About The Questions

During your car driving test, you will be asked two safety questions about your vehicle. One question requires you to explain how you would perform a safety task, and the other asks you to demonstrate how you would do it. If you answer one or both questions incorrectly, you will get a minor fault. However, if your driving is unsafe while you demonstrate the task, you will fail the test.

‘Tell Me’ Questions

1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes 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.

2. 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.

3. 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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

4. 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, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

5. 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 vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

6. How would you know if there’s a problem with your anti-lock braking system?

• The warning light will come on if there’s a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

7. How would you check if the direction indicators are working? You don’t need to get out of the car.

• Just turn on the ignition (if needed) and then walk around the car. This is a ‘tell me’ question, so you don’t need to physically check the lights.

8. How would you check if the brake lights are working on this car?

• Just press the brake pedal, look in the windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

9. How would you check if the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey?

• If the steering becomes heavy, the system might not be working properly. Before starting a journey, you can do two simple checks.
• Gently press the steering wheel while the engine is started. You should feel a slight movement as the system starts to work. Alternatively, turn the steering wheel just after you move off. This will give you an immediate indication that the power assistance is working.

10. How would you switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use them? You don’t need to get out of the car.

• Just turn on the dipped headlights and ignition (if needed). Check the warning light is on. Explain when you’d use them.

11. How would you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on?

• Just turn on the switch (with ignition or engine on if needed). Check the main beam warning light.

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

• Find the dipstick/oil level indicator and describe checking the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

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

• Find the high and low level markings on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to the correct level.

14. When the examiner asks you about hydraulic brake fluid, open the bonnet and explain how you’d check if it’s at the right level.

• Find the reservoir, compare the level to the high and low marks.
• Remember, if the examiner asks you about hydraulic brake fluid in questions 12, 13, or 14, you need to show them how you’d do the check.

‘Show Me’ Questions

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

2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you clean the front windscreen?

3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you turn on your dipped headlights?

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

5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you operate the horn?

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

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