You will be asked two vehicle safety questions during your car driving test.

The examiner will ask:

• One “Tell Me” question at the start of your test (before driving), where you explain how you would carry out a safety check.
   
• One “Show Me” question during your drive, where you demonstrate how to carry out a task.
   

You will receive one driving fault (minor) if you answer one or both questions incorrectly.
You may fail the test if your driving becomes dangerous or potentially dangerous while answering a “Show Me” question.

1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. They should be tested as you move off, and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

2. Tell me where you’d find the recommended tyre pressures and how to check them.
Refer to the manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check when tyres are cold, include the spare tyre, and refit valve caps.

3. Tell me how to make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The rigid part should be at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and close to the back of the head. (Some may not be adjustable.)

4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and are safe to use on the road.
No cuts or bulges. Minimum 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters and around the entire circumference.

5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate the switch (ignition on if needed) and explain you would walk around the vehicle.

6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A warning light will illuminate on the dashboard.

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate the switch and explain you would walk around the vehicle.

8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Press the brake pedal and check reflections or ask someone to assist.

9. Tell me how you’d check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Steering should feel light. Slight movement when starting the engine or immediate response when moving off indicates it’s working.

10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Turn on dipped headlights (if required), operate the switch, and check the warning light. Use in poor visibility.

11. Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate the switch and check the main beam warning light.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Locate dipstick and check level between minimum and maximum markers.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Check levels against markings and top up if required.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Locate reservoir and ensure level is between minimum and maximum markers.

For questions 12, 13, and 14, you will be required to open the bonnet.

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?