- Show Me, Tell Me
- (printer friendly version)
- Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
- Apply the footbrake. Release the parking (hand) brake and describe that the car is not moving. Apply the parking brake, then release the footbrake and describe that the car is still not moving. Also describe that the parking brake is not at the end of the working travel as it is not pointing in the air.
- Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
- Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
- Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
- With your left hand gently wiggle the steering wheel and describe that the steering is firm. Start the engine with your right hand and describe how the steering becomes looser, proving the power assisted steering is working.
- Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
- Apply the hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators by walking around the vehicle.
- Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car
- Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. Examiner should assist you and stand behind the car.
- Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them (No need to exit vehicle)
- Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on in dash. Use them when visibility is seriously reduced – less than 100m.
- Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens
- Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature (summer cool, winter hot), air direction and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started.
- Show me how you would switch your headlight from ‘dipped’ to ‘main’ beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car
- Start engine, operate ‘dipped’ headlight switch and then push the indicator arm away to operate the ‘main’ beam. The blue warning light should now be seen on the dash. Push the indicator arm away again to cancel ‘main’ beam
- Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
- Turn on the ignition; pull the wiper arm towards you to operate the washer and wipers
- Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
- Turn on the engine and then operate the headlight & tail light switch, and walk round vehicle.
- Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
- Brake pedal should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
- Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
- Look in the manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold (hot air expands), don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
- 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.
- No cuts and bulges, minimum 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer 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 should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as your eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
- Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system
- Warning light should illuminate on the dash if there is a fault with the ABS
Click image for larger picture- 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.
- Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings. (No.1 in engine picture)
- 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.
- Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe that you should pull out the dipstick and wipe the oil off. Re-insert the dipstick and pull out again to read the oil level against the minimum/maximum markers. (No.2 in engine picture)
- 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.
- Identify high/low level markings on header tank and describe how to top up to correct level. (No.3 in engine picture)
- Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
- Identify reservoir and explain that you can see the liquid through the container or open the lid to see the liquid levels. (No.4 in engine picture)
