Contents
- 1 Show Me
- 1.1 Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
- 1.2 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, do not start the engine).
- 1.3 Show me how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
- 1.4 Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, and make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
- 1.5 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and explain how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
- 1.6 Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and explain how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
- 1.7 Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and explain how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
- 1.8 Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off-road only).
- 1.9 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
- 1.10 Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
- 1.11 Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/ them. (No need to exit the vehicle).
- 1.12 Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to the main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
- 2 Tell Me
- 2.1 Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
- 2.2 Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
- 2.3 Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
- 2.4 Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
- 2.5 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.
- 2.6 Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
- 2.7 Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
At the start of your practical test, the examiner will ask you any two questions from the following list, one Show Me and one Tell Me. These questions test your basic knowledge about car maintenance and safety.
Show Me
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
ANSWER: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check the functioning of all indicators (may need to switch ignition on, but not start the engine).
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, do not start the engine).
ANSWER: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (May need to switch the ignition on, and prompt not to start the engine).
Show me how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
ANSWER: 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. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, and make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
ANSWER: Apply the footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying a parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself and is not at the end of the working travel.
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and explain how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
ANSWER: Identify the dipstick/ oil level indicator and describe the check of the oil level against the minimum/ maximum markers.
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and explain how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
ANSWER: Identify the high/low-level markings on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to the correct level.
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and explain how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
ANSWER: Identify the reservoir and check the level against the high/ low markings.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off-road only).
ANSWER: The check is carried out by using the control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
ANSWER: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
ANSWER: Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction/ source and heated screen to clear the windscreen and windows. The engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/ them. (No need to exit the vehicle).
ANSWER: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain that this would only be used when visibility is less than 100 metres.
Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to the main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
ANSWER: Operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary) and confirm by pointing to the main beam warning light.
Tell Me
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
ANSWER: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
ANSWER: Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
ANSWER: Refer to the manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
ANSWER: 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.
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.
ANSWER: There should be no cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
ANSWER: Explanation: Operate the switch (turn on the ignition if necessary) then walk around the vehicle and check the headlights and tail lights. Note: No need to exit the vehicle, since this is a Tell Me question.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
ANSWER: A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.