All 14 Tell Me questions and answers
The examiner asks one “tell me” question before you start driving.
1. How would you check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
The brake pedal should not feel unusually soft, spongy or slack. Test the brakes gently as you move away, where it is safe, and check that the vehicle stops effectively without pulling noticeably to either side.
2. Where would you find the recommended tyre pressures, and how should they be checked?
Find the correct pressures in the vehicle manufacturer’s handbook, door-frame label, fuel-filler flap or other manufacturer information.
Use a reliable pressure gauge, check the tyres when they are cold, adjust them to the recommended pressures and replace the valve caps. Check the spare tyre as well where one is fitted.
3. How do you ensure the head restraint is correctly adjusted?
Where adjustable, the rigid part of the restraint should be at least as high as the top of your ears or eyes and positioned as close to the back of your head as is comfortable.
Some head restraints are fixed and cannot be adjusted.
4. How would you check that the tyres have enough tread and are safe?
Check that there are no cuts, bulges or visible damage.
Car tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width and around the complete circumference.
5. How would you check that the headlights and tail lights are working?
Switch on the lights, turning on the ignition where necessary, and then walk around the vehicle to check that the front and rear lights are operating.
Because this is a “tell me” question, you explain the process rather than leaving the vehicle during the test.
6. How would you know there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system?
The ABS warning light should remain illuminated or appear while driving if the system has detected a fault.
Warning-light designs can differ between vehicles, so learn the symbol used in your car.
7. How would you check that the direction indicators are working?
Operate the indicators or hazard-warning lights, switch on the ignition where necessary, and walk around the vehicle to check each indicator.
During the test you explain this process rather than getting out.
8. How would you check that the brake lights are working?
Press the brake pedal and use reflections in a window, garage door or another suitable surface, or ask another person to stand behind the vehicle and confirm that the lights operate.
9. How would you check that the power-assisted steering is working?
If the steering remains unusually heavy, the assistance may not be working correctly.
You can apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine. A small noticeable movement should occur as the assistance begins operating.
Alternatively, turning the wheel gently just after moving off should confirm that the steering assistance is functioning.
10. How would you switch on the rear fog light, and when would you use it?
Switch on the dipped headlights first where the vehicle requires this, then operate the rear-fog-light control and confirm that the dashboard warning light appears.
Rear fog lights should be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see beyond around 100 metres. Switch them off when visibility improves so that other drivers are not dazzled or confused.
11. How would you change from dipped headlights to main beam and know it was operating?
Operate the headlight or column-stalk control with the ignition or engine on where necessary.
The blue main-beam warning light on the instrument panel confirms that main beam is selected.
12. Open the bonnet and explain how you would check the engine-oil level.
Identify the dipstick or electronic oil-level display.
For a dipstick check, the vehicle should normally be on level ground with the engine switched off and allowed to settle. Remove and wipe the dipstick, replace it fully, remove it again and check that the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
Use the correct oil and avoid overfilling. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the vehicle.
13. Open the bonnet and explain how you would check the engine-coolant level.
Identify the coolant expansion tank and check that the level sits between the minimum and maximum markings when the engine is cold.
If topping up is required, use the correct coolant mixture and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not remove a pressurised coolant cap while the engine is hot because hot coolant or steam can cause injury.
14. Open the bonnet and explain how you would check the hydraulic brake-fluid level.
Identify the brake-fluid reservoir and check that the level is between the minimum and maximum markings.
If the level is low, the braking system should be checked because this can indicate worn components or a leak. Use only the correct fluid specified by the manufacturer.
