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Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Just as you move off, operate the brakes. They should not feel spongy and the car 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.
Information will be found using the car manufacturer’s guide/manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the 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 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.
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.
A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges on the sides. Legally, the tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across the central 3⁄4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference and can be measured using a tread depth gauge.
Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle. This is a ‘tell me’ question, so you do not need to physically check the lights.
Explain to the examiner that you would turn on the lights switch, turn on the car ignition if necessary, then walk around the vehicle to check lights.
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking
system.
Warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. This is a ‘tell me’ question, so you do not need to physically check the indicators.
Explain to the examiner that you would activate the hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly. (Note: Operating the hazard warning lights is the preferred method as the ignition will not need to be switched on).
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car. This is a ‘tell me’ question, so you do not need to physically check the brake lights.
Explain to the examiner that 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 power assisted steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made:
1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
2) Turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly. Steering should be very easy as the car begins to move off if all is working as it should
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use
it/them. (No need to exit vehicle).
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain that fog lights must only be used in foggy, low visibility conditions and must be turned off when fog disperses.
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain
how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate light switch (ignition may need to be switched on or engine started if necessary), activate main beam lights and check the blue main beam warning light is on.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick, explain that you would remove the dipstick and wipe clean the end where the minimum and maximum level indicator is and fully reinsert. Remove once again and check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markings. If oil levels are low, top up with oil but be sure not to over-fill.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify the engine coolant tank and check the minimum and maximum level indicator displayed on the side of the tank. Explain that if the coolant is below the minimum mark, more coolant (water) will need to be added. To do this, explain that you would unscrew the tank cap when the engine is cold and pour in coolant until the maximum mark is reached.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of
hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify brake fluid reservoir, check level against high and low markings.