Tell Me Questions

Question 1

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

Answer 1

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

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Manufactures guide, use a reliable pressure gauge
Check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold
Don’t forget the spare tyre
Remember to refit 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

It should be adjusted so the ridged part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears
As close to the back of the head as comfortable
Not all head restraints might 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 roads

Answer 4

• No cuts and bulges
• 1.6mm of tread depth across central three quarters of the breadth and tyre and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Turn on the switch/ignition, and then walk around the Vehicle

Question 6

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

Answer 6

Warning light should 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 need to exit the vehicle

Answer 7

Operate the switch/turn on the ignition and then walk round the vehicle

Question 8

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

Answer 8

You’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors or ask someone for help

Question 9

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

Answer 9

Before starting a journey 2 checks can be made

1) out gentle pressure on the steering wheel maintained while the engine is started- results in a slight but noticeable movement
2. ) turn the wheel just after moving off can indicate that the power assistance is functioning

Question 10

Tell me how you’d switch on the read fog lights and explain when you’d use them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle

Answer 10

Operate switch and turn on dipped headlights and check warning light is on
- use during poor visibility when it is foggy

Question 11

Tell me when you’d switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you know the main beam is on

Answer 11

Operate switch and then check with 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

- describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers

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 in header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap.
Describe how to top up to correct level

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, check level against high and low markings