Car Control - Show Me / Tell Me
| Show Me | How can you confirm the power-assisted steering is working properly before driving off? | With your car switched off, turn the steering wheel either left or right and hold it firmly in that position. Now when you fire the engine (start the car) there will be a noticeable movement of the steering wheel when the engine fires. If the steering does not become easier to move, left or right after firing the engine, then you either do not have power-assisted steering in the vehicle or it has become faulty. |
| Show Me | How can you confirm the horn is working (just for off-road)? | You will need to sound the horn by pressing it. A light punch on the horn should produce an audible beep - NOTE In some cars it is necessary to turn on the ignition before the horn becomes operational. |
| Show Me | How can you confirm that the direction indicators are functioning correctly? | Switch on the hazard warning lights. Walk around the car, visually checking each of the indicator bulbs and pointing out to the Examiner that they are all working. The Hazard light switch will activate both left and right indicators simultaneously. |
| Show Me | Explain to me how you would verify that the brake lights are working on this car? | Switch on the ignition of the car without starting the engine. Push down on the brake pedal and the rear brake lights should illuminate. You can verify that they are all working by either making use of reflections or asking someone to stand behind the car and observe that they are working. The examiner could assist you with this on the test day! |
| Show Me | How will you check the handbrake for excessive wear and if it is functioning correctly? |
Before releasing the handbrake you must secure the car by pushing down firmly on the footbrake. Now release the handbrake, and then re-apply it. The handbrake will apply itself before it reaches the end of its normal working travel. Once the handbrake has been properly applied you may release the footbrake. |
| Show Me | How will you clean the windscreen using your windscreen wipers & washer? | Switch on the ignition of the car but don’t start the engine. Briefly use the windscreen washer squirt mechanism. In most cars when you operate this mechanism the windscreen wipers will be automatically switched on for a short period of time to clear the windscreen of fluid. You should be able to switch on the windscreen wipers if necessary to clear the remaining fluid. Many cars today are fitted with rear windscreen wipers and a washer fluid mechanism. You will also be required to be able to operate this. Ask your instructor to demonstrate the car you are to use in the test. |
| Show Me | How would you adjust the demister controls to clean the windows properly, this will include the front and back screens? | Switch on the ignition of the car but do not start the engine. Start by setting the front air vents so that the air is directed onto the windscreen. Turn up the fan speed and direct the vents towards the windows. It may also be necessary to increase the heat in the ventilation. Switch on the rear demister. It is also useful to open the rear windows about half an inch to one inch to increase the flow of ventilation through the car. Be sure that the recycle setting for the internal ventilation of the car is set to fresh air. There are many types of cars, therefore a mirage of different control systems. Be sure to get your instructor to demonstrate this to you before the test. |
| Tell Me | How can you check the braking system is working prior to driving? | The footbrake should feel firm and not slack or spongy if you apply pressure to it. After moving off when you brake the car should not change direction (pull to one side ~ veering off course) as you brake. |
| Tell Me | How can you be sure that your head restraint (top cushion on driver’s seat) is properly adjusted so that it is most effective in case of an accident? | In most modern cars, the head restraint can be adjusted so that the thickest portion of the head restraint is in line with your ear. It should also be adjusted, where possible to be as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. The movement of your head should not be hindered or restricted by the head restraint. You should be able to move your head freely in order to be able to make the necessary observations. |
THE ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS CAN ALSO BE FOUND IN:
THE Driving Standards Agency (DSA) publications 'Driving the essential skills and ' The official DSA driving test'https://readytopass.campaign.gov.uk/learning-to-drive/
ALWAYS REMEMBER - you should read and make use of all information available to you through the DSA and any other reference guides to form a balanced revision for your test.
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