Show Me / Tell Me
SHOW ME
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine-oil level and tell me
how you would check that the engine had sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick/oil level indicator; ensure the car is on level ground
with engine cold/cool. Describe check of oil level against minimum/maximum
markers.
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.
Identify high/low markings on the header/expansion tank where fitted or radiator
filler-cap. Check level when engine is cold and to top-up with water/antifreeze
mixture up to maximum level.
Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen-washer reservoir is, and tell me
how you would check the windscreen-washer level.
Identify the reservoir and explain that some cars have a ‘float’ to gauge the
level. Otherwise fill it up to the top.
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.
Identify reservoir, check against high/low markings.
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. [The
examiner can assist you. If you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t
start the engine].
Switch on the ignition, operate the brake pedal; make use of available
reflective surfaces such as windows, garage doors, etc or ask someone you trust
to press the pedal so that you check the lights yourself.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working [off-road only]
[Turn on ignition if necessary]. Operate the appropriate control
Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted 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.
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
[Turn on the ignition if necessary]. Apply the indicators or hazard warning
switch and walk around the car checking operation of all six indicators.
Show me how you would check the parking brake [handbrake] for excessive wear.
Make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
KEEP FOOT ON THE BRAKE. Demonstrate by releasing and re-applying the parking
brake so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, but is not at the full
extent of its working travel.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and
wipers.
Operate the appropriate switch as per manufacturer’s instructions. [Turn on
ignition if necessary]
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all windows
effectively. This should include both front and rear screens.
Operate the appropriate controls/switch for both front and rear screens as per
the manufacturer’s instructions. [Turn on the ignition if necessary]
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light[s] and explain when you would
use it/them. [No need to exit the vehicle, please don’t start the engine.]
Switch on ignition and turn on headlights. Operate the appropriate switch as per
manufacturer’s instructions. Use this/these lights when visibility is reduced to
less than 100 metres [Highway Code]
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 whilst inside the car.
Turn on ignition and dipped headlights and note the green light on the
instrument panel. Operate the appropriate switch as per manufacturer’s
instructions so that a blue light replaces the green. If unable to differentiate
between green/blue, take note of the different layout of the symbol used [NOT
JUST THE COLOUR]
TELL ME
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a
journey.
Shortly after moving, brakes should be applied. They should not feel spongy or
slack, or cause the vehicle to pull to one side or the other.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre-pressures
for this car and how tyre-pressures should be checked.
Refer to the manufacturer’s handbook, on the end of the door, or fuel-cap etc.
Use a reliable tyre-pressure gauge. Check tyres when they are cold. Check all
five tyres including the spare tyre. Remember to re-fit the valve caps when
done.
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.
They should be free from cuts and/or bulges. There should be at least 1.6mm of
tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre and
around the entire outer circumference.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and taillights are working. [No
need to exit the vehicle].
[Turn on the ignition] Operate the switch as per the manufacturer’s instructions
and walk around the vehicle checking the bulbs.
Tell me how you would make sure you head restraint is correctly adjusted so it
provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Adjust so that the top of the ears [eye-line] is half-way up the head restraint.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking
system.
Check that the appropriate symbol used in the instrument panel goes out when the
engine is started and remains off for the duration of the journey.