Chapter 7: Vehicle Safety & Maintenance

Why Vehicle Safety Knowledge Matters

Your driving test begins before you even start the engine. The examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions — one “tell me” question (answered verbally) and one “show me” question (demonstrated while driving). Getting both wrong results in one driving fault (minor). But more importantly, understanding your vehicle’s safety systems keeps you and other Manchester road users safe throughout your driving career.

The Show Me Tell Me Questions

There are 19 official show me/tell me questions published by the DVSA. Your examiner will select one of each. Here they all are, with the correct answers:

Tell Me Questions (Verbal Answers)

1. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
   Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brake pedal should be firm and the car should not pull to one side. Test the brakes as you set off — the car should stop in a straight line.
2. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures and how you would check them.
   Found in the owner’s manual and on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame or fuel filler cap. Check pressures with a reliable gauge when tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre.
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in a crash.
   The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as comfortable.
4. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and their overall condition is safe.
   The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the entire circumference. Check for cuts, bulges, or objects embedded in the tyre. Use a 20p coin — if you can see the outer band, the tread is too low.
5. Tell me how you would check the headlights and tail lights are working.
   Turn on the ignition, switch on the lights, and walk around the vehicle to check all headlights and tail lights are functioning. You would need someone to help check brake lights, or use a reflective surface.
6. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
   A warning light on the dashboard will illuminate if there is an ABS fault. The light should come on briefly when you start the engine and then go off. If it stays on, there is a fault.
7. Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working.
   Turn on the ignition, apply each indicator in turn, and walk around the vehicle to check the front and rear indicators are flashing. Check the dashboard indicator light flashes at the correct rate — a fast flash usually indicates a bulb has failed.
8. Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.
   Turn on the ignition, press the brake pedal, and use a reflection in a window or wall behind the car. Alternatively, ask someone to stand behind the car and confirm the brake lights illuminate.
9. Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
   Gentle pressure on the steering wheel when you start the engine should result in a slight movement. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will tell you — if the steering is heavy, there may be a power steering fault.
10. Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it.
    Demonstrate the fog light switch. Use rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see further than 100 metres. Switch them off when visibility improves — they can dazzle drivers behind you.
11. Tell me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.
    Demonstrate the headlight switch. A blue dashboard warning light indicates main beam is on. Use main beam on unlit roads when no other vehicles are ahead or approaching. Dip your headlights when traffic approaches.

Show Me Questions (Demonstrated While Driving)

1. Show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen.
2. Show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen.
3. Show me how you would set the rear demister.
4. Show me how you would operate the horn.
5. Show me how you would demist the front windscreen.
6. Show me how you would open and close the side window.
7. Show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.

Show me questions are demonstrated while driving at a safe point. Your examiner will not ask you to demonstrate while navigating a busy junction. If you are unsure which control does what, ask your DriveSQ instructor during your next lesson to walk through every control in the car.

Tyre Safety

Tyres are your only contact with the road. On Manchester’s frequently wet roads, tyre condition directly affects your stopping distance and grip.

Legal Requirements

• Minimum tread depth: 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre, around the entire circumference
• Penalty for illegal tyres: Up to £2,500 fine and 3 penalty points — per tyre. Four illegal tyres = £10,000 and 12 points (automatic ban)
• The 20p test: Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If you can see the outer band of the coin, the tread is below 1.6mm and the tyre is illegal

Tyre Pressures

Correct tyre pressures are found in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame. Check pressures monthly and before long journeys, when the tyres are cold. Incorrect pressure causes uneven wear, poor handling, increased fuel consumption, and reduced braking performance — all critical on Manchester’s rain-affected roads.

Fluid Levels

Basic fluid checks every driver should know:

• Engine oil — Check with the dipstick when the engine is cold. Oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks. Low oil can cause catastrophic engine damage
• Coolant/antifreeze — Check the expansion tank level against the minimum/maximum marks. Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot — pressurised steam can cause severe burns
• Brake fluid — Check the reservoir under the bonnet. Low brake fluid can indicate worn brake pads or a leak — both require immediate professional attention
• Windscreen washer fluid — Keep topped up, especially in Manchester’s wet and muddy conditions. Running out of washer fluid on a dirty motorway windscreen is dangerous and an MOT failure

Dashboard Warning Lights

Modern cars communicate problems through dashboard warning lights. The colour system is similar to traffic lights:

• Red lights — Serious problem. Stop driving as soon as safely possible. Includes: engine temperature, oil pressure, brake system, battery, airbag, door ajar
• Amber/yellow lights — Caution. Something needs attention but is not immediately dangerous. Includes: engine management (check engine), ABS fault, tyre pressure warning, service due
• Green/blue lights — Information. Indicates a system is active. Includes: indicators, dipped headlights, main beam (blue), cruise control