Home SHOW ME/TELL ME

Two questions will be asked — one explanatory and the other demonstrative

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

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check the functioning of all indicators

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

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack, Brakes should be tested as you set off 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

Identify reservoir and explain how to check level

Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car

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

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

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

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

Manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge. Check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps

Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear

Demonstrate by applying parking brake 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 tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against min/max markers

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 the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to correct level

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 that the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of ears and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable

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

Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that you 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 three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference

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

Check is carried out by using control

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

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should

not pull to one side

Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers & wipers

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen

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

Verbally describe - operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary and walk around vehicle

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

Set all relevant controls including; fan temperature, air direction/source and heated screen and windows (engine does not have to be started for this demonstration)

Show me how you would switch on rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary) Check warning light is on. Explain use

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

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system

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

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary) check the main beam warning light