practical driving - tell me

Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the 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<br>should be checked?

In the manufacturer's guide and check using a reliable pressure gauge.(e.g at a petrol station, also note tyres should ideally be checked when cold inc, 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<br>event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is level with the eyes/top of the ears.

Tell me how you'd check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general<br>condition is safe to use on the road?

Tyres should have no cuts or bulges, the tread depth should be a minimum if 1.6mm across the central three- quarters of the breadth/middle of the tyre, all the way round the tyre.

Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tails lights are working?

Explain you'd operate the switch (Turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round the car.

Tell me how you'd check the directional indicators are working?

Switch on the hazard lights and then walk round the car.

Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS)?

A warning light should illuminate/come on and stay on.

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

Explain that you'd push the brake pedal, make use of reflections (e.g windows) or ask someone to help.

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

When the engine is of the steering is stiff and difficult to move, when the engine is switched on the steering should become light and easy to move, if not then there could be a problem.

Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog lights and explain you'd use them?

Turn on your dipped headlights (turn on ignition if necessary), push the button to turn on rear fog lights, explain you would use them when visibility is less than 100m.

Tell me how you'd switch your headlights from dipped to main beam? And explain how you'd know the main<br>beam is on?

Turn on your dipped headlights (turn on ignition if necessary), push lever to turn on main bean and explain that a blue light will come on in the dash.

Tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil?

Identify dipstick and explain that you would use it to check between the minimum and maximum markers, if below the minimum then you'd top it up with the correct oil.

Tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant?

Point out the engine coolant and the minimum and maximum markers on it's side, if below the minimum then you'd top it up with engine coolant or water.

Tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?

Point out the Hydraulic reservoir and the minimum and maximum markers on it's side, if below the minimum then you'd top it up.