During your practical test you'll be asked two vehicle safety questions: one "tell me" question at the start, before you drive, and one "show me" question while you're driving. Getting one or both wrong is a driving fault (a minor).
Tell me questions (examples)
- How would you check the brakes are working before starting a journey? Brakes shouldn't feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off — the car shouldn't pull to one side.
- Where would you find the recommended tyre pressures and how would you check them? In the manufacturer's guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check when tyres are cold, don't forget the spare and refit the valve caps.
- How would you check the head restraint is correctly adjusted? The rigid part should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable.
- How would you check the tyres have enough tread and are in good condition? No cuts or bulges, and at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre, all the way around.
- How would you switch on the rear fog lights and when would you use them? Operate the switch (a warning light shows). Use them when visibility is seriously reduced — generally below 100 metres.
- How would you switch to main beam and how would you know it's on? Operate the switch; a blue warning light shows on the dashboard.
- How would you know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system? The ABS warning light would stay on.
Show me questions (examples)
- When it's safe to do so, show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.
- Show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights.
- Show me how you'd set the rear demister.
- Show me how you'd operate the horn.
- Show me how you'd demist the front windscreen.
- Show me how you'd open and close the side window.
Your SQ instructor will practise every one of these with you in the car you'll take your test in.