Show Me / Tell Me: Essential Driving Questions Answered
Horn
Steering
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: Set the front demister controls to direct airflow towards the windscreen, usually indicated by a windscreen symbol. Turn on the fan and adjust the temperature as needed. For the rear screen, activate the rear demister button, usually marked with a rectangle and wavy lines.
Q: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers?
A: Pull the windscreen wiper lever towards you to activate the washer jets and wipers. This will spray the windscreen with washer fluid and automatically wipe it clean.
Q: Tell me how you make sure your head and neck restraint is correctly adjusted so that it provides the best protection in the event of a crash?
A: Adjust the head restraint so the rigid part is at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. This helps to prevent whiplash injuries in the event of a collision.
Lights
Q: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them?
A: Turn on the fog light switch (usually a separate button or part of the light control dial) when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 meters. The dashboard should display an amber warning light indicating the fog lights are on.
Q: Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working?
A: Turn on the headlights and then walk around the car to visually check that both the headlights and tail lights are illuminated.
Q: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?
A: Activate the hazard warning lights and walk around the car to check that all six indicators (front, rear, and side) are flashing.
Fluids
Q: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check engine coolant level and tell me how to top up to the correct level?
A: Locate the engine coolant reservoir. The coolant level should be between the minimum and maximum markers on the side of the tank. If needed, top up with a mix of water and coolant when the engine is cold to avoid burns.
Q: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check windscreen washer level?
A: Locate the windscreen washer reservoir under the bonnet, identified by the windscreen washer symbol. Check the fluid level visually and top it up if necessary.
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: Locate the brake fluid reservoir, which is usually near the back of the engine bay. The fluid level should be between the minimum and maximum markers. If it’s below the minimum, top it up with the correct type of brake fluid.
Brakes
Q: Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car?
A: Press the brake pedal and ask someone to check if the brake lights illuminate, or use reflections in windows or doors to see them yourself.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
A: Test the brakes as you set off. They should not feel spongy or slack, and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS)?
A: A warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there’s an issue with the ABS.
Tyres
Q: Tell me how you would check the tyres have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road?
A: The tyres should have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. Check for any cuts, bulges, or signs of wear that could indicate the tyre is unsafe.