Mastering Your Driving Test 'Tell Me' Questions

Conquering the 'Tell Me' Questions on Your Driving Test

The driving test is a significant milestone for any aspiring motorist. While the practical driving skills are paramount, two crucial vehicle safety questions, often referred to as 'Show Me, Tell Me' questions, are also assessed. These questions are designed to gauge your understanding of basic vehicle maintenance and safety checks. This article will focus specifically on the 'Tell Me' questions, which are asked at the very beginning of your test, before you even set off. Answering these correctly demonstrates your preparedness and commitment to safe driving.

The examiner will pose one 'Tell Me' question from a list of common queries related to vehicle safety. Your ability to provide a clear, concise, and accurate verbal response is key. It's not just about knowing the answer, but also about articulating it in a way that shows you understand the underlying safety principles. Your driving instructor will undoubtedly cover these in your lessons, but a thorough understanding and practice can boost your confidence significantly.

Understanding the 'Tell Me' Question Format

Unlike the 'Show Me' questions, where you'll physically demonstrate a task while driving, the 'Tell Me' questions are purely verbal. They are designed to assess your theoretical knowledge of how to perform essential safety checks. You'll be asked to explain a procedure or identify a location of information related to your vehicle's safety features. The key is to be precise and cover all the essential points without unnecessary jargon.

Common 'Tell Me' Questions and How to Answer Them

Let's break down the most frequently asked 'Tell Me' questions and provide model answers that will impress your examiner.

1. Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

This is a fundamental safety check. Your answer should cover two main aspects:

• Initial Feel: "Before starting the engine, I would press the brake pedal. It should feel firm and not spongy or slack. It shouldn't sink towards the floor."
• Performance Check: "Once I set off at a very low speed, I would gently apply the brakes to ensure the car stops smoothly and doesn't pull to one side."

Key takeaway: Firm pedal feel and effective stopping power.

2. Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

This question assesses your knowledge of vehicle documentation and tyre maintenance.

• Information Source: "The recommended tyre pressures are usually found in the vehicle's owner's manual. It might also be displayed on a sticker located on the driver's side door pillar, the fuel filler cap, or in the glove compartment."
• Checking Procedure: "Tyre pressures should be checked when the tyres are cold, using a reliable tyre pressure gauge. I would check all four tyres, including the spare if available, and adjust them to the recommended pressures. After checking, I would ensure the valve caps are refitted."

Key takeaway: Owner's manual/sticker, cold tyres, pressure gauge, spare tyre, 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.

Head restraints are crucial for preventing whiplash.

• "The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part is at least as high as the top of my eyes or the top of my ears. It should also be as close to the back of my head as is comfortable, without touching it."

Note: "Some head restraints may not be adjustable, in which case they are designed to be in the optimal position." Important point: Comfort and correct height.

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.

This covers tyre safety and legality.

• Tread Depth: "I would check the tread depth across the full breadth of the tyre using a tread depth gauge. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 millimetres across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference."
• General Condition: "I would also visually inspect the tyres for any cuts, bulges, or signs of uneven wear on the sidewalls and tread."

Key takeaway: 1.6mm tread depth, no cuts or bulges.

5. Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Ensuring visibility is paramount.

• "I would turn on the ignition (if necessary) and operate the headlight switch to turn on the headlights and tail lights. Then, I would walk around the vehicle to visually check that all the lights are functioning correctly."

Important note: For a 'Tell Me' question, you only need to explain the procedure; you don't need to physically check them.

6. Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Understanding warning lights is vital.

• "If there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), a warning light would illuminate on the dashboard."

Key takeaway: ABS warning light.

7. Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working.

Communicating your intentions to other road users.

• "I would turn on the ignition and then operate the switch for the direction indicators (left and right indicators). I would then walk around the vehicle to check that the front, rear, and side indicators are all flashing correctly. I would also check that the indicator warning light on the dashboard is flashing."

Important note: Again, you're explaining, not doing.

8. Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.

Ensuring others can see when you're braking.

• "I would turn on the ignition, then press the brake pedal. To check if they are working, I would use the reflection in windows or doors, or ask a passenger or someone nearby to check for me."

Key takeaway: Use reflections or ask for help.

9. Tell me how you'd check if the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Smooth steering is essential for control.

• "Before starting the engine, I would apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel. When I start the engine, I would notice a slight but noticeable movement in the steering wheel as the power assistance engages."
• "Alternatively, as I start to move off, I can turn the steering wheel slightly. If the power steering is working, it will feel light and easy to turn."
• "If the steering feels heavy or difficult to turn, it could indicate a problem with the power-assisted steering system."

Key takeaway: Steering movement on ignition, or ease of turning when moving off.

10. Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use it/them.

Fog lights are for specific, low-visibility conditions.

• Operation: "I would turn on the ignition and switch on the dipped headlights first. Then, I would operate the switch for the rear fog light. I would check the dashboard for the rear fog light warning light."
• Usage: "I would use the rear fog light(s) when visibility is seriously reduced, typically when it drops below 100 metres (approximately 325 feet). I would turn them off as soon as visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers and obscuring my brake lights."

Key takeaway: Use in fog below 100m, turn off when visibility improves.

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.

Maximising visibility at night.

• "I would operate the headlight stalk switch to change from dipped beam to main beam. I would know the main beam is on by looking for the main beam warning light, which is typically a blue icon, on the dashboard."

Key takeaway: Stalk operation and blue main beam warning light.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.

This question requires you to describe an under-bonnet check.

• "First, I would ensure the engine is switched off and has cooled down slightly, as the oil needs time to settle. I would open the bonnet and secure it with the prop. I would then locate the engine oil dipstick, usually marked with a coloured loop. I would pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a cloth, reinsert it fully, and then pull it out again. I would check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markings on the dipstick. The oil level should be between these two marks."

Important: "If possible, I would wear gloves for this check, or wash my hands afterwards." Key takeaway: Dipstick, wipe, reinsert, check level (min/max).

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Checking coolant levels is vital for engine temperature regulation.

• "With the engine cool, I would open the bonnet and secure it. I would then locate the coolant reservoir, which is usually a translucent plastic tank. I would check the coolant level against the 'min' and 'max' markings on the side of the reservoir. If the level is low, I would top it up with the correct type of coolant or water as specified in the owner's manual."

Crucial safety note: "Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot, as the system is pressurised and the hot coolant could cause severe burns." Key takeaway: Coolant reservoir, min/max markings, engine cool.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Brake fluid is critical for braking system operation.

• "I would open the bonnet and secure it. I would then locate the brake fluid reservoir, which is usually a small, translucent plastic container near the bulkhead at the back of the engine bay. I would check the brake fluid level against the 'min' and 'max' markings on the side of the reservoir. The fluid should be within these markings."

Key takeaway: Brake fluid reservoir, min/max markings.

Tips for Success

1. Practice Makes Perfect: Go through these questions and answers with your driving instructor and family members. The more you practice, the more natural your responses will become.

2. Understand, Don't Just Memorise: Try to understand the 'why' behind each check. This will help you adapt your answers if the examiner phrases the question slightly differently.

3. Be Clear and Concise: Get straight to the point. Avoid rambling. State the essential steps clearly.

4. Use Correct Terminology: Use terms like 'dipstick', 'reservoir', 'tread depth', 'ABS warning light', etc., correctly.

5. Stay Calm: It's normal to feel nervous, but remember that you've prepared for this. Take a deep breath before answering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting the 'Spare Tyre': When asked about tyre pressures, remember to mention the spare.
• Not Mentioning 'Cold Tyres': Tyre pressure readings are most accurate when tyres are cold.
• Confusing 'Show Me' and 'Tell Me': Remember, 'Tell Me' questions are verbal explanations. Don't try to physically do anything unless asked in a 'Show Me' question.
• Not Explaining the 'Why': While conciseness is good, briefly explaining the safety reason behind a check can be beneficial. For example, why you check oil level or why you use fog lights.
• Over-explaining: Stick to the core points. The examiner is looking for accuracy, not a lengthy technical dissertation.

Table: 'Tell Me' Question Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What happens if I can't answer a 'Tell Me' question correctly?
If you cannot answer a 'Tell Me' question, it will result in a driving fault. However, it is unlikely to cause you to fail the test unless it is a repeated or very serious fault.

Q2: Do I need to physically show the examiner anything for a 'Tell Me' question?
No, 'Tell Me' questions are purely verbal. You simply explain how you would perform the check. The physical demonstration comes with the 'Show Me' questions.

Q3: Should I mention specific car models or features in my answers?
It's best to give general answers that apply to most cars. For example, instead of saying "I'd check the oil using the dipstick on my Ford Focus," say "I would locate the engine oil dipstick and check the level against the markings." This shows broader knowledge.

Q4: What if my car doesn't have a spare tyre?
If your car doesn't have a spare tyre, you would mention that you would check the tyre pressures of the tyres fitted and any tyre repair kit or inflation device that your car may have.

Conclusion

Mastering the 'Tell Me' questions is a vital step towards passing your driving test. By understanding the purpose of each question and practicing clear, accurate answers, you can approach this part of the test with confidence. Remember, these questions are not designed to trick you but to ensure you have a foundational understanding of vehicle safety. Good luck!

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