Show Me, Tell Me

Front 1

Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Back 1

Operate control (Usually the stick with the wipers on, pulled towards you). May need ignition on.

Front 2

Show me where, under the bonnet, you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

Back 2

Identify the high/low markings on header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap, describe how to top up to correct level.

Front 3

Show me where, under the bonnet, you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Back 3

Identify the dipstick (this is a loop, in more modern cars it is often a bright colour eg yellow), check the oil level against the maximum/minimum markers.

Front 4

Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively.

Back 4

Activate controls (Temperature on high, fan on full, remember to activate controls for rear as well) to effectively clear all windows.

Front 5

Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam, and explain how you would know that the main beam is on.

Back 5

Operate control (eg pushing indicator stick away from you), you may need the ignition+dipped beams on to do so. You will know main beams are on from a warning light on your dashboard.

Front 6

Show me how you would switch on rear fog lights and explain when you would use them (no need to exit vehicle).

Back 6

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights+ignition if necessary). Check they are on by looking for the warning light on the dashboard. Use fog lights when visibility is below 100m.

Front 7

Show me where, under the bonnet, you would check the brake fluid reservoir and tell me how you would check you have a safe level of brake fluid.

Back 7

Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Front 8

Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear, MAINTAINING SAFE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Back 8

Apply footbrake firmly. Apply parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of working travel(ie does not come up too far or fall down)

Front 9

Show me how you would check if the horn is functioning.

Back 9

Use the horn (only in an appropriate area, with no other motorists around. May need ignition on).

Front 10

Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Back 10

Turn on the hazard warning lights (This activates all indicators so you only have to get out once), get out of the vehicle and walk around the car to check all lights are working (may need ignition on).

Front 11

Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working (KEEP ENGINE OFF)

Back 11

Operate brake pedal, and either use reflections in windows/garages or ask someone (eg the examiner) to check for you.

Front 12

Show me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Back 12

If steering becomes heavy, the system may not work properly. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel should result in slight but noticeable movement. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that it is functioning.

Front 13

Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread, and are in roadworthy condition.

Back 13

There should be no cuts or bulges. There should be 1.6mm of tread across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre+ around the entire outer circumference.

Front 14

Tell me how you would test that the brakes are working before setting off on a journey.

Back 14

Brakes should not feel spongey or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side when you brake.

Front 15

Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted to provide best protection in the event of a crash.

Back 15

The rigid part of the headrest should be at least as high as the top of the ears/ eyes, and is as close to the head as is comfortable.

Front 16

Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures for this car, and how these should be checked.

Back 16

This information will be found in the manufacturers guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge, when the tyres are cold. Dont forget to check the spare tyre, and replace valve caps once finished.

Front 17

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your antilock brake system.

Back 17

A warning light should illuminate on the dashboard to indicate a problem with the antilock braking system.

Front 18

Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the level.

Back 18

Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

Front 19

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

Back 19

Operate lights then walk around the vehicle (This is a tell me question, so no need to exit vehicle)