TELL ME

As part of your practical driving test the examiner will want you to tell him/her how to perform some basic maintenance on your car and operate certain controls. Although the Show me and Tell me questions are displayed on separate pages, it is important to realise that you will be asked a mix of these questions and you will need to pay attention to the question - are you being asked to show or tell? You can download the complete Show me Tell me questions here or work through the Tell me questions below;

• 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

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe how to check oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

• Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

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

• Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is, and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

• Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify the reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

• Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

With the engine running, brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off, vehicle should not pull to one side.

• Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a “Tell Me” question, there is no need to physically check the lights).

• Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car, and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Manufacturer’s guide (usually to be found somewhere on the vehicle) or owner’s manual; 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 how you would 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.

• 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. NB: Some restraints may not be adjustable.

• Tell me how you would 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.

Link to DIA
www.driving.org