GREG LAMB

SCHOOL OF MOTORING

Telephone: 01925 606040

As a responsible car driver, you are expected to carry out regular maintenance checks on your vehicle and your ability to do this must now be demonstrated on the driving test.

From September 2003 there has been a new section added to the Practical Driving Test. It is generally known as the Show me, tell me section. Before getting into the car at the start of the Test, the examiner will ask two questions relating to vehicle safety and maintenance. Candidates will be asked two questions, one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’.

One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded before you have started driving.

QUESTION EXAMPLES

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.

Identify the dipstick / oil level indicator, describe checking of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

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.

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

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

Identify reservoir and explain how to check the level.

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.

Identify reservoir, check the level against high/low markings.

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

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

6                    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.

7                    Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that they’re of good general condition and safe to use on the road.

No cuts or bulges. The legal requirement is 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

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

Manufacturers guide / vehicle owners manual. Use a reliable tyre pressure guage / air line. Check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Don’t forget spare tyre and remember to re-fit valve dust caps.

9                    Show me (or 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 wheel, maintained whilst the engine is running, 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.

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

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

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

Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and checking functioning of both indicators.

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

Check is carried out by using control (horn).

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

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