Show me, Tell me

At the start of your practical test the examiner will ask you:-
To demonstrate how you would carry out certain safety checks.
To explain how you would carry out certain safety checks.
You will need to open the bonnet of the vehicle for some of these checks.
You will be asked one "Show Me" and one "Tell Me" question from the following:

Q1 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient oil.

A: Identify the dipstick; describe how to check the oil level against the
min / max markers

Q2, Show me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A: If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. 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.

Q3, Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.

A: Identify high / low markings on the header tank and describe how to top up to the correct level.

Q4, Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

A: Demonstrate by applying the parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of its working travel.

Q5, Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

A: Check is carried out using the horn control, turning on the ignition if necessary.

Q7, Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of brake fluid.

Q8, Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

A: Apply the indicator or hazard warning switch and check the function of all indicators.

A: Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc or ask someone to help.

Q10, Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q11, Tell me how you would check that the head lights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit the vehicle).

A: I would operate the switch, then walk around the vehicle and confirm all the lights are working (No need to actually check the lights)

Q12, Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A: The manufacturer's hand book, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust the pressures when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.

Q13, Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A: No cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Q14, Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of an accident.

A: 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.

Q15, Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti lock braking system.

A: A warning light should illuminate on the dash if there is a problem.

Q16, Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers.

A: Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine) and operate the washers.

Q17, Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear the windows effectively. Both the front and rear.

A: Switch on the rear demister, (and back off if not required). Set the front controls, Fan, Air direction, temp to clear the front screen

Q18, Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.

A: Switch on the headlights, switch on the rear fog light, check warning light on dash. Explain they are used when visibility is below 100 meters.

Q19, Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

A: Switch on the lights, explain dipped beam warning light, switch to main beam, and show main beam warning light. Switch lights off.