Show and Tell questions


The 'show me, tell me' questions they might ask:

Q: 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.
A: The dip-stick is identified on the picture at the bottom of this page. This involves you opening the bonnet. You would check by removing the dip-stick, wiping it clean of oil, dipping it back in, removing it again and the oil should leave a mark between the maximum and minimum marker.
Q: Tell me how you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that it has the correct level.
A: The coolant tank is identified on the picture at the bottom of this page. This involves you opening the bonnet. The coolant can be checked by looking at the maximum and minimum levels found on the side.
Q: Tell me where the windscreen washer reservoir is and how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A: This is identified on the picture at the bottom of this page. This involves you opening the bonnet. It can be checked by opening it up and checking that it has sufficient washer fluid inside.
Q: Tell me where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A: The brake fluid reservoir is identified on the picture at the bottom of this page. This involves you opening the bonnet. It can be checked by looking at the maximum and minimum levels found on the side of the brake fluid reservoir.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: Tell the examiner you would start the car, drive forward slowly and try the footbrake, it should stop the car and the pedal should feel firm and not spongy.
Q: Tell me how you would check the tyre pressure and how you would know how much air to put in to the tyre.
A: There's a little sticker near the drivers door (different on various car's) that tells you the correct air pressure. Tyre pressure information can also be found in the car manual. You can check the tyre pressure by using a tyre pressure gauge.
Q: Tell me how you can check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A: The tread depth can be measured using a tread depth gauge. The legal minimum amount of tread should me no less than 1.6mm of tread in the centre of the tyre and there shouldn't be any cuts or bulges on the edge of the tyre.
Q: Tell me how you would make sure that the head restraint is correctly adjusted.
A: Tell the examiner that the head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as highas your eyes (or top of your ears) and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
Q: Tell me how you would check the headlights & tail lights are working.
A: Turn the ignition on and turn the headlights on. Tell the examiner that you would then get out and check that both front headlights and the back tail lights are working properly (check from the pavement).
Q: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A: A warning light on the dashboard should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Q: Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on the car (examiner can help).
A: Ask the examiner if they can check the back of the car while you turn the ignition on and press the footbrake to activate the brake lights (don't start the car though). You might also be able to see the reflection of the lights on a wall or in windows.
Q: Show me/explain how you can check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A: Tell the examiner that you would start the car and steer the steering wheel a little left and right. It should feel easy and light to steer and not heavy.
Q: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A: Turn the ignition on and operate the windscreen washer lever.
Q: Show me how you can check the direction indicators are working.
A: Turn the hazard warning lights on, get out and check from the pavement that the front indicators are working and the back ones (both sides).
Q: Show me how you would set the demister controls to demist the front and rear screens.
A: Turn the ignition on. Turn the fan on, switched round to blow on to the front window and press the rear demister button to demist the rear.
Q: Show me how you can check the horn is working (off road only).
A: Press the horn and you should hear it works.
Q: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.
A: Turn the ignition on. Turn the dipped headlights on and then the rear fog light. Check that the warning light is on for the fog light (no need to get out or switch the engine on). Explain that you would only use the fog light(s) if visibility was poor and that you could not see further than 100 metres.
Q: Show me how you can check the handbrake (parking brake) for excessive wear.
A: Press the footbrake down, release the handbrake, re-apply the handbrake and the handbrake shouldn't come up too high and the car shouldn't move when you release the footbrake.
Q: Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst in the car.
A: Turn the ignition on. Operate light switch, dipped to main beam. Tell the examiner that you can see the main beam warning light displayed.