Before your driving test begins, the examiner will ask you one ‘tell me’ question.
There are 14 possible questions, but you’ll only be asked one. It’s a good idea to learn all of them and practice your answers. Responding confidently can help you make a strong start to the test.
Don’t worry too much if nerves get the better of you and you answer incorrectly or freeze up — you won’t fail your whole driving test, but it will be marked as a driver fault.
The DVSA provides a handy guide with the official questions and answers. However, to be honest, I find their answer wording a bit clunky! As long as your answer shows that you understand what you’re talking about, it’s perfectly fine to explain things in your own words.
I highly recommend actually doing the checks on the car you’ll be taking on your test, physically doing the checks beforehand can help embed the answers and help them make more sense on test day.
I’ve listed the questions below, along with simplified key points and bold key words to help you prepare more easily. Or here’s a printable version
BRAKES
Question:
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer:
The Pedal shouldn’t feel spongy/slack. Test brakes as you set off. The car shouldn’t pull to one side when braking.
Question:
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Answer:
A warning light will show on the dashboard
STEERING
Question:
Tell me how you would check the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Answer:
When you start the engine the steering wheel should move easily, if it stays stiff it’s not working.
INSIDE THE CAR
Question:
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.
Answer:
Adjust the height so the Thickest/firmest part is roughly in line with the top of your ears
TYRES
Question:
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Answer:
In the User manual. Use a pressure gauge on cold tyres. Remember to refit the valve caps.
Question:
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.
Answer:
Minimum 1.6mm tread depth across central 3/4 & around the whole circumference. No cuts/bulges
LIGHTS
Question:
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Answer:
Turn them on and walk around the car to check
Question:
Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working.
Answer:
Switch on hazard lights, walk around the car to check.
Question:
Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working.
Answer:
Press brake pedal, use reflections or ask someone to walk behind and check for you
Question:
Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you’d use them.
Answer: (can vary from car to car)
Turn on headlights, press the fog light button. Use when visibility is below 100m (length of a football field). Turn off when visibility improves
Question:
Tell me how you would switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Answer:
Push the indicator stalk forward and check for the blue light on the dashboard
OPEN THE BONNET
(These vary from car to car so get familiar in your/your instructor’s car)
Question:
Tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer:
Point to dipstick. Explain: you would pull it out, wipe it, put it back in and take it out again, check oil level is between min and max marks.
Question:
Tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Answer:
Point to big reservoir. Check fluid is between min and max markers
Question:
Tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Answer:
Point to small reservoir. Check fluid is between min and max markers