1st Class Driving School - question & answers, documents
Below is the 'show me tell me' questions & answers, any two of which will be asked at the start of your practical driving examination...
Q: Show me explain how you would check that the power steering is working before starting a journey.
A: Explain that after starting the engine a gentle movement of the steering wheel from left to right should produce a noticeably lighter feel to the steering wheel. If steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly.
Q: Show me where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A: Open the bonnet and Identify dipstick/ oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the min/max markers whilst car is parked on level ground and has been left to stand with the engine off for 30 minutes.
Q: Show me where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
A: Open the bonnet and identify high and low level markers on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to the correct level.
Q: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A: Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, is not at the end of the working travel and that it dose not drop off when released.
Q: 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 the high and low level marks.
Q: 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: Open the bonnet and Identify brake fluid reservoir and check level against high and low markings.
Q: Show me how you would check that the horn is working. (Off road only).
A: Check is carried out by briefly pressing the horn.
Q: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A: Apply the hazard warning light switch, walk around the vehicle and check functioning of all indicators.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (no need to exit vehicle)
A: Explanation: operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. ( As this is a tell me question there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Q: Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on the vehicle. (I can assist you.)
A: Explain how you would ask someone to stand at the rear of the vehicle whilst you operated the foot brake to see if the lights came on or you would use the reflection in a shop window, side of a car or in a garage door.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before you start a journey.
A: After starting the engine apply pressure to the foot brake to ensure that the brakes don't feel spongy and explain that you would also test the brakes before you got to the first junction by gently applying the brakes to see if they operated properly. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressure for this car and how do you check the tyre pressure.
A: Explain that you would find the recommended tyre pressure in the manufacturers guide, use a reliable tyre pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget the spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Q: 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: Explain that you would use the tyre tread wear indicators that are located within the tyre tread or use a reliable tyre tread depth gauge set to 1.6mm and that the tyre tread must be at least 1.6mm over the middle three quarters of the tread and around the full circumference of the tyre. Also that there should be no bulges on the sides of the tyre, no cuts or slashes and no foreign objects in the tyre.
Q: Tell me how you 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 the top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
Q: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all 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. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
Q: 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 use (to be used when visibility is less than 100m).
Q: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
A: Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
Q: Show me how you switch your headlight 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.
Q: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).
