Vehicle Checks (Show / Tell Questions and Answers)
At your practical driving test the examiner will ask you two basic vehicle safety/operational questions. One will be a 'Tell Me' question, which will be done when stationary. The other will be a 'Show Me' question, which will be done when the vehicle is moving.
This page lists all the different questions the examiner might ask, together with a summary of the answers you should give. Some of the answers below are directly related to Stuart's Peugeot 208, he will explain the answers in more detail on your driving lessons.
'Tell Me' Questions
1. Testing the Direction Indicators
Q: Tell me how you would check that the direction
indicators are working?
A: Explain you would apply the indicators or
hazard lights and walk around the car to check all 6 are
working. (May need to switch ignition on.)
2. Testing the Brake Lights
Q: Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
A: Operate brake pedal, ask someone to check whilst you press brake pedal or make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or . (will need to switch ignition on, but no need to start engine.)
3. Testing the Power Steering
Q: Tell me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A: Turn the engine on and move the steering wheel, it should be light and easy to move. Also if the steering becomes heavy when driving the system may not be working properly.
4. Detecting a problem with the Anti Lock Braking System (ABS)
Q: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.A: Warning light should illuminate when ignition turned on and then goes out, if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system he light will illuminate.
5. Checking the Engine Oil (Orange)
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: Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe
how to check oil level against the
minimum / maximum markers.
6. Checking the Engine Coolant (Black)
Q: 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.
A: Identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings.
7. Checking the Brake Fluid (Yellow)
Q: Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and Tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A: Identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings.
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8. Checking the Windscreen Wash (Blue)
Q: Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and Tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A: Identify reservoir, make visual inspection or use washer to test if some liquid left.
9.Testing that the Brakes are Working Correctly
Q: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: Drive forward slowly and press foot brake. Car should stop, Brakes should not feel spongy or slack, Vehicle should not pull to one side.
10. Using the Fog Light(s)
Q: Tell me how you would switch on the front and rear
fog lights and explain when you would use it / them.
A: Operate switch, (see picture) (turn on headlights first).
Rear fog lights must be used when visibility is reduced
to 100 metres (328 feet). Check warning light is on.
Fog lights must be switched off as soon as visibility
improves to avoid dazzling other road users.
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11. Testing the Headlights and Tail Lights
Q: Tell me how you would check that the headlights
& tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle.)
A: Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if
necessary), then walk round vehicle.
(As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to
physically check the lights.)
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12. Using the Headlights (dipped and main beam)
Q: Tell 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.
A: Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if
necessary), check with main beam warning light.
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13. Head Restraint Adjustment
Q: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A: Adjust head restraint so top of head restraint is level with the top of your head.
Push head restraint up to move it up and press clip to lower head restraint.
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14. Checking Tyre Pressures
Q: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A: Manufacturer's guide or sticker inside passenger door, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
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15. Checking Tyres are Road-Worthy
Q: 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 and bulges on the tyre, more than 1.6mm of
tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the
tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
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'Show Me' Questions (will be asked whilst on the move)
The Examiner will say: When its safe to do so...
1. Can you show me how you wash and clean the
Front Windscreen?
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2. Can you show me how you wash and clean the
Rear Windscreen? Turn end upwards
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3. Can you show me how you demist the
Front Windscreen? Pull towards you
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4. Can you show me how you set the
Rear Demister?
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5. Can you show me how you switch on your dipped headlights?
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6. Can you show me how to operate the horn?
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7. Can you show me how you open and close the side window?
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