On your test day your will be asked one tell me question – at the start of the test before you start driving.
You will receive a driving fault (minor) if you get the question wrong- the questions are important to understand as they include basic safety information you need to know.
Tell me how you’d 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.
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
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.
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’d 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, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
Turn on the ignition and twist the switch two clicks to the right for headlights/taillights
Tell me how you’d 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 anti-lock braking system.
Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
The hazard lights use the same bulbs as the indicator bulbs- so press this switch to turn on all the indicators.
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 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 how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use- Fog lights should be used when visibility is reduced to 100m or less.
Twist the switch to turn on the headlights and then press the button to turn on the fog lights.
Warning light shows on dash when fog lights are on.
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
With your headlights on- push the left stick away from you to turn on full beam.
This image shows the location of the things you are required to know under the bonnet.
You can be asked to open the bonnet and explain to the examiner how you would check. See below for how to open the bonnet.
Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
- Park on level ground with a cold engine
- Pull out the dipstick and wipe it off with a cloth/rag
- Replace the dipstick- making sure to push it all the way back in- let it sit for a few seconds.
- Remove the dipstick and check it is between the min and max levels.
- If below half way add the correct oil to the reservoir (ensure the engine is cold)
- Replace the dipstick and cap
Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.
