Vehicle Safety Checks

'show me - tell me'

Driving School in Aldershot, Driving Lessons in Aldershot, Driving Instructors in Aldershot

 

(Aldershot, Camberley, Farnborough, Fleet and surrounding areas)

At the beginning of the DSA practical driving examination, clients are required to correctly answer and/or demonstrate to the examiner two aspects of basic vehicle safety checks.  These are commonly referred to as 'show me - tell me' questions.  They are simple vehicle safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure their vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the client in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, they will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.   It is acceptable for clients to refer to the vehicle electronic diagnostic information systems (if fitted) when answering the examiners questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.

Prior to attending the practical examination, your Smart trainer will prepare you thoroughly so that you are capable of answering/demonstrating any of the combined questions posed to you by the DSA examiner.  The questions that may be asked are randomly selected by the examiner from those combinations presented below:

Example One

1. 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.
2. 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.

Example two

1. 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.
2. 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.

Example three

1. 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.
2. 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.

Example four

1. 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.
2. 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.

Example five

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. 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.

Example six

1. 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 header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
2. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

Example seven

1. 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.

2. 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 ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Example eight
1. 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). 

2. 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 ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Example nine
1. 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.

2. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Operate the control to wash and wipe windscreen.

Example ten
1. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

2. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Set all the controls including fan, temperature, air direction/source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started.

Example eleven
1. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights(s) and explain when you would use them.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain when visibility less than 100m and switch off when visibility improves

2. Tell me how you would know if there is a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the system.

Example Twelve
1. 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.

2. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

Example Thirteen
1. Tell me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on in the car.
Operate the switch (with ignition on if required), check main beam warning light.
2. Tell me how you would know if there is a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the system.

At Smart, we ensure that all our clients are fully prepared to answer/demonstrate any of the combinations that might be posed to them by the DSA examiner.