Show me/Tell Me
Questions
At the beginning of your car driving test, you will be asked a vehicle safety question (Tell Me).
The examiner will ask you to explain how you would carry out a safety task, before you start driving.
During the driving test, you will be asked another safety question (Show Me)
This time, you will need to demonstrate how you would carry out a safety task, while you are driving.
You will get one driving fault (a ‘minor’) if you get one or both questions wrong. However, if you make a dangerous or potentially dangerous fault while carrying out this task, will will fail your test.
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How would you check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain you’d operate the 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).
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Check the manufacturer’s guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge and check & adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Don’t forget spare tyre (if there is one) and remember to refit the valve caps.
Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
The steering shouldn't feel heavy when turning the steering wheel. Applying gentle pressure on the steering wheel, while the engine is started, should result in a noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
The tyre should have 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre. There should be no cuts and bulges.
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog lights and when you’d use them?
Switch on dipped headlights & operate fog light switch switch. Check warning light is on. Explain that they would be used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Explain you would operate switch after switching on the dipped headlights, check that the blue main beam warning light is illuminated.
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d press the brake pedal and ask someone to check. Alternatively, you could make use of reflections in windows or doors.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the level is between the high & low markings.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Explain you would turn on ignition (if necessary) and operate the switch. Then you would walk round vehicle to ensure the lights are working.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
When pressing the brakes, they should not feel spongy or slack. Test the brakes as you set off, the vehicle should not pull to one side.
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
The ABS warning light will illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Ensure the coolant level is between the minimum/maximum marks.
How would you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Ensure the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe how to check oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
