Show and Tell

This part of the test is easy. You cannot fail at this point unless you do something silly like start the car in gear and jump forward! If you get them wrong you will get a minor point. You will be asked two questions from the following combinations:

Combination Questions
1. 1 & 2
2. 3 & 4
3. 5 & 6
4. 7 &8
5. 9 & 4
6. 10 & 11
7. 12 & 8
8. 13 & 11
9. 13 & 6
10. 7 & 2
11. 1 & 11
12. 3 & 11

All the checks should be done weekly or before a long journey.

Make sure you can open the bonnet for the car you are using for the test.

Do not rush this part for example, if your mind goes blank when they ask you a question under the bonnet, go through the other items first and that should help you find the one you are looking for.

1. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Make sure you are on a level surface. Pull out the dipstick, clean it and put it back for a few seconds. Pull it out again and check the oil level is within the minimum/maximum marker on the dipstick.

2. Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A few seconds after starting the engine, the steering should feel light. If the steering remains heavy it may not be working properly.

3. 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.

Make sure you are on a level surface, the tank will be near the front of the car. Ensure the fluid is between the minimum/maximum markings . If it needs to be topped up to the correct level make sure that the engine has cooled down before removing the cap.

4. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

Apply the hand brake and confirm that you can feel it securing the car. Show that the handle does not come up too far which could mean that the cable is stretched and about to fail.

5. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Make sure you are on a level surface, the reservoir is normally near the front of the car. Check the fluid level against the minimum/maximum levels. If you cannot see a level, top up weekly or before a long journey.

6. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Beep the horn (turn on ignition if necessary).

7. 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.

Make sure you are on a level surface. The reservoir tends to be at the back of the engine bay. Normally nearest the footbrake. Check the level against the minimum/maximum markings.

8. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Applying the hazard warning switch and check all 6 of the indicators are working.

9. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

If you are by yourself, reverse against a reflective surface like a garage door, or if somebody is with you ask them to have a look while you press the brake pedal. Check all 3 lights.

10. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should be tested as you set off. They should not feel spongy or pull the vehicle to one side which might mean one side is not working.

11. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.

Turn the lights on (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle checking the front and rear lights. Also do not forget the rear number plate light.

12. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Look in the Manufacturer's guide or you may have a sticker on the fuel cap or door sill. Go to a garage with a reliable pressure gauge - check and adjust pressures to suit the load you will be carrying. Always check when tyres are cold. Don't forget to check the spare tyre and to refit the valve caps.

13. 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.

Make sure there is a minimum of 1.6 mm tread all the way round the tyre, 3/4 of the way across with no cuts or bulges in the tyre. You can check the tread depth with a gauge or look at the studs between the tread which are set at 1.6 mm high.