The new style of safety check questions come in to effect with the new practical driving test from 4th December, 2017.  You can see our comparison of the old and new style practical driving test on this link ……       
You will be asked two vehicle safety questions during your practical driving test, also known as the ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ questions. The examiner will ask you:
  • One ‘Show Me’ question, where you have to show them how you’d carry out a check whilst you are driving.
  • One ‘Tell Me’ question, where you have to explain how you’d carry out the check before you start driving.

 Safety Check Questions – ‘Show Me’ 

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

A  Operate relevant control to wash and wipe rear windscreen.

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

A  Operate relevant control to wash and wipe front windscreen.

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

A  Operate relevant switch. 

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

A  Operate switch to heat rear screen.

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

A  Check is carried out by using control.

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

A  Set all relevant controls including: fan, temperature, air direction/source and heated screen.

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

A  Operate relevant control on door armrest.

Safety Check Questions – ‘Tell Me’ 

Q  Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A  Brake pedals should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q  Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A  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.

Q  Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

A  The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as comfortable.

Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Q 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.

A  No cuts and bulges, at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

Q  Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit vehicle.

A  Explain you’d operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle. As this is a ‘tell me’ question, there is no need to physically check the lights.

Q  Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

A  Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

Q  Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

A  Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on the ignition if necessary), and then walk around vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

Q  Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

A  Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows and doors etc, or ask someone to help. 

Q  Tell me how you’d check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A  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 whilst 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.

Q  Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

A  Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain when you would use them.

Q  Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

A  Operate switch ( with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light. 

Q  Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A  Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

Q  Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

A Identify the high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Q  Tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

A  Identify reservoir and explain how to check markings.

Now you’ve got the details, work on your answers so that they flow as naturally as possible. Think of this section as a conversation where you get to show just how good you are and that you know your stuff! Okay, he or she is an “examiner” but if you have the right mindset you can crack it. Good luck!

Feel free to comment below and share if you know someone who might find this blog useful. If you have any suggestions for future JSF blogs do get in touch with JSF Driving on 01594 845367 or tellmemore@jsfdrivingschool.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.