Driving test 'tell me' questions

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

Brakes should not feel spongy or 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

In manufacture’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures hen tyres are cold, don’t forget spare type, 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 in the middle of the back of your head. At least as high as you eyes.

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, 1.6 mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre

Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Flip on the headlights/taillights switch and then walk around the stationary vehicle to check that the lights are on

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

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

Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working

Operate the indicators swich and then walk around the vehicle to check the indicators are working

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

Press the brake pedal and ask someone to check your brake lights are on or check reflects in windows

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

There is still some gentle pressure on the steering wheel while the engine is started which should result in a slight movement as the system begins to operate

Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you’d use them.

Turn on switch and check warning light is on. Use when visibility drops below 100m

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

Operate switch and check with main beam warning light on dashboard

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

Identify oil level indicator and check oil level against the minimum and maximum markers

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

Identify high and low level markings on header tank and add coolant to correct level if required.

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

Identify container and check level against high and low markings.