Tell Me Questions

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1. 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 when tested.

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2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures and how tyre pressures should be checked.
➤ Use the manufacturer’s guide, check and adjust with a reliable pressure gauge when tyres are cold, and don’t forget the spare tyre and valve caps.

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3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.
➤ The rigid part should be at least as high as your eyes or top of your ears and close to the back of your head.

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4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe.
➤ No cuts or bulges, and at least 1.6mm tread depth across the central ¾ of the tyre & around the entire circumference.

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5. Tell me how you’d check the headlights and tail lights are working.
➤ Turn on the lights and walk around the vehicle (you don’t need to exit the car during the test).

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6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
➤ The ABS warning light should illuminate if there’s a fault.

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​7. Tell me how you’d check the indicators are working.
➤ Turn on the hazard warning lights and walk around the vehicle to check.

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8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.
➤ Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or ask someone to check.

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9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working.
➤ Steering should not feel heavy. Apply gentle pressure on the wheel while starting the engine or move the car slightly to check it’s working.

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10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you’d use them.
➤ Turn on dipped headlights, then fog lights. Use only when visibility is less than 100 metres.

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11. Tell me how you’d switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know it’s on.
➤ Operate the switch and check the main beam warning light on the dashboard.

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12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine has sufficient oil.
➤ Identify dipstick, wipe clean, reinsert, then check oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks.

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13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
➤ Identify the high and low level markings on the header tank, and top up if below minimum.

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14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
➤ Identify the reservoir and check the level against high and low markings.