B+E Trailer Towing Training / Lessons

 

Safety questions for car and trailer drivers

aka Show Me / Tell Me questions.

You will be asked five questions.

 

DSA pdf Questions

 

Example Questions

•Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

•Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Applying the indicators and checking functioning of all indicators.

•Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.
The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable ‘nose weight’ at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.

•Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle.
Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.

•Show me how you would check that your vehicle and trailer doors are secure.
Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, roof light and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed.

•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.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6 millmetres of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

•Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

•Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

•Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

• Tell me how you would check the condition of the reflectors on this vehicle.
Ensure that all reflectors are fitted, clean, and functional (not cracked or broken)

• Tell me how you would check the condition of the windscreen & windows on this vehicle.
The windscreen and windows must be clean, clear and free from defects. No mascots or sticker that restrict view.

• Tell me how you would check the condition of the windscreen wipers on this vehicle.
Windscreen wipers must operate. Blades should be in good condition.

• Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

• Show me how you would check the wheel nuts are secure on this vehicle.
A visual check to identify any nuts that are obviously loose, and check that the wheel nut indicators (if fitted) are in alignment.

• Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working.
Operate brake pedal, ask someone to help.

• Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working.
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 but 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.

• Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

• Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Follow manufacturer’s guide, using appropriate equipment, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Must have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across 3⁄4 of the breadth of the tread and in a continuous band around the entire circumference. There should be no cuts, damage or signs of cord visible at the side walls.

 

Additional questions for use from 1/7/2008

 

• Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

 

• Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration

 

• Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

 

• Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

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

 

• Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this vehicle. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine).

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

 

• 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.

N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

 

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