During your lessons, your instructor will guide you through the topics listed here to help you become more familiar with all the controls of the car. These topics will help you to understand a few simple checks that you can perform yourself to ensure that your car remains roadworthy. For your practical test, this knowledge will be tested in the form of two randomly picked questions from the following list, one of which is a "Show me" which requires a practical demonstration, and the other is "Tell me" which requires a verbal explanation. From December 4th 2017, these questions will now be asked while the candidate is driving.

The following are the TELL ME questions for which a verbal answer is given while driving.

Q1. TELL ME how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should be tested as you set off. The brake pedal should be firm, not spongy or slack. The car should not pull to one side under braking.

Q2. TELL ME where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Check the manufacturers guide. Check the tyres when they are cold using a reliable pressure gauge. Don`t forget to check the spare tyre.

Q3. TELL ME how you would make sure that your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides best protection in the event of a crash.
The rigid or centre part of the head restraint should be in line with the top of your ears and eyes.

Q4. TELL ME how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road.
The tyre tread should be checked using a tread depth gauge. The tread should be no less than 1.6 millimetres across the central three-quarters and around the entire outer circumference. A visual check of the tyres should ensure there are no cuts or bulges.

Q5. TELL ME how you would check that your head lights and tail lights are working.
Operate the headlight switch then walk around the vehicle making a visual inspection of head lights and tail lights to ensure they are all working.

Q6. TELL ME how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking (ABS) system.
A warning light should illuminate on the dashboard.

Q7. TELL ME how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Turn on the hazard warning lights and then get out of the car and walk around it making sure each external indicator light is flashing correctly.

Q8. TELL ME how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.
Turn the ignition on (not the engine) and press the footbrake, this will turn the brake lights on. Either make use of reflections in windows or garage doors or ask someone (i.e. the examiner) to check the lights for you.

Q9. TELL ME how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Turn the engine on then apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel which should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively, turning the wheel just after moving off will give immediate indication that power assistance is working properly.

Q10. TELL ME how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it.
Turn on the ignition and operate the appropriate switch - a warning light should illuminate on the dashboard to confirm. Fog lights should only be used in adverse weather conditions where visibility has been reduced to below 100 metres.

Q11. TELL ME how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you know they are on whilst inside the car.
Operate the control for main beam then check the blue warning light has appeared on the dashboard.

Q12. TELL ME how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface and the engine is cool. Identify the oil dipstick. Remove dipstick, wipe clean with a cloth, replace dipstick and remove again and check the oil level. If the level is below maximum then top up the oil level.

Q13. TELL ME how you would check the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify the coolant reservoir tank. Ensure engine and coolant tank have cooled before checking to avoid scalding. Identify where the maximum level is and if the fluid is below this level then top it up.

Q14. TELL ME how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify brake fluid reservoir. Identify where the maximum level is and if fluid is below this level then top it up.


The following are the SHOW ME questions which are required to be demonstrated while driving.


Q15. When it is safe to do so, show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.

Q16. When it is safe to do so, show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.

Q17. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.

Q18. When it is safe to do so, show me how you set the rear demister.

Q19. When it is safe to do so, show me how you operate the horn.

Q20. When it is safe to do so, show me how you demist the front windscreen.

Q21. When it is safe to do so, show me how you open and close the side window.