Show Me/ Tell Me
At the start of your driving test, just after the examiner has checked your eyesight, you will be asked to answer 2 questions relating to basic car maintenance.
You will be asked to either show or tell the examiner how you would check something, to see if it is working properly.
I'll start with the inside checks, and then next time, I'll go through the outside.
1.Tell me how you would check the handbrake, to see if it is working properly.
Pull it up. The button should release and secure the lever in an upright position. There should be tension in the handbrake lever, so that as it is pulled higher, it gets tighter.
2.Tell me how you would check the footbrake.
Drive away, and if it is safe, press the brake. The car should respond by stopping in a straight line. If it pulls to one side, one brake is working harder than the other, and needs adjusting.
3.Tell me how you would check the power steering.
Turn on the engine. Turn the steering wheel through 90 degrees, and it should feel light and fairly easy to turn. If it is heavy to turn, you may want to check your tyre pressures.
4.Tell me how you would demist the front and rear windscreens in the event of interior condensation.
The quickest way to demist the front windscreen is to apply warm dry air, i.e. air conditioning. However, if your car does not have A/C then apply warm air and open a window to allow the moisture an exit route.
5.Tell me how you would clean the front and rear windscreen whilst driving.
Pull/Push the stalk until cleaning fluid jets across the window. Use the wipers until the screen is clear. Make sure your wiper blades are clean before you start your journey by running a cloth along the length of the blade. Don't clean the windscreen when you are just about to drive past a school, as you may have momentary smearing across the screen, and be rendered blind.
6.What is ABS? How would you know if it was malfunctioning?
ABS stands for Anti-Lock Braking System. If it is malfunctioning then the warning light will illuminate when the engine is running.
7.Tell me how you would adjust the head restraints, so that they provide maximum benefit.
They should be level with your ears, so that in the event of a sudden stop, your head does not rebound over the back of the chair, and cause whiplash.
That's it for this week. Take Care of yourself, and see you next time, Neil.
Hello!
As mentioned, this is a new venture for me. I thought it was a good idea to provide an online service to existing customers, and add some value to the driving lesson price. Each week (or 2 weeks, depending how it is received) I'll email some info about driving lessons and driving tests, and about driving in general.
This first educational is about the 'Show Me/Tell Me' part of the driving test.
If you want some more info, check my website at:charltondriving.com
If you need to email me about anything driving related then please do. Please do not cancel lessons via email though, as I may not receive the notification in time. neil@charltondriving.com
For further information still, this is a great website: smartdriving.co.uk