1st Pass Driving School Basic Car Maintenance & Checks
Knowing how to perform basic checks and maintenance is not just required as part of your test but it also very useful once you are driving on your own. You can see the questions that could be put to you below.
'Show me, tell me': show me questions 2018: official DVSA guide:
Driving test 2018: official DVSA guide:
As part of your practical driving test the examiner will ask you one ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving and one ‘show me’ question where you show how you’d carry out a safety task while you’re driving.
Click on the QUESTION to reveal ANSWER
Show me...
At an appropriate opportunity, use the REAR windscreen washer.
At an appropriate opportunity, operate the FRONT windscreen washer
Use the headlight switch to change the light settings.
Set the relevant control.
When appropriate, use the horn.
Set the heating controls to de-mist the front windscreen.
Use the window control to open a window.
Tell me...
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
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 as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference.
The warning light would become illuminated on the instrument panel if there is a fault.
Explain you'd operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a 'tell me' question, you don't need to physically check the lights).
Explain you'd operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a 'tell me' question, you don't need to physically check the lights).
Explain you'd operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, 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.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.