Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Point and Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Identify high and low level markings on the coolant tank and describe how to top up to the correct level if needed. Also, tell the examiner that you will only top up the coolant when the engine is cold so you do not burn yourself.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Identify the reservoir and check the level against high and low markings.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Use the manufacturer’s guide and a reliable pressure gauge. Check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold and don’t forget spare tyre. Remember to refit valve caps.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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 the ears. And as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

Question 7

7. 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.

Accepted Answer

The tyre should have no cuts and bulges. You should also have 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre. And around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Explain you will have to operate the switch (turn on the ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle. As this is a ‘tell me’ question, you will not have to physically check the lights.

Question 9

9. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Accepted Answer

A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Explain that you will have to operate the switch (turn on the ignition if necessary), and then walk around the vehicle. As this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights.

Question 11

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

Accepted Answer

Explain that you will press the brake pedal and look for reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.
Put gentle pressure on the steering wheel and start the engine. It should result in a slight but noticeable movement in the wheel as the system begins to operate. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give a clear indication that the power assistance is functioning correctly.

Question 13

13. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light or lights and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Accepted Answer

Operate the switch and turn on the dipped headlight. Look and make sure the warning light is on. Explain use.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Operate the switch and turn on the engine if necessary, and check with the main beam warning light.

Tell Me Qs

Regarding questions 1, 2 and 3 you will have to open the bonnet and show the examiner that you know the location of the dipstick, the hydraulic reservoir and the coolant tank. I will show you all locations and run through this many times so you are confident with the questions.

Frequently asked questions