You will be asked two vechicle safty questions during your driving car driving test.

The examiner will ask you one:

• Tell me question, (this is where you will explain how you would carry out a safety task) at the start of the test before you start driving.
• Show me question (where you show how you would carry out a safety task)

You will get one driving fault (sometimes called a minor) if you get both or one of the questions wrong.

You will fail your driving test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the show me question.

1. Tell me how you would check your breaks are working before starting a journey?

Breaks should not feel spongy or slack. Breaks should be tested just before you set off and the car should not pull to one side.

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2. Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures of this car and how should the tyre pressures be checked?

Manufactures guide, use a reliable pressure gauge check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, dont forget spare tyre remember to fit the valve caps.

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3. 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 ridged part of the head restraint as at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

Note: some restraints might not be adjustable.

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4. Tell how you would check your tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and there general condition is safe to use on the road?

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre, and around the outer circumference of the tyre

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

Explain you would operate the switch ( turn on ignition if necessary ), walk round the vehicle ( as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t physically have to check the lights ).

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

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

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

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition, if necessary), then walk arounf the vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’, you don’t need to physically check the light).

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8. Tell me how you check the break lights are working on this car.

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

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9. Tell me how you’d check 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, 2 simple checks can be made.

Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in 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 powered steering is working.

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10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d us it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition f necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

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11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped beam to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

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

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

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

Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to the correct level.

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

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

You need to open the bonnet and tell the examiner how you’d do the check if you’re asked questions 12, 13, or 14.

1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how to wash and clean the rear windscreen?

2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how to wash and clean the front windscreen?

3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlight?

4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how to set the rear demister?

5. When it safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?