RAM School of Motoring – Driving Lessons in Leicester
Show Me / Tell Me Questions
“Tell Me” Questions
Q1. Tell me, how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey?
> A1. Brakes should be tested before you set off by applying gentle pressure on the brake paddle. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the vehicle should not pull to one side when you apply the brake while driving.
Q2. Tell me, where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how the pressure should be checked?
> A2. The tyre pressure information is available in the manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check all 4 wheels and the spare wheel and adjust pressures when tyres are cold and remember to refit valve caps.
Q3. 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?
> A3. There should be no cuts and bulges, with minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre around the entire outer circumference.
Q4. Tell me, how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash?
> A4. Adjust the rigid part of the restraint so that it is close to the back of your head and level with your eyes or top of your ears.
Q5. Tell me, how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working? (No need to exit the vehicle).
> A5. Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), get somebody to walk round vehicle or check for any reflection on a garage door or a window.
Q6. Tell me, how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system?
> A6. The ABS warning light would become illuminated on the instrument panel if there is a fault.
Q7. 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.
> A7. Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, remove and clean the dipstick describe check of oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.
Q8. Tell me, how you would check that the direction indicators are working?
> A8. Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (Turn on ignition if necessary).
Q9. 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.
> A9. Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Q10. 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.
> A10. Identify high / low level markings on the engine coolant tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Q11. Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
> A11. Identify reservoir and explain how the windscreen washer fluid should be filled to a level between the min and max markers on the side of the reservoir or where there is no min / max marker to keep it topped up regularly.
Q12. Tell me, how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?
> A12. If the steering feels heavy while the engine is on 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 switched on, should result in a slight but noticeable movement on the front wheels as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power steering is functioning.
Q13. Tell me, how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear? (Make sure you keep control of the vehicle).
> A13. Apply foot brake firmly, Demonstrate by applying parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Q14 Tell 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, please don’t start the engine).
> A14. Switch ignition on, operate brake pedal and make use of reflections in windows or garage doors etc, ask someone to help.
Q15. Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use them (no need to exit the vehicle.
> A15. Operate the rear fog switch after switching on the dipped headlights and check that the fog light indicator is illuminated in the instrument panel and explain that they should only be used when visibility is reduced to 100 meters or more. (Turn on ignition if necessary).
Q16. Tell me, how you would switch on your headlight from dipped to main beam? Explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
> A16. Switch on the dipped head lights then move the stalk attached to the steering column forwards which will illuminate a blue warning light on the instrument panel. (Turn on ignition if necessary).
“Show Me” Questions
These questions will be carried out on the move, while driving, when safe to do so.
Q1. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would check that the horn is working.
> A1. Check around for other road users that would not be distracted then by gently press the horn.
Q2. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would clean the front windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers.
> A2. Operate windscreen washer with the windscreen wipers
Q3. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would clean the rear windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers.
> A3. Operate the rear windscreen washer with the wipers.
Q4. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would set the front demister controls to clear all the windows.
> A4. Set all relevant controls including air vents at both sides to point towards the side windows, use the control switch to direct hot air onto the windscreen then operate the fan.
Q5. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would set the rear demister controls to clear all the windows.
> A5. Press the heated rear screen demister switch to clear the rear window.
Q6. When it is safe to do so, how you would switch on your dipped headlights.
> A6. Operate the headlight switch and switch on the headlights.
Q7. When it is safe to do so, show me how you would open and close the side window.
> A7. For electric windows press the window switch to open and close the window.
> A7. Manually operated windows, use the window winder to open and close the window.