Show Me Tell Me

1. Tell me/show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

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


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

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack, and should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.


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

Check against 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.


4. 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 or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.


5. 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 (middle) part of it is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as possible.


6. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

ABS warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.


7. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.

Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of its working travel.


8. Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering (PAS) is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy the PAS 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 PAS is functioning.


9. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Push the control on the steering wheel.


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

Switch ignition on. Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Operate switches to clear rear and front windscreens.


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

Switch ignition on. Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen.


12. Show me/tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Explanation/Demonstration: Switch on ignition, operate headlight switch then walk round vehicle.


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

Switch ignition on. Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators, walking around both front and back of the car.


14. Show 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.

Switch ignition on then switch on dipped headlights. Operate main beam switch, check with main beam (blue) warning light.


15. Show me how you would switch on the front and rear fog lights and explain when you would use them. (No need to exit vehicle).

Switch ignition on then switch on dipped headlights. Operate fog light switch and check warning lights are on. Only to be used when visibility is poor, less than 100 metres.


16. 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, describe pulling it out, wiping it clean, inserting it again and checking the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.


17. 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 Min/Max level markings on header tank, and describe how to top up to correct level.


18. 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 between minimum and maximum markings. If not not, top up to required level.


19. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Identify reservoir and explain how to check open the top and confirm the water level.