Show me tell me

• Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.


  Shouldn’t feel spongy or slack. Should be tested as you set off. Car shouldn’t 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.

  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.
• 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 rigid part of the head restraint needs to be at least as high as the eye or top of ears, and as close to the back of the head as comfortable. Some 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. Don’t need to exit vehicle.


  turn them on and walk around the car.
• Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

  The warning light will turn on if there is a fault.
• Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. Don’t need to exit car.


  Turn the switch on and walk around vehicle. If needed, use something reflective instead.
• tell me how you would check the brake lights are working.

  Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections or ask someone to help.
• Tell me how you would check the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

  If the steering becomes heavy then the system might not be working. start the engine and put gentle pressure on the wheel. should result in slight movement. Or turn the wheel just after moving off and you will know immediately if it’s working.
• Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you’d use them.

  Operate switch. Fog lights are used when your visibility is less than 100 meters.
• Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you know the main beam is on.

  Operate switch. Check with the main beam warning light.
• Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

  Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the min and max markers.
• Open the bonnet and 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.
• Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

  Identify reservoir, check levels against high and low markings.