The examiner will ask you one ‘tell me' question, where you will explain how you’d carry out a safety task. This will be before you start your test.
The 14 'tell me' questions and answers
The driving test as it stands has a possibility of 10 different tell me questions, from the 4th of December it will be 1 of 14 different questions you could be asked.
1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey
Test the brakes before setting off - they should not feel spongy or slack and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked
Tyre pressures will be found in the manufacturer's guide. Check and adjust pressure using a reliable gauge, and when the tyres are cold - including the spare tyre. Don't forget to refit the valve caps.
3. 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 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.
4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road
There should be no cuts or bulges, and 1.6mm tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle
Explain that you would operate the light switch, then walk around the vehicle to check that the lights are working.
6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system
A warning light will show on the dashboard if there is a problem with the ABS.
7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle
Explain that you would operate the switch, then walk around the vehicle to check that the lights are working.
8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car
Using reflections in windows or doors, or by asking someone to help, operate the brake pedal and check the lights are working.
9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey
Two simple checks can be made before starting the journey:
- 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.
- Turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check that the dashboard light is on; explain the correct use of fog lights.
11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check that the main beam dashboard light is on.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.
