“Show me tell me.” Questions
Q: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil
A: The dipstick is specified in the picture just below. This involves you opening the bonnet. You would check by removing the dipstick, wiping it clean of oil, dipping it back in, removing it again, and the oil should leave a mark between the maximum and minimum marker.
Q: Tell me how you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that it has the correct level.
A: The coolant tank is identified in the picture just below. This involves you opening the bonnet. The coolant can be checked by looking at the maximum and minimum levels found on the side (never open the coolant when hot).
Q: Tell me where the windscreen washer reservoir is and how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A: This is identified in the picture just below. This involves you opening the bonnet. It can be checked by opening it up and checking that it has sufficient washer fluid inside.
Q: Tell me where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A: The brake fluid reservoir is identified in the picture just below. This involves you opening the bonnet. It can be checked by looking at the maximum and minimum levels found on the side of the brake fluid reservoir.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: Tell the examiner you would start the car, drive forward slowly, and try the foot brake. It should stop the vehicle, and the pedal should feel firm and not spongy.
Q: Tell me how you would check the tyre pressure and how you would know how much air to put into the tyre.
A: Tyre pressure information can be found in the car manual. You can check the tyre pressure by using a tyre pressure gauge.
Q: Tell me how you can check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A: The tread depth can be measured using a tread depth gauge. The legal minimum amount of tread should take no less than 1.6mm of tread in the central ¾ of the tyre, and there should not be any cuts or bulges on the edge of the tyre.
Q: Tell me how you would make sure that the head restraint is correctly adjusted.
A: Tell the examiner that the head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as your eyes (or top of your ears) and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
Q: Tell me how you would check the headlights & taillights are working.
A: Turn the ignition on and turn the headlights on. Tell the examiner that you would then get out and check that both the front headlights and the rear taillights are working correctly (prevent from the pavement).
Q: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A: Tell the examiner that you would start the engine, and a warning light will stay illuminated on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Show me questions
Q: Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on the car.
A: Ask the examiner if they can check the car’s back while you turn the ignition on and press the foot brake to activate the brake lights (do not start the car, though). You might also be able to see the reflection of the lights on a wall or in windows.
Q. Show me how you can check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A: Tell the examiner that you would start the car and move the steering wheel a little left and right. It should feel easy and light to steer and not heavy.
Q: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A: Turn the ignition on and operate the windscreen washer lever.
Q: Show me how you can check the direction indicators are working.
A: Turn the hazard warning lights on, get out and check from the pavement that the front indicators are working and the back ones (both sides).
Q: Show me how you would set the demister controls to demist the front and rear screens.
A: Turn the fan on, twist the middle dial round to blow onto the front window, press the rear demister button to demist the rear and turn the right dial for warm air.
Q: Show me how you would switch on the fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.
A: Turn the ignition on. Turn the dipped headlights on and then the rear fog light. Check that the warning light is on for the fog light (no need to get out or switch the engine on). Explain that you would only use the fog light(s) if visibility were flawed and that you could not see further than 100 metres.
Q: Show me how you can check the handbrake (parking brake) for excessive wear.
A: Press the foot brake, release the handbrake, re-apply the handbrake, and the handbrake should not come up too high, and the car should not move when you release the foot brake.
Q: Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main shaft is on whilst in the car.
A: Turn the ignition on. Twist the light switch from the off position, then sidelights, to dip. You then need to pull the left lever towards you for the main beam. Tell the examiner that you can see the (blue) leading beam warning light is displayed on the dashboard.
