Driving Test ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions and Answers

At the start of your practical test your examiner will ask you two questions regarding vehicle safety. There will be one ‘show me’ question and one ‘tell me’ question. These are the questions, along with the answers.

 

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SHOW ME

QUESTION ANSWER
Show me Explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey. There are two easy ways to test the power steering is working. Firstly, start the engine and turn the steering wheel very slightly; if the power steering is working correctly, a small but noticeable movement will be felt. The second way is to turn the steering wheel just after moving off; the wheels should move with ease. If the steering feels heavy, then it’s not working properly.
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you.) If you need to switch on the ignition, please don’t start the engine. Press the footbrake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors or elsewhere, asking someone to help if necessary. As this is a ‘show me’ question, the examiner may check the brake lights for you. You may need to switch the ignition on: however, you should not start the engine.
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. Turn on the ignition. Switch on the left, then the right indicators. Alternatively switch on the hazard lights and check. A warning light on the instrument panel will flash, and there should be a ticking sound. Switch them off after checking all lights are functioning properly.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only). Checking to see if the horn works is simple. You will be able to hear it when you press down on the control. You may need to switch the ignition on: however, you should not start the engine.
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear; make sure you keep control of the vehicle. Press the footbrake pedal firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel. You can tell if it’s working correctly as it should hold the car securely.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers. Operate the control to wash and wipe the windscreen. You may need to switch the ignition on, but you should not start the engine.
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear the windows effectively; this should include both front and rear screens. Check all the relevant dashboard controls, including fan, temperature, air direction/source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. The 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. (There’s no need to exit the vehicle or start the engine.) Operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check that the appropriate warning light is on. Explain that the use of these lights is governed by the law and is restricted to very poor visibility, i.e. less than 100 metres.
Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car. Operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary) and check the main beam warning light on the instrument panel.

TELL ME

QUESTION ANSWER
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil. Identify the oil dipstick. To check the level, the dipstick needs to be removed and wiped clean with a dry cloth. The dipstick should then be reinserted fully and removed again to see how much oil there is. It should be between the maximum and minimum marks.
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 the coolant reservoir tank. It should be filled between the maximum and minimum markers. To add coolant, unscrew the cap and top it up. This should only be done when the engine and radiator have cooled to avoid danger of scalding.
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 the brake fluid reservoir. The level of fluid needs to be between the maximum and minimum markers. If the brake fluid regularly needs topping up, there may be a serious problem, so the will need to be taken to a qualified mechanic.
Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level. Identify the windscreen washer reservoir. To refill it, flip open the cap and check that the level of liquid is up to the neck of the bottle, topping it up if necessary.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. The recommended pressures are given in the manufacturer’s guide. A reliable pressure gauge must be used, checking and adjusting the pressure when the tyres are cold, not forgetting the spare tyre. Remember to refit valve caps.
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe for use on the road. The tyre tread depth can be checked using a gauge. Tyres must have sufficient tread depth of at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference. A visual inspection should ensure that there are no cuts or bulges.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. Press your right foot down on the brake pedal. The brakes should feel firm and not slack or spongy. It’s a good idea to test the brakes just after moving off. They should adequately stop the car without pulling to one side. If they don’t feel firm, have them checked by a qualified mechanic.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (no need to exit the vehicle.) Operate the headlight switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round the vehicle. (because this is a ‘tell me’ question, there is no need to physically check these lights.)
Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provide 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 eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system. A warning light on the dashboard should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system. You would need to take the car to a qualified mechanic if this happened.