Our methods are versatile and our driving instructors are fully qualified to make learning to drive easier for every individual.
We have provided a list of questions and suggested answers to the SHOW ME / TELL ME safety check
questions that the examiner will ask at the beginning of a driving test.
The examiner will ask these questions when the candidate reaches the vehicle, before the driving element
of the test. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
The candidate should be familiar with the relevant component's location and the method of checking
each component on the vehicle that will be used on the day of the test.
DSA SAFETY-CHECK QUESTION BANK FOR CARS:
1. 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.
Identify dipstick / oil-level indicator; describe check of oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.
2. 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.
Identify high/low level markings on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap; describe how to
top up to the correct level.
3. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is, and tell me how you would check the
windscreen-washer level.
Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level.
4. 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.
Identify reservoir and check level against high/low markings.
5. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (The examiner can assist
you. If you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine).
Operate the brake pedal; make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc. or ask someone to help.
6. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. The brakes should be tested as you set off and the vehicle should
not pull to one side.
7. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and
how tyre pressures should be checked.
You would need to check the manufacturer's handbook. You should check and adjust pressures when tyres
are cold, using a reliable pressure gauge. Remember to re-fit the valve caps and check the spare tyre.
8. 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.
There should be no cuts and/or bulges; 1.6 mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the
the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
9. Tell/ Show me / explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting
a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working correctly. Before starting a journey two
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.
10. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit the
vehicle).
Operate the switch - (turn on the ignition if necessary); walk around the vehicle.
11. Tell/ Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Apply the indicators - (turn on the ignition if necessary) - or hazard warning switch and check the functioning of all
indicators.
12. Tell/ Show me how you would check that the horn is working.
The check is carried out by using the control (turn on the ignition if necessary).
13. Tell/Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear. Make sure you
keep safe control of the vehicle.
Demonstrate by applying the parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at
the end of the working travel.
14. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers.
Operate the appropriate switch as per the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to switch the
the ignition on to do this.
15. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively. This should
include both front and rear screens.
Operate the appropriate controls/switch for both front and rear screens as per the manufacturer’s
instructions. You may need to switch the ignition on to do this.
16. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.
(No need to exit the vehicle, please don’t start the engine).
Operate the appropriate switch as per the manufacturer’s instructions. You may need to switch the
ignition on to do this.
You would use the rear fog lights when visibility is reduced to less than 100 metres (Highway Code).
17. Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you
would know the main shaft is on whilst inside the car.
Operate the appropriate switch per the manufacturer’s instructions and note the colour of the warning light
displayed on the instrument panel. The standard code is green for dipped and blue for the main beam. For
those people who are unable to differentiate between the colours, note the different layouts of the symbols
used.
18. 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.
Follow the advice given in the official publication, ’Driving-the essential skills’.
19. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Check that the appropriate symbol used in the instrument panel goes out when the engine is started and
remains off for the duration of your journey.
From 4th December 2017 ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving
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