Tell Me Questions

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

Before starting a journey, to check that the brakes are working:

• Start the car and move forward slowly.

• Press the brake pedal gently.

• Ensure the car stops smoothly and quickly without pulling to one side.

• The brake pedal should feel firm and not spongy.

If the car stops properly and the brake pedal feels right, the brakes are working.

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2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Check the car's manual, driver's door frame, or fuel cap for recommended tire pressures. To check pressures, use a reliable gauge when tires are cold, compare readings to the recommended levels, and adjust as needed.

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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.

To ensure your head restraint is correctly adjusted for best protection:

• Adjust the top of the head restraint to be at least as high as the top of your head.

• Position it so that it is close to the back of your head, ideally no more than 2 inches away.

This helps prevent neck injuries in a crash.

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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.

To check your tires for safety:

• Ensure tread depth is at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tire.

• Look for any cuts, bulges, or other damage on the tire surface.

• Check all four tires regularly.

This ensures they are safe to use on the road.

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5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

To check headlights and tail lights without exiting the vehicle:

• Turn on the headlights and tail lights.

• Walk around the vehicle or use reflections in windows or surfaces around you to see if the lights are on.

• Alternatively, ask someone to confirm they are working properly.

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6. 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.

You'd know there's a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS) if the ABS warning light on your dashboard stays on after starting the car.

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7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

To check the direction indicators without exiting the vehicle:

• Turn on the hazard warning lights.

• Walk around the vehicle or use reflections in windows or surfaces around you to see if the lights are on.

• Alternatively, ask someone to confirm they are working properly.

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

To check the brake lights:

• Press the brake pedal.

• Use reflections in windows or surfaces to see if the brake lights come on.

• Alternatively, ask someone to stand behind the car and confirm the lights are working.

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

To check power-assisted steering before a journey:

• Turn the steering wheel gently while the car is off to feel resistance.

• Start the car and turn the wheel again; it should feel much easier to turn if the system is working properly.

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10. 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.

To switch on the rear fog light:

• Find the fog light switch, usually near other light controls.

• Turn it on; check the dashboard for a fog light indicator.

Use rear fog lights when visibility is reduced below 100 metres, approximately the length of a football pitch.

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

To switch headlights from dipped to main beam:

1. Locate the headlight stalk or lever usually behind the steering wheel.
2. Push the stalk away from you to activate main beam.

You'll know main beam is on when a blue symbol on the dashboard illuminates, indicating high beams are active.

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

To check engine oil:

• Open the bonnet and locate the engine oil dipstick.

• Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, then reinsert it fully.

• Pull it out again and check the oil level; it should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.

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

To check engine coolant:

• Open the bonnet and locate the coolant reservoir.

• Check the coolant level; it should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir.

• Ensure the coolant is visible and at the appropriate level for safe engine operation.

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

To check hydraulic brake fluid:

• Open the bonnet and locate the brake fluid reservoir, usually near the back of the engine bay.

• Check the fluid level; it should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir.

• Ensure the brake fluid is clear and free from contaminants for safe braking performance.

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