Automatic Driving lessons Bolton

The ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Safety Check Questions

Before your driving test starts the examiner will do an eye sight test with you from 20.5 metres (approximately 7 car park spaces), They will then do some checks around the car.

The next step will be then to ask you one ‘Tell me’ question. This might be inside or even before you get in the car.

The purpose of the questions is to check that you understand how to perform essential basic checks and routine maintenance on your vehicle, checks that will keep your vehicle roadworthy and safe.
Some of the questions require only a verbal answer (‘tell me’) but some of them will require you to actually carry out the check fully (‘show me’) The ‘Show me” question will be carried out while driving.

Here are the questions and a short explanation to explain how to carry out each one on the car that you will be learning in.

THE QUESTIONS AND THERE IDEAL ANSWERS

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

In a safe place, press the brake pedal, it should not feel spongy or slack and the car should not pull to one side.

2. 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.

3. 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 centre 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.

4. 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.

The tread depth should be 1.6mm across the central three quarters, for the entire circumference and no cuts or burgers in the outer walls.

5. 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).

6. Tell me how you’d 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, it is Amber and you would take it to the garage to get them checked.

7. 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).

8. 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.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

With the engine off the steering is stiff, once started it is noticeably lighter and if it becomes heavy while driving then there is an issue and take it to a garage.

10. 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.

Turn dipped headlights on, turn fog lights on. you would use them when visibility is reduced to under 100 meters.

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Turn ignition on and turn dipped headlights on, then the stalk on left push forward, a blue light on dash will be on.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, on a level surface when the engine has settled, take the dipstick out, clean with a clean cloth, place back in, take out again and should be between the minimum and maximum markers.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Identify reservoir, check high and low level markings on header tank, on a level surface.

14. Open the bonnet and 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, on a level surface.

SHOW ME QUESTIONS.

1 When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean
the rear windscreen?

2 When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean
the front windscreen?

3 When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your
dipped headlights?

4 When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear
demister?

5 When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the
horn?

6 When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the
front windscreen?

7 When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close
the side window?