Insight 2 Drive - Show Me Tell Me Questions

Inside the Car...

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

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
while, 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.

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

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

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

Check is carried out by using control turn on ignition if
necessary. (off road only)

Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are
working on this car? (Examiner can assist you with this)

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

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

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should
be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one
side. If you pump the brake before starting the engine
until it feels hard, holding the brake
on when starting the engine the pedal
should then go slack.

Show me how you would check you have enough
fuel for the journey

Check the fuel gauge, some cars you have to start the
ignition for this, you should put fuel in the car before the
limit drops to a quarter or on the red, this will avoid
dragging sediment from the bottom of the fuel tank.

Outside the car

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

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and
check functioning of all indicators by walking around
the car.

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

You will find the information in the Vehicles handbook. Or
somewhere on the car. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check
and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget the
spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

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?

The tyres should have no cuts or bulges in the side
walls and have 1.6mm of tread depth across the
central three quarters of the entire outer
circumference.

Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail
lights are working. (no need to exit the vehicle)

Operate the switch, (turn on ignition if necessary) walk around
vehicle.

Under the bonnet

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

Identify reservoir and explain how to check level you should be
able to see there is liquid in the clear plastic vessel or some
cars have a dip stick.

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?

Identify reservoir check level against min/max markings

Open the bonnet and identify where you would
check the engine coolant level and tell me how
you would check that the engine has the correct
level

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

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?

Identify the dipstick/oil level indicator; remove the
dip stick, clean and replace, remove once more then
read the markings the oil
should be between the Min
and Max markers, ensure you
check the oil when the car is
level.

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

Locate the control and operate. This will be different of
different cars your instructor will
show you this.

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

The head restraint is there to protect your neck and
therefore the top of the head restraint should be level with
the top of your head.

Show me how you switch your headlight from
dipped to main beam and explain how you would
know the main beam is on whilst inside the car

Locate the control and operate. This will be different of
different cars your instructor will show you this. You will
know the main beam is on by a
warning light on the dash board.

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

You would know this by a warning light on the instrument
panel, you must have this
fixed immediately.

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, Please don't start the engine.)

Locate the control and operate. This will be different of
different cars your instructor will show you this. You will
only use your fog lights if
visibility drops
below 100 meters

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

Locate the controls and operate. This will be different of
different cars your instructor will
show you this.