Asked before you start driving, while the car is stationary. The examiner asks you to explain how you'd carry out a safety check. You answer verbally — you don't need to physically demonstrate.
Asked while you are driving. The examiner asks you to demonstrate a safety feature when it is safe to do so. One minor fault is recorded if you answer incorrectly — not an automatic fail.
Tell Me questions & answers
One of these will be asked at the start of your test. Learn them all.
1. 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. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures 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 the spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part 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 may not be adjustable.
4. Tell me how you'd check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe.
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.
5. 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 the vehicle. As this is a 'tell me' question, you don't need to physically check the lights.
6. Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
The ABS warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
7. 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), then walk round the vehicle. As this is a 'tell me' question, you don't need to physically check the lights.
8. 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.
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. Two simple checks can be made: 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.
10. Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use them. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
Operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check the warning light is on. Use rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced — generally when you can see less than 100 metres.
11. Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know main beam is on.
Operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary). Check that the main beam warning light is illuminated on the dashboard.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick/oil level indicator. Describe the check of the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers on the dipstick.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify the high and low level markings on the header tank where fitted, or the radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to the correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the brake fluid reservoir. Check the level against the high and low markings on the side of the reservoir.
Show Me questions
One of these will be asked while you are driving. Pull over safely when asked and demonstrate the feature.
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?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?
Practise these out loud
The best way to learn the tell me answers is to say them aloud — just like the real test. Julie covers all of these during test prep sessions.