Bradbys Driving School ~ Driving School in St Austell

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What are Show me, Tell me Questions

They are safety questions that the examiner will ask you on the day of the practical test, you will be asked two questions one show me and one tell me, if you fail to answer one or both of them correctly then it will result in a drivers fault (one of the fifteen drivers faults your aloud).

Show me Questions

Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Applying the hazard warning switch or indicators and check functioning of all indicators by walking around the car, there should also be a ticking sound. (You may need to switch ignition on, but do not start the engine).
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car, (I can assist you), If you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine.
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors or ask someone to help. As this is a 'show me' question the examiner will usually check the lights for you, (may need to switch ignition on, but do not start the engine).
Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel, while the engine is started, this should result in a slight but noticeable movement. Alternatively turn the steering wheel just after moving off, the wheels should move with ease and will give an indication whether the power assistance is functioning properly.
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by releasing and reapplying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel, If working correctly it should hold the car securely.
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use them? (No need to exit vehicle).
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check that the appropriate warning light is on. Explain that the use of these lights is governed by law and restricted to very poor visibility, less than 100 metres.
Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Operate switch by pushing the indicator arm towards the dash (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light on the instrument panel.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
You will be able to hear it when you press down on the control (turn on ignition if necessary, but do not start the engine).
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction/source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have o be started for this demonstration.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary, but do not start the engine).

Tell me Questions

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 the coolant reservoir tank, it should be filled between the high/low level markings on tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level, only remove the cap and top up when the engine is cold to avoid scolding yourself, check before & after a long journey or on a weekly basis.
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 brake fluid reservoir, check level against high/low markings. If the brake fluid regularly needs topping up there may be a more serious problem and you should get a qualified mechanic to take a look.
Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify the windscreen washer reservoir and explain to refill it you would open the cap check that the level of the liquid is up to the top of the neck of the reservoir, top up if necessary, check before & after a long journey or on a weekly basis.
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 the oil dipstick, describe how to check of oil level by removing the dipstick then wiping it clean, then reinserting it before removing it again and checking it against the min/max markers check when the engine is cold & before & after a long journey or on a weekly basis.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Press your right foot down on the brake pedal. The brakes should feel firm and not slack or spongy, your brakes should be tested just after moving off. If they don't feel firm or pull to one side then you would get them checked out by a qualified mechanic.
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. (Some head restraints might not be adjustable).
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle).
Explanation: Operate the headlight switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round the vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights).
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Warning light should illuminate on your dash instrument panel if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system. You would need to take the car to a qualified mechanic.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked
You can find the recommended pressures in the manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, before & after a long journey or on a weekly basis, don't forget the spare tyre and 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.
The tyre tread depth can be checked using a gauge & must be at least 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre & around the entire outer circumference, check before a long journey or on a regular basis, with a visual check daily to make sure there are no cuts and bulges.

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