Question 1

1. How would you check the brakes are working before starting a journey?

Accepted Answer

Press the brake pedal before setting off - brakes should feel firm, not soft or spongy. When you drive off, test them gently to ensure the vehicle doesn’t pull to one side.

Question 2

2. Where can you find the recommended tyre pressures for this car, and how should you check them?

Accepted Answer

You’ll find the correct tyre pressures in the manufacturer’s handbook. Use a reliable pressure gauge to check and adjust them when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre and always refit the valve caps after checking.

Question 3

3. How do you ensure your head restraint is properly adjusted for protection in a crash?

Accepted Answer

Position the rigid part of the head restraint so it’s level with your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as comfortable. Keep in mind, some head restraints might not be adjustable.

Question 4

4. How would you check that your tyres are safe and have enough tread depth?

Accepted Answer

Look for any cuts or bulges in the tyre sidewalls. The tread must be at least 1.6mm deep across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire outer edge.

Question 5

5. How would you check that the headlights and tail lights are working?

Accepted Answer

Turn on the appropriate light switch (with the ignition on if needed), then walk around the car to check the lights. For this question, you only need to describe how you'd check them.

Question 6

6. How would you know if there’s a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS)?

Accepted Answer

A warning light on the dashboard will come on if there’s a fault with the ABS.
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Question 7

7. How would you check that the indicators are working?

Accepted Answer

Turn on the hazard warning lights or operate the indicator switch (with ignition on if required), then walk around the car to make sure all indicators are flashing. As this is a ‘tell me’ question, just explain the process.

Question 8

8. How would you check that the brake lights are working?

Accepted Answer

Press the brake pedal and check for reflections in windows or garage doors or ask someone to stand behind and confirm the lights come on.

Question 9

9. How would you check the power steering is working before starting your journey?

Accepted Answer

If the steering feels heavy, it may not be working correctly. Two simple checks:
 • Apply gentle pressure to the wheel while starting the engine – the wheel should move slightly as the system engages.
 • Or turn the wheel just after moving off – if power assistance is working, the steering will feel light and responsive.

Question 10

10. How would you switch on the rear fog lights and when should you use them?

Accepted Answer

Turn on dipped headlights and then operate the fog light switch (with ignition on if needed). Check the dashboard warning light comes on. Use fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced (usually below 100 metres).

Question 11

11. How do you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam, and how would you know main beam is on?

Accepted Answer

Use the headlight control to switch to main beam (with ignition or engine on if required). A blue warning light will show on the dashboard when main beam is active.
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Question 12

12. Open the bonnet – how do you check the engine oil level?

Accepted Answer

Locate the dipstick or oil level indicator, pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it, then remove it again to check the oil is between the minimum and maximum marks.

Question 13

13. Open the bonnet – how do you check the engine has enough coolant?

Accepted Answer

Find the coolant reservoir and look for the minimum and maximum markings. The coolant should be between these levels. Only top up when the engine is cool.

Question 14

14. Open the bonnet – how do you check you have enough brake fluid?

Accepted Answer

Identify the brake fluid reservoir. Check that the fluid level is between the high and low markers on the side of the reservoir.

Show Me & Tell Me Questions

Tell Me Questions

Show Me Questions

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We will practise these regularly throughout your training so that they become second nature well before your test.