Show Me / Tell Me

Vehicle safety checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive.

The source material can be found in the DSA publication 'Driving the essential skills' and 'The official DSA driving test'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook.

Below is a list of the combinations of questions to be used on test. Each combination of questions contains two questions and answers.

Combination 1

Question
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.

Answer
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

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

Answer
If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey 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.

Combination 2

Question
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.

Answer
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

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

Answer
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Combination 3

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

Answer
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

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

Answer
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

Combination 4

Question
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.

Answer
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

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

Answer
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.

Combination 5

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

Answer
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.

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

Answer
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Combination 6

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

Answer
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

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

Answer
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

Combination 7

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

Answer
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.

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

Answer
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.

Combination 8

Question
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.

Answer
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central % of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

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

Answer
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

Combination 9

Question
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.

Answer
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central % of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

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

Answer
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

Combination 10

Question
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.

Answer
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

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

Combination 11

Question
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.

Answer
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum marker.

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

Answer
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

Combination 12

Question
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.

Answer
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

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

Answer
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

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