Vehicle Checks

Vehicle Safety Checks (Show me/Tell me) have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive.

As part of the driving test the pupil will be asked to show and explain basic safety checks necessary to keep their car safe on the road.

Tyres, for example, are the responsibility of the driver and, if found illegal, the driver could be fined or have penalty points added to their licence.

Safety checks are not something to be learnt for the test and then forgotten!

The examiner will ask you one ‘TELL ME’ question at the start of your test before you start driving.

Tell me how you’d check that the footbrakes are working before starting a journey.

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

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

• Manufacturer’s guide or online.
• Use a reliable pressure gauge.
• Check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold.
• Don’t forget spare tyre.
• Remember to refit valve caps.

Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

• Eye level half way on the head restraint.
• As close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
• Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

• 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the tyre and around all the way around.
• No cuts and bulges.

Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

• Switch on the lights.
• Walk around the vehicle.

Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

• A warning light should illuminate on the dash.

Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

• Switch on the hazard warning lights.
• Walk around the vehicle.

Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

• Press the brake pedal.
• Make use of reflections in windows or doors.
• Ask someone to help.

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.
• Apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started.
• A slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.

Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

• Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on and explain use.

Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

• Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

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

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

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

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

• Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

The examiner will ask you one ‘SHOW ME’ question while you're driving.  You’ll fail your test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the show me question.

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you…

• Wash and clean the rear windscreen?
• Wash and clean the front windscreen?
• Switch on your dipped headlights?
• Set the rear demister?
• Operate the horn?
• Demist the front windscreen?
• Open and close the side window?