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

A. Turn on the indicator or hazard warning lights. Get out of the vehicle and check that the lights are working.

Q. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car (I can assist you; if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t tart the engine).

A. Operate the brake pedal, ask someone to help, alternatively make use of reflections in windows, parked vehicles behind you, garage doors etc. For safety, check reflections when the car is stationary.

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

A. Apply gentle turning pressure on the steering wheel with your left hand while turning the engine on. There should be a noticeable movement of the wheel as the system, beginning to work amplifies the turning effect.

(Note: If your steering becomes heavy during a journey the system is not be working properly)

Q. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, making sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.

A. Apply the footbrake firmly. Release and reapply the handbrake. The handbrake should not feel loose when being applied. Once applied the handbrake should hold its position firmly.

Q. Open the bonnet. Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A. Open the bonnet. Identify the dipstick. Explain that you would remove the dipstick from the reservoir, wipe it with a cloth, replace it, remove it again, check that the oil level is between the maximum and minimum markers and replace the dipstick.

Q. Open the bonnet. Identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

A. Open the bonnet. Identify the engine coolant reservoir. Identify the maximum and minimum markings. Explain that if the level was near or below minimum you would top it up with coolant.

Q. Open the bonnet. Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

A. Open the bonnet. Identify the brake fluid reservoir. Identify the maximum and minimum markings. Explain that if the level was near or below minimum you would take the vehicle to a garage for the fluid to be topped up.

Q. Show me how you would check that the horn is working.

A. Press it.

(Note: The horn is usually positioned on the steering wheel.)

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

A. Demonstrate a command of all the relevant settings.

(Note: The washers and wiper controls are usually positioned on the right control stalk.)

Q.  Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively – this should include both front and rear screens.

A. Demonstrate a command of all the relevant settings.

(Note: This is usually part of the air conditioning unit.)

Q. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.

A. Demonstrate.

(Note: Fog lights are usually immobile unless the headlights are switched on.)

Q. Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on while inside the car.

A. Demonstrate. When the main beam is on a blue indicator light will appear on the dashboard display.

(Note: The main beam is usually immobile unless the headlights are switched on.)

Tell Me

Q. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working at the start of your journey.

A. Explain that you would test the brakes when setting off in a quiet road, that the brakes should not feel particularly hard or soft and the car should not pull to one side.

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

A. Open the bonnet. Identify the windscreen washer reservoir and explain how you would check the level.

Q. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressure for this car and how tyre pressure should be checked.

A. Explain that you would find the recommended pressure from the manufacturer’s guide/manual and check the pressure with a reliable tyre pressure gauge, remembering the spare tyre and to refit valve caps when done.

Q. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

A. Explain how you would ensure that the top of the head restraint was above eye level and that the body of the head restraint was as close to the back of your head as was comfortable while driving.

Q. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A. Explain that you would look out for cuts, bulges and general wear, and that you would check that the tread depth was at least 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre around the whole of its circumference.

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

A. Explain how you would turn them on and that you would get out of the vehicle and check all four head and tail lights were working.

Q. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock breaking system.

A. Explain that the warning light should come on automatically when the ignition is switched on and go out a few seconds later; and that if it comes on while driving, the system is not working correctly.