Vehicle Safety Checks "show me -Tell me"

Show Me / Tell Me Questions

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.

You should lift up the bonnet and point out the engine oil dipstick to the driving examiner. Then you will need to say that if the oil level recorded on the dipstick is between the minimum and maximum marks, you know you have sufficient oil in your engine.

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

You will be required to lift the bonnet up, look for the brake fluid reservoir and point it out to the driving examiner. Then tell him that if the level of brake fluid against the container is between the maximum and minimum mark, you know that you have enough brake fluid for your car.

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

Lift up the bonnet, look for the expansion tank and point it out to the examiner. Then tell him that if the level of engine coolant you see against the tank is between the low and high level marks, then you know you have the correct level of coolant.

Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Open the bonnet, look for the windscreen washer reservoir and point it out to the driving examiner and tell him that the level of fluid contained in the reservoir can be seen against the container.

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

You will need to show how you would set all relevant controls including: fan, temperature, air direction/source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. However the engine is not to be started for this demonstration. Explain the rear heater only works when the engine is on.

Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Turn the ignition on and operate the switch for the car lights. Walk round the car and check that your headlights and tail lights are working.

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

You are expected to say that the brake pedal should not have a spongy or slack feeling when you depress it and as you move off to start your journey, you will test the pedal again to make sure the vehicle does not pull up to one side as a result.

Show me how you would check that the horn is working.

This is the easiest of all questions and only requires you to operate the horn to hear a noise coming out of it.

Off road only.

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.

You need to turn on the ignition and the headlights then demonstrate to the examiner how to switch on the main beam (normally by pushing the indicator stalk forward) and explain you will see the main beam warning light on your dashboard glows blue indicating that main beam is now on.

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

The recommended tyre pressure will be written in the car manufacturer’s manual. Tyre pressures should be checked with a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold – and that includes the spare wheel in the car. After checking the pressure, the valve caps should be put back on.

Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them. (No need to exit vehicle).

You will need to turn on the ignition and dipped headlights and then operate the fog light switch. Check warning light is on. Then you will have to explain the use of the rear fog lights - tell the examiner that you will operate your rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced to 100m or less so that drivers behind you are able to see your vehicle and that as soon as visibility is improved you will turn them off to avoid dazzling other drivers.

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

You will need to apply the handbrake (parking brake) and show to the examiner that the vehicle is secure i.e. it will not move forwards or roll backwards. You will also need to point out that when you applied the handbrake, it secured itself and had not reached the end of its working travel – this shows that there is no excessive wear.

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

Steering is heavy when the engine is off. Pull gently on the wheel when you start the engine and you should feel a noticeable movement in the wheel. When you move off you should try turning the steering wheel and if a lot of effort is required, you will know there is a problem with the steering.

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

Turn the ignition on and switch on the left indicator and walk round the car to make sure it is working. Do the same for the right indicator. Alternatively, you could put the hazards lights on and check.

Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

Turn on the ignition and press the brake pedal and ask someone to walk around the back of the car and have a look at the lights or alternatively if no one is around to help, look for the reflection of the brake lights in windows or garage doors.

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

Your tyres walls should not have any cuts or bulges and should have 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

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

The head restraint of your seat should be adjusted so that the rigid part (the middle) 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.

show me how you would operate the windscreen washer and wipers.

Turn on the ignition, then you will need to operate the washer (usually by pulling the right stalk towards you), this will then pump the liquid from the washer onto your windscreen and start the wipers automatically for a few seconds. To clean the rear window, push stalk away firmly.

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

If there is a fault with the anti lock braking system on the car you are driving, the warning light should illuminate to notify you of the fault.

You will be asked one Show Me and one Tell Me question prior to your driving test. An incorrect answer to one or both of these will incur one minor fault.