Show me / Tell me questions
The 'show me tell me' questions require you to explain to the driving test examiner when, where and how to check tyres, brakes fluid levels, lights, power steering and the horn. You will be asked two questions, one ' show me' and one 'tell me' question as in the following example questions.
Q1. Show:
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Use either the indicator stalk or hazard warning switch and check the functioning of all indicators. (If you need to turn the ignition on do not start the engine).
Q1. Tell:
Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working before starting a journey.
Descibe: as you set off test the brakes. They should not feel spongy or slack and should not pull the vehicle to one side.
Q2. Tell:
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify the windscreen washer reservoir and explain how you would check the level.
Q2. Show:
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Operate the brake pedal. Make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc. or ask someone (the examiner) to help. (If you need to turn on the ignition do not start the engine).
Q3. Show:
Show me and explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavey the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journet two simple checks can be made:
- Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticable movementas the system begins to operate.
- Tuurn the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Q3. Tell:
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended type pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
The typre pressures can be found in the maufacturers guide or handbook. Use a reliable pressure gauge and check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold before a journey. Remember the spare tyre and to refit the valve caps.
Q4. Show:
Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear. Make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
Apply the foot brake firmly. Demonstrate by applying the parking brake (hand brake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself and is not at the end of it's working travel.
Q4. Tell:
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify the windscreen washer reservoir and explain how you would check the level.
Q5. Show
Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Open the bonnet. Identify the dipstick or oil level indicator and describe how you would check the level of oil against the maximum and minimum markers.
Q5. Tell:
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended type pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
The typre pressures can be found in the maufacturers guide or handbook. Use a reliable pressure gauge and check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold before a journey. Remember the spare tyre and to refit the valve caps.
Q6. Show:
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.
Open the bonnet. Identify the engine coolant header tank and describe how you would check the level is between the high and low markers.
Q6. Tell:
Tell me how you would make sure that your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides that best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part that comes into contact with the head is at least as high as the eye or ear tops and is as close to the back of the head as is comfortable without the head resting on it whilst driving. Some head restaints may not be adjustable.
Q7. Show:
Open the bonnet. Identify the brake fluid reservoir and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Open the bonnet. Identify the hydraulic brake fluid reservoir and describe how you would check the hydraulic brake fluid level against the high and low markers.
Q7. Tell:
Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that there general condition is safe to use on the road.
A tread depth gauge cam be used to confirm that there is at least 1.6mm of tread across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference. An inspection of the tyre should reveal no cuts, bulges, rips or tears in the rubber on the inner and outer tyre wall and across the treaded area. The spare tyre, if carried, must also meet these criteria.
Q8. Show:
Show me how you would check that the horn is working on this car (off road only).
A check is performed using the horn control. If necessary, turn on the ignition but do not start the engine.
Q8. Tell:
Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that there general condition is safe to use on the road.
A tread depth gauge cam be used to confirm that there is at least 1.6mm of tread across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference. An inspection of the tyre should reveal no cuts, bulges, rips or tears in the rubber on the inner and outer tyre wall and across the treaded area. The spare tyre, if carried, must also meet these criteria.
Q9. Show:
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Demonstrate by operating the the control to wash and wipe the windscreen. If necessary turn on the ignition but do not start the engine.
Q9. Tell:
Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working before starting a journey.
Descibe: as you set off test the brakes. They should not feel spongy or slack and should not pull the vehicle to one side.
Q10. Show:
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively. This should include both the front and rear screen.
Set all the relevant controls including fan, temperature, air direction and heated screen to clear all windscreen and windows. The engine should not be switched on for this demonstration.
Q10. Tell:
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. There is no need to exit the vehicle.
Explain how you would operate the switch and turn the ignition on if necessary then walk around the vehicle to check all lights are funtioning.
Q11. Show:
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use them.
Operate the control to turn on the dipped headlight then the rear fog light(s). If necessary turn the ignition but do not start the engine. Check that the warning light on the dashboard is on. Explain when they should be used.
Q11. Tell:
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti lock braking system.
Explain how a warning light would illuminate on the dashboard if a fault arises.
Q12. Show:
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Operate the brake pedal. Make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc. or ask someone (the examiner) to help. (If you need to turn on the ignition do not start the engine).
Q12. Tell:
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. There is no need to exit the vehicle.
Explain how you would operate the switch and turn the ignition on if necessary then walk around the vehicle to check all lights are funtioning.
Q13. Show:
Show me how you would switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Demonstrate by turning the headlights on then operating the main beam control. If necessary turn on the ignition but do not start the engine. Identify the main beam warning light that appears on the dashboard.
Q13. Tell:
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti lock braking system.
Explain how a warning light would illuminate on the dashboard if a fault arises.
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