Question 1

Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Accepted Answer

The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. They should be tested as you set off, and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

Question 2

Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

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.

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

Question 7

Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 8

Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Accepted Answer

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

Question 9

Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Accepted Answer

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.
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. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Question 10

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.

Accepted Answer

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain you would use if visibility drops below 100 metres.

Question 11

Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Accepted Answer

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with blue warning light on the dash.

Question 12

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Accepted Answer

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator. Explain you would pull it out, wipe, put back in, pull out again and check minimum and maximum markers.

Question 13

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Accepted Answer

Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Question 14

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Accepted Answer

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

07890 120313

Tell Me Questions