Nippers
School of Motoring
01255 435682

Specialists in residential driving courses, driving lessons and intensive driving courses in the Clacton and Colchester areas of Essex.

Show Me, Tell Me

Questions

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?
- Show/Hide Answer

Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings.

where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level?
- Show/Hide Answer

Identify the coolant tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached.

where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level?
- Show/Hide Answer

Identify the windscreen washer level reservoir and explain how to check the level between the min/max markings. Your car manual will give you further details.

where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?
- Show/Hide Answer

Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels.

Tell me how you would check that the:

brake lights are working on this car?
- Show/Hide Answer

Activate the brake pedal and make use of reflections in garage doors etc to see if the brake lights come on or ask someone to help.

brakes are working before starting a journey?
- Show/Hide Answer

As you move off check the brakes. They should not feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side.

tyres have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road?
- Show/Hide Answer

A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressure for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?
- Show/Hide Answer

Information will be found using the car manufacturer's manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare and remember to refit the valve caps.

Show me how you would check the:

headlights & taillights are working?
- Show/Hide Answer

Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on.

directional indicators are working?
- Show/Hide Answer

Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.

horn is working (off road only)?
- Show/Hide Answer

Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary).

handbrake for excessive wear?
- Show/Hide Answer

Apply the parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself.

power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?
- Show/Hide Answer

If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made.

1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.

2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.

Close Window