1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should be tested as you drive off. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Look in Manufacturer’s guide then use a reliable pressure gauge, only check and adjust tyre pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
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.
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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
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 road.
There should no cuts and bulges in tyres. Tread should be no less than 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the headlight switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Warning light should come on if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system. ABS light on dashboard should come on.
7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d switch on hazard warning lights and walk around vehicle to see if indicator lights are working.
8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal (with car electrics on), make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Before starting a journey, when the engine is started, the steering wheel should move easily. If it is too heavy or difficult to turn the steering wheel there could be a problem with the power steering.
10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Turn on dipped headlights first (and ignition if necessary). Turn inner dial forward once for front fog light and again for rear foglight. Foglights should be used when VISIBILITY is reduced to less than 100 Metres.
11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Switch lights on by turning dial on indicator stalk forward. A green light icon indicates lights are on on the dashboard (with ignition or engine on if necessary), Pull the stalk towards you to put on Full Beam - this will be indicated by a blue light on dashboard.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, explain that you would remove the dipstick when engine is cold and car is on level ground. Clean the dipstick with cloth, then put back in. Remove again and check oil level against the minimum and maximum markers. (Use picture above)
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify the coolant reservoir. Explain liquid can be seen through container and then check it is between the minimum & maximum markings. If more coolant, or antifreeze is needed, you can top it up when engine is cold. (Use picture above)
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify brake fluid reservoir, check level against high and low markings.(Use picture above)
Show Me questions you may be asked while on the move.