Green badge driving schools Carshalton and Coulsdon offers competitively priced driving lessons, with our introductory offer of 3 driving lessons for £40, in the following areas Sutton, Wallington, Epsom, Ewell, Cheam, Carshalton, Banstead, and Coulsdon.

Vehicle safety questions: 'show me, tell me'

Before your driving test begins the examiner will ask you one 'show me' question, where you'll have to show them how you'd carry out a vehicle safety check. You'll also be asked one 'tell me' question, where you'll have to explain to the examiner how you'd carry out the check.

If you give the wrong answer for one or both questions, you'll be marked with one minor driving fault you cannot fail if you answer incorrectly
During the driving lessons before your driving test your Green Badge driving schools carshalton instructor will go through all the questions and show/ tell you how you would check.

Q1 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.
A. Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.

Q2 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.
A. Identify high / low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to fill up to the correct level when the engine is cold.

Q3 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.
A. Identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings.

Q4 Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A. Open the bonnet and identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

Q5 Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressure for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A. Manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, do not forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

Q6 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.
A. Check that there are no cuts and bulges and there is at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Q7 Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A. Brakes should not feel spongy or slake. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q8 Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
A. Operate light switch (turn on ignition if necessary).

Q9 Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A. 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.

Q10 Tell me how you know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
A. Warning light on the dashboard should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Q11 Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A. If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey apply 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.

Q12 Show 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.
A. Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help.

Q13 Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A. Apply the hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.

Q14 Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)
A. Check is carried out by using control. You may need to switch the engine on, however do not start the car.

Q15 Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear: Make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
A. Apply foot brake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (Handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Q16 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A. Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen.

Q17: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear the windows effectively. This should include both front and rear screens.
A. Set all relevant controls including: fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows.

Q18 Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light (s) and explain when you would use it / them.
A. Operate switch turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary) Check warning light is on. Explain when you would use fog lights.

Q19 Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
A. Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.