One question before the drive and one task while you’re driving
Tell me
Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Tell me
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.
Tell me
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 rigid 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
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.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
Tell me
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).
Tell me
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.
Tell me
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).
Tell me
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.
Tell me
Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
Tell me
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.
Operate switch, explain what to look for on panel. Check warning light is on. Explain when to use fog lights.
Tell me
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Tell me
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers. You need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you’d do the check. Your instructor will show you how to check this on your learner car.
Tell me
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level. You need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you’d do the check. Your instructor will show you how to check this.
Tell me
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level. You need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you’d do the check. Your instructor will show you how to check this.
Show me
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Your instructor will teach you how to wash and clean the rear windscreen in the vehicle you are taking your test in. Normally the stalk needs pushing back on the right side of your steering wheel. This could be different in some cars.
Show me
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Your instructor will teach you how to wash and clean the front windscreen in the vehicle you are taking your test in. Normally the stalk on the right side of your steering wheel needs pulling towards your chest. This could be different in some cars.
Show me
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
Your instructor will teach you how you’d switch on dipped lights in the vehicle you are taking your test in. This could be different in some cars.
Show me
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
Your instructor will teach you how to set the rear demister in the vehicle you are taking your test in. These could be different in cars. Normally located on the centre panel.
Show me
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
Your instructor will teach you how sound the horn, it is located on the centre of the steering wheel.
Show me
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
Your instructor will teach you how to demist the front windscreen in the vehicle you are taking your test in. This could be different in some cars. Normally located on the centre console.
Show me
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Your instructor will show you how to open and close the windows - buttons located on the door panel.
Vehicle safety questions official guide
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