IGNITE DRIVING SCHOOL

SHOW ME – TELL ME

Part of your practical driving test includes a ‘Show Me – Tell Me’ section. This is when your examiner will ask you questions about general maintenance and safety checks on your car.

Note: One or two incorrect answers equals one minor fault, not necessarily failure.

Question 1: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level?

Answer: Open the bonnet, identify the coolant reservoir and explain that you check the level of coolant is between the max / min marks on the side.

Question 2: 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?

Answer: Open the bonnet, identify the dip stick and explain that with the car on a level surface and the engine cool, you would clean the dip stick, push all the way back in and then pull back out to check the level is between the max/min marks.

Question 3: Open the bonnet, identify the windscreen washer reservoir and tell me how you would check the level of washer fluid?

Answer: Open the bonnet, identify the windscreen washer reservoir and explain that you would check the level of fluid was above the min mark on the side.

Question 4: 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 fluid?

Answer: Open the bonnet, identify the brake fluid reservoir and explain that you check the level was between the min / max marks on the side.

Question 5: Show / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?

Answer: With the engine turned off you should gently put pressure on the steering wheel to the left or right. (It should feel stiff or heavy). Now with the engine turned on you should do the same and it should feel light and easy to turn.

Question 6: Show me how you would check the parking brake (hand brake) for excessive wear? (Make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle)

Answer: While keeping your foot on the foot brake, you should release and then re apply the handbrake. When tight, the hand brake should hold the car and the hand brake handle be at about a 45 degree angle.

Question 7: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?

Answer: Turn on the hazard warning lights and walk around the car to check they are all working.

Question 8: Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car? (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine)

Answer: Turn the ignition key but do not start the engine. The examiner will stand behind the car while you press the brake pedal. If you were alone you could reverse up to a reflective surface such as a shop window and see if they are both working.

Question 9: Show me how you would check the horn is working?(off road only)

Answer: Press the horn. (Some cars will need the ignition on)

Question 10: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?

Answer: As you move off you should apply your brakes, they should feel sharp not spongy and not pull to one side.

Question 11: Tell me how you would check the headlight and tail lights are working? (No need to exit the vehicle)

Answer: Explain that you would turn on the headlights and then walk around the car. (Some cars would need the ignition on)

Question 12: Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?

Answer: Explain that the tyres pressures can be found in the vehicle manual and that you check your tyres weekly, with a gauge when cold.

Question 13: Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road?

Answer: Explain that you would check the tread depth with a gauge and it should be a minimum of 1.6mm deep across the central three quarters of the tyre, and the full circumference. You would also check for any damage. (Nails, cuts, splits or bulges in the tyre wall)

Question 14: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers?

Answer: Operate the windscreen washer water and wipers. (Some cars will need the ignition on)

Question 15: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively? (This should include both front and rear screens.)

Answer: Turn all the relevant switches to the correct positions in order to clear the front and rear screens. You do not need the engine on.

Question 16: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them? (No need to exit the vehicle, please don’t start the engine)

Answer: Turn the relevant switch to the correct position. Then explain that you would use the fog lights when visibility is reduced to less than 100 metres.

Question 17: Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam was on whilst inside the car?

Answer: Move the relevant switch or stalk to the correct position. Then explain that you know they are on due to the blue indicator light being lit on the dashboard.

Question 18: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted, so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash?

Answer: Explain that you would adjust the head restraint so that your ears were level with the half way point on the head restraint.

Question 19: Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Answer: ABS Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system. If the light disappears after few seconds then its in a correct functional order, however if light stays on then its best to show a specialist.

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