🚗 TELL ME QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
(Answered at the start of the test)
1. Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer:
I’d press the brake pedal — it shouldn’t feel spongy or slack. I’d test them as I move off; the car shouldn’t pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you’d find the recommended tyre pressures and how they should be checked.
Answer:
The pressures are in the manufacturer’s handbook or inside the door frame or fuel flap. Tyres should be checked when cold using a reliable pressure gauge.
3. Tell me how you’d make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.
Answer:
The rigid part should be level with the top of my head or eyes and close to the back of my head to reduce whiplash.
4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres are safe to use.
Answer:
I’d check they have no cuts or bulges and that the tread depth is at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.
5. Tell me how you’d check the headlights and tail lights are working.
Answer:
I’d switch them on and walk around the car to check they’re working. I can also reflect them off a wall or window.
6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with the ABS.
Answer:
A warning light would stay on or come on while driving.
7. Tell me how you’d check the indicators are working.
Answer:
I’d switch them on and walk around the car or use reflections to check they’re flashing correctly.
8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.
Answer:
I’d press the brake pedal and check reflections, or ask someone to help.
9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working.
Answer:
Before starting the engine, I’d turn the wheel — it should feel heavy. Once the engine starts, it should feel lighter.
10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light and when you’d use it.
Answer:
I’d turn on the headlights, then the rear fog light. I’d use it when visibility is less than 100 metres and switch it off when visibility improves.
11. Tell me how you’d switch on the dipped headlights.
Answer:
I’d use the light control switch and select dipped headlights.
12. Tell me how you’d check the engine oil level.
Answer:
I’d use the dipstick: remove it, wipe it clean, reinsert it, then check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
13. Tell me how you’d check the engine coolant level.
Answer:
I’d check the level against the minimum and maximum markings on the coolant reservoir when the engine is cold.
14. Tell me how you’d check the windscreen washer fluid.
Answer:
I’d open the bonnet and check the washer fluid reservoir, topping it up if needed.
👀 SHOW ME QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
(Answered while driving — keep control of the car!)
1. Show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen.
Answer:
Operate the rear wiper and washer control.
2. Show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen.
Answer:
Operate the front windscreen washer and wipers.
3. Show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights.
Answer:
Use the headlight control switch to turn on dipped headlights.
4. Show me how you’d set the rear demister.
Answer:
Press the rear demister button.
5. Show me how you’d operate the horn.
Answer:
Press the horn control on the steering wheel.
6. Show me how you’d demist the front windscreen.
Answer:
Set the heater to hot, turn the fan up, direct airflow to the windscreen, and turn on air conditioning if needed.
7. Show me how you’d open and close the side window.
Answer:
Operate the electric window switch to open and close the window.
⭐ Examiner Tips
Speak clearly and confidently
Don’t touch the bonnet unless asked
If driving, keep eyes on the road — explain briefly if needed
One mistake = one minor fault only
🧠 Quick tip
1 Tell Me + 1 Show Me per test
Each one is worth 1 minor fault if answered incorrectly
You don’t fail the test just for these unless something dangerous happens