Driving: Show Me, Tell Me

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

When it’s safe for you to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

When it’s safe for you to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?

When it’s safe for you to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

When it’s safe for you to do so can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

When it’s safe for you to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

When it’s safe for you to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

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

Brakes should not feel spongey of slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

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 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 top of your ears and as close to the back of your head as comfortable, allowing it to support your head during a collision.

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, tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, and the tyre should be free from any defects that could impair safety.

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 the vehicle to check that the lights are functioning correctly.

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 how you’d check the direction indicators are working

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary) and then walk round vehicle to check that all indicators are functioning correctly.

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

You would gently apply pressure to the steering wheel while the engine is off; when the engine is started, the steering should become easier to turn, indicating the system is functioning properly.

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.

You would turn on the switch for the rear fog lights and ensure the warning light is illuminated on the dashboard. You’d use rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, usually when it’s less than 100 meters.

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

You would operate the switch to switch on the headlight to main beam, and an indicator light on the dashboard would illuminate to show that the main beam is on.

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

You would open the bonnet, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, then reinsert it and remove it again to check the oil level. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick for sufficient oil levels.

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

You would open the bonnet and locate the coolant reservoir, ensuring that the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum markings on the side of the reservoir.

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

You would open the bonnet and locate the brake fluid reservoir, checking that the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum indicators on the reservoir.