Show Me Tell Me
Example One
- 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.
- 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 properly. 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.
Example Three
- Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
- Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
- Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
- Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Example Four
- 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, check level against high/low markings.
- Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
- Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
Example Five
- Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
- Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
- Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
- Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Example Six
- Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
- Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
- Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
- Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
Example Seven
- Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
- Manufacturer's guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
- Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
- Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
Example Eight
- 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.
- No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
- Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
- Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
Example Nine
- 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.
- To cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
- Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
- Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Example Ten
- 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, check level against high/low markings.
- 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 properly. 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.
Example Eleven
- 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 marker.
- Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
- Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
Example Twelve
- 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, and describe how to top up to correct level.
- Show me how you would check that the headlights& tail lights are working.
- Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.




