Show Me Tell Me

In your Practical Driving Test you will be asked 2 vehicle safety questions. These are also known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions. The examiner will ask you one ‘show me’ question, where you’ll have to show them how you’d carry out a vehicle safety check. You’ll also be asked one ‘tell me’ question, where you’ll have to explain to the examiner how you’d carry out the check. One of the ‘show me’ questions will be asked while you are driving.

Q1. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A2. The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q2. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A2. Find the information in the manufacturer’s guide, B post or fuel cap, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, remember to check spare tyre to refit valve caps.

Q3. Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

A3. The head restraint should be adjusted so the top of the head restraint is as high as the top of your head, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Q4. 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.

A4. There should be at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s tread around the entire outer circumference of the tyre. There should be no cuts or bulges in the side wall

Q5. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (As this is a ‘Tell me question you can stay in the vehicle)

A5. Explain you would turn the lights on and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

Q6. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

A6. The ABS warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

Q7. Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

A7. Explain how you would operate the hazard light switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

Q8. Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.

A8. Explain how you would operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

Q9. Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A9. If the steering becomes heavy the power assisted-steering may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 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.

Q10. Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

A10. Explain that you would turn on the fog light(s) (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Fog lights should be used when visibility is less than 100m due to rain, fog or spray.

Q11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

A11. Explain that you would turn on the dipped headlights and then the main beam lights, identify the main beam warning light.

Q12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A12. Identify the dipstick, state that you would remove the dipstick, clean it before reinserting it and checking the level describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

Q13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

A13. Identify high and low level markings on coolant tank or radiator filler cap. State that when the engine is cold you would remove the lid and how to top up to correct level if required.

Q14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

A14. Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

The following questions will be asked on the move.

SAFETY CHECK SHOW ME QUESTIONS

Q1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would wash and clean the rear windscreen?

Q2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would wash and clean the front windscreen?

Q3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?

Q4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would set the rear demister?

Q5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn?

Q6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen?

Q7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would open and close the side window?