A&M School of Motoring
'Safe driving for life'

Show & Tell Elements of Practical Test

Questions & Answers

Question 1.

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 the dipstick/oil level indicator. Describe the check of the oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

Question 2.

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 the header tank (where fitted) or the radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to the correct level.

Question 3.

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

Answer.

Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the correct level.

Question 4.

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 5.

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

Answer.

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

Question 6.

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

Answer.

The brake pedal should not feel spongy or slack. Test your brakes as you move off. The car should not pull to one side.

Question 7.

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

Answer.

The information can be found in the manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold, refit valve caps, remember to check the spare tyre.

Question 8.

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

Answer.

There should be no cuts or bulges, and be at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Question 9.

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

Answer.

Gently apply pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst starting the engine. The steering should feel light not heavy.

Question 10.

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

Answer.

Turn them on and walk around the vehicle to check.

Question 11.

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

Answer.

Use the indicator or hazard warning switch, walk around the vehicle to check.

Question 12.

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

Answer.

Check is made by using the horn.

Question 13.

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

Answer.

Apply the hand brake, it should secure itself and the vehicle within it’s normal working length of travel.

Question 14.

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

Answer.

The head restraint should be adjusted, so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and is close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

Question 15.

Show and tell me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers.

Answer.

Operate control to wash and wipe Windscreen.

Question 16.

Show and tell me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

Answer.

Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction and heated screen(s) to clear windscreen and windows.

Question 17.

Show and tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.

Answer.

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary), check warning light is on. Explain use.

Question 18.

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

Answer.

The warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Question 19.

Show and tell 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.

Answer.

Operate switch, check with main beam warning light.


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