do you open the bonnet?

Answer 11

On the drivers’ side, gently pull the catch in the footwell, release it, then pull it again. To open, lift the bonnet up - to close it, gently release at about waist height.

Question 12

Show me how you would check the brake lights are working?

Answer 12

• Start the ignition and engine
• Press the brake pedal
• Examiner will get out and check

Question 13

Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear?

Answer 13

• Press footbrake pedal down
• Take off, then reapply the parking brake
• When fully applied, the car should secure itself, as well as the parking brake
• Don’t use too many clicks or put it too far upright

Question 14

Show me how you would check the direction indicators are working?

Answer 14

• Turn on the ignition
• Press the hazard button on the dashboard
• Walk around the car to check each of the six lights are working

Question 15

Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car?

Answer 15

• Press the start button
• Switch on the headlights
• Push indicator switch away from you to activate the main beam
• You will know because the full beam warning light will illuminate
• Then switch off your lights

Question 16

Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it? (don’t exit the vehicle)

Answer 16

• Press the start button
• Switch on the headlights then press the rear fog light switch (lowest of two buttons)
• Use them when visibility is less than 100 metres

Question 17

Show me how you would check that the horn is working? (Off road only)

Answer 17

• A check is carried out by pressing on the sides of the centre part of the steering wheel

Question 18

Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

Answer 18

• Press the start button
• Press ‘auto air conditioning’, ‘heated near window’ and ‘max windscreen demisting’ buttons
  (e. g three buttons above start button)

Question 19

Show me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Answer 19

• Apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel and maintain it while the engine is started
• This should result in a slight, but noticeable, movement as the system starts