The DVSA Safety Questions
THE ‘SHOW ME’ QUESTIONS
(The examiner will ask you one of these ‘Show Me’ questions whilst you’re driving.)
Q1.– When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Operate the relevant control to wash & wipe the front windscreen.
Q2.– When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Operate the relevant control to wash & wipe the rear windscreen.
Q3.– When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?
Operate the headlight switch to dipped.
Q4.– When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would set the rear demister?
Operate the switch to heat the rear screen.
Q5.– When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen?
Set all relevant controls correctly including: the fan to full power, temperature to hot, air direction to windscreen. (Heated screen if applicable)
Q6.– When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn?
Check is carried out by using horn when not to distract other road users.
Q7.– When it’s is safe to do so, can you show me how you open and close the side window?
Operate the relevant control on the drivers door armrest.
THE ‘TELL ME’ QUESTIONS
( The examiner will ask you one of these ‘Tell Me’ questions before you start driving.)Q1.– Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey?
The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q2.– Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how you would check the tyre pressures?
Information in the manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre & to refit the valve caps.
Q3.– 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 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 is comfortable. (Some head restraints can not be adjusted.)
Q4.– 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?
There should be no cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the centre three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire circumference of the tyre.
Q5.– Tell me how you would check the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the switch turning on the ignition if necessary, then walk around the car.( You don’t need to get out and physically check on your test as this is a ‘tell me’ question.)
Q6.– Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS)?
A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with your anti-lock braking system.
Q7.– Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.?
Explain you’d operate the indicator switch or hazard warning lights switch, and then walk around the vehicle to check. ( You don’t need to get out and check on your test as this is a ‘tell me’ question.)
Q8.– Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car?
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, and make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help and check for you.
Q9.– Tell me how you’d check 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 movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel after moving off will give an immediate indication if it is functioning.
Q10.– 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.
Explain you would operate the switch turning on also the dipped headlights and ignition if necessary. Check warning light is on fog light switch. For use when visibility is seriously reduced by 100 metres.
Q11.– Tell me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to the main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on whilst inside the car?
Explain how to operate switch and check main beam warning light is on.
Q12.– Tell me how you’d check the engine has sufficient oil?
Open bonnet, identify dipstick, describe you wipe clean the dipstick first and then check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Q13.– Tell me how you’d check the engine has sufficient engine coolant?
Open bonnet, identify coolant tank, describe you use coolant to top up levels between minimum and maximum markers on tank.
Q14.– Tell me how you’d check you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?
Open bonnet, identify brake fluid tank, describe you check the levels between the minimum and maximum markers on the tank.
Q15.– Tell me how you’d check the windscreen wash reservoir?
Open bonnet, identify windscreen wash tank, describe you check the levels between the minimum and maximum markers on the tank.
