Orpington Alpha1 Driving school

Alpha1 Driving School Safety Check Questions and Answers

Show me tell me questions

'Show-Me/Tell-Me' Questions

Before you begin your driving test, you will be asked a 'Tell-me' type safety check question.. These are very simple questions to show that you have some knowledge about how to check that the car is in a safe condition, and may involve you opening and closing the car’s bonnet

During the driving part of the test, you will be asked show the examiner how you would undertake a simple driving task when it is safe for you to do so

    Tell-me questions asked before the test:
Question Answer
Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps
Tell me how you 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 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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable
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 No cuts and bulges, 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
Tell me how you’d check that 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 round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights)
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system
Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights)
Tell me how you’d check the brake 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
Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey 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. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that 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 correct level
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings

    'Show me' questions asked during the test:
Question
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?