Safety check questions
Before starting your Driving Practical Test, the examiner will ask you two questions on Vehicle Safety Checks. These questions comprise one question from the "Show me" section and one question from the "Tell me" section. If you fail to answer one or both of these questions correctly the examiner will mark you with a minor fault.
The source material for these questions is found on the DSA website. You can also find advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks in the vehicle manufacturer's handbook.
Show me / Tell me combinations
Comb 1 Q1. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working
Ans: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check the functioning of all indicators.(you may need to switch the ignition on, do not start engine).
Comb 1 Q2 Tell me how youwould check brakes are working before starting a journey.
Ans: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Comb 2 Q1 identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level
Ans: Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level.
Conb 2 Q2 Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car? (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, do not start the engine.)
Ans: Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, gargae doors, etc,or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, do not start engine.)
Comb 3 Q1 Show me/Explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey
Ans: 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 noticable 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 working.
Comb 3 Q2 Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Ans: Look in manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust tyre pressure's when tyres are cold, do not forget the spare tyre, remember to refit the vaulve caps.
Comb 4 Q1 Show me how you would check the parking brake (Handbrake) For excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
Ans: Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying the parkingbrake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Comb 4 Q2 Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Ans: Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level.
Comb 5 Q1 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.
Ans: Identify the dipstick/oil level indicator, describe how to check the oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Comb 5 Q2 Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Ans: Look in manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust tyre pressure's when tyres are cold, do not forget the spare tyre, remember to refit the vaulve caps.
Comb 6 Q1 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.
Ans: Identify high/low level markings on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to the correct level.
Comb 6 Q2 Tell me how you make sure your head restraintis correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Ans: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or the top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints may not be adjustable.
Comb 7 Q1 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.
Ans: Identify the reservoir, and check the level against the high/low markings.
Comb 7 Q2 Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe for use on the road.
Ans: No cuts or bulges, there should be 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth or the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Comb 8 Q1 Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this car. (Off road only)
Ans: Check by using the horn. (turn on ignition if necessary)
Comb 8 Q2 Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe for use on the road.
Ans: No cuts or bulges, there should be 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth or the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Comb 9 Q1 Tell me how youwould check brakes are working before starting a journey.
Ans: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Comb 9 Q2 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Ans: Operate the control to wash and wipe the windscreen. (turn ignition on if necessary.)
Comb 10 Q1 Tell me how you would check that the head lights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle.)
Ans: Operate the light switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle. (As this is a tell me question there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Comb 10 Q2 Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Ans: Set all relevant controls including: Fan, Temperature, Air Direction/source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. the engine will not have to be started for this demonstration.
Comb 11 Q1 Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)
Ans: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Comb 11 Q2 Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Ans: The warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
Comb 12 Q1 Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car? (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, do not start the engine.)
Ans: Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, gargae doors, etc,or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, do not start engine.)
Comb 12 Q2 Tell me how you would check that the head lights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle.)
Ans: Operate the light switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle. (As this is a tell me question there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Comb 13 Q1 Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Ans: Operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Comb 13 Q2 Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Ans: The warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
