Show Me Tell Me

There are some basic maintenance questions (2 asked at beginning of driving test) which you need to be familiar with:

Show me:

 

Q. Show me how you would check the parking brake (hand brake) for excessive wear.

 

A. Demonstrate by applying the parking brake (with your foot on the footbrake) that when it is fully applied it secures itself and is not at the end of its working travel.

 

Q. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine).

 

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

 

Q. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it.

 

A. Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition). Check warning light is on. Explain that you would use it when visibility is seriously reduced.

 

Q. Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

 

A. Operate switch, check with main beam warning light.

 

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

 

A. Turn on the hazard lights and walk around the car observing the correct functioning of the lights.

 

Q. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

 

A. Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on).

 

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

 

A. Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction and rear heated screen to clear windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

 

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

 

A. Show where the horn is and that you would press it if you needed to. Only press it if you are asked to do so.

 

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

 

A. 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.

 

Q. Open the bonnet, Show me where you would check the engine oil level and describe how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

 

A. Identify the dipstick, describe check of oil level against the min/max marker.

 

Q. Open the bonnet, Show me where you would check the engine coolant level and tell mehow you would check that the engine has the correct level.

 

A. point to the coolant tank and describe how the level should be up to the full mark.

 

Q.  Open the bonnet, Show me where the brake fluid reservoir is and check that that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid against low/max markings.

 

A. Point to the brake fluid reservoir and show the level against the min/max markings.

 

Tell me:

 

Q. 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.

 

A. No cuts or bulges. 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

 

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

 

A. Manufacturers guide, use a pressure gauge or the air pump at the service station.

 

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

 

A. Operate brake pedal, brakes should not feel spongy or slack.

 

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

 

A. Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the ABS.

 

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

 

A. Operate the relevant switch, and walk around the car observing the correct functioning of the lights.

 

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. 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.

 

Q.  Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and Tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

 

A.  Explain that the washer reservoir is under the bonnet explain that you would use the washer  switch to check there was fluid in there.