Tell me questions
Tell me how you would check 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.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how the tyre pressures should be checked?
Manufacturer's guide or sticker on door sill, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold and don't forget the spare. Remember to refit valve caps.
Tell me how you would 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 ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road?
No cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire circumference of the tyre.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working? You do not need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you would operate the switch to the position shown and explain you would walk around the vehicle to check the lights. Turn on ignition if necessary.
Tell me how you would 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.
Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working? You do not need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you would press hazard lights button and walk around the car to check all the indicators are working.
Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car?
Explain you would operate the brake pedal and either ask someone to check the brake lights are working or reverse upto a reflective surface and brake to see if the brake lights reflect off the surface.
Tell me how you would check the power steering is working before starting a journey?
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made.
Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them?
Turn on dipped headlights (Ignition if necessary) then press bottom left button to turn on rear foglight. Rear foglight should be used when visibility is below 100 metres.
Tell me how you would switch your headlights from dipped beam to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on?
Turn on dipped headlights (Ignition on if necessary), push the indicator stick forwards to turn on the main beam. The blue light on the dashboard shows that the main beam is on.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficent oil?
Identify the dipstick, explain that you would remove the dipstick, clean the dipstick then re-insert into the engine. Finally remove the dipstick and check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum markings. Engine oil should be checked when the engine is cold and the car is parked on level ground.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficent engine coolant?
Identify minimum/maximum markings on the coolant/header tank and coolant should be between these two markings.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?
Identify brake fluid reservoir. Check that the fluid levels are between the minimum/maximum markings.
Show me questions
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Locate the windscreen wiper stick on the right of the steering wheel. Push stick forwards for a few seconds to activate the washers and wipers.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen?
Locate the windscreen wiper stick on the right of the steering wheel. Pull the stick towards you for a few seconds to activate the washers and wipers.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?
Locate the light switch/dial to the right of the steering wheel and turn to dipped position.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would set the rear demister?
Locate the rear demister button on the central console and press to activate. Press again to turn off.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn?
The horn is located in the centre of the steering wheel. Press to use.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen?
Locate the windscreen demister on the central console. Press to activate and press again to deactivate or the power button to deactivate.
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would open and close the side window?
The window buttons are located on the right door arm rest. Push the right button down to put the window down, pull up the same button up to close.
