FAQ’s – Makalo Driving School

Tell Me, Show Me

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

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and should be tested as you move off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.

2. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car?

Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre and remembered to refit the valve caps.

3. Tell me how you would check tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth?

No cuts or bulges. 1.6mm of tread depth, across 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire circumference.

4. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjust so that it provides the best protection.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of your ears and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. NB -some head restraints may not be adjustable.

5. Tell me how you would check that the highlights and tail lights are working. (no need to exit the vehicle.)

Explanation: 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.)

6. Tell me how you know if there is a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Warming lights should illuminate if there is a fault with anti-lock braking system.

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. (no need to exit the vehicle.)

Explanation: 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.)

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

Explanation: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in window, garage doors etc., or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power- assistant 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 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.

10. Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog (lights) and explain when you would use them.

Operate switch, turning on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary. check warming light is on. Explain use.

11. Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam .

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

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

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

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Identify the engine coolant and check the level against the high/low markings.

14. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and how you would check safe level

A14: Identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings.