'Show Me, Tell Me' Questions

 

 

As part of your driving test you will be asked two basic safety and maintenance questions.  One a ‘show me’ and the other a ‘tell me’.  One question you will have to demonstrate your knowledge by actually demonstrating your answer - like "Show me how you'd operate the horn?"  The other, just explaining how you would carry out the task.

As the driving test changed on the 4th December 2017, one of the questions will be carried out at the beginning of your test before you begin and one during the test itself whilst you are driving and on the move.  However, there is no need to worry, these are basic safety and maintenance questions and most of the answers are common sense.  We will go through these questions in detail during the hour before your test, as well as during your normal lessons.

 

 

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Tell Me Questions:-

1. Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?
A. Applying the indicator or hazard warning light switch.  Then explain that you would get out of the vehicle walk around and check the lights are working (No need to actually exit the vehicle as this is a tell me question only)

 

2. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
A. The brake pedal should not feel spongy or slack.  Brakes should be tested as you set off, vehicle should not pull to one side.

 

3. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car?
A. Switch ignition on, operate the brake pedal, and make use of any windows, or reflections, or ask someone to help you.

 

4. Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?
A. Two simple checks can be made.  Gentle pressure on the steering wheel maintained as you start the engine, should result in a slight, but noticeable movement on the steering wheel as the system begins to work.  Alternatively just turning the wheel as you pull away, would give an immediate indication of whether the system is working or not.

 

5. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this vehicle, and how tyre pressures should be checked?
A. In the manufacturers guide.  Use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust the pressures when the tyres are cold. For example, Before starting a journey. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre, and refit the valve caps when finished.

 

6. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the oil level, and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil?
A. Open the bonnet, point out the dipstick, explain that you would remove the dipstick, wipe it down with a rag, then replace it.  Wait a few seconds, then remove it again, and the oil level should be somewhere between the minimum and maximum markers.

 

7. 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?
A. Open the bonnet, identify the minimum and maximum markers on the header tank, and explain that the water should be between the two markers.

 

8. Tell me how you would make sure that your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash?
A. The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part is at least as high as your eyes or top of your ears, and should be as close to the back of the head as possible.  (Some head restraints are not adjustable.)

 

9. 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?
A. Open the bonnet, identify the minimum and maximum markers on the brake fluid tank, and explain that the water should be between the two markers.

 

10. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road?
A. There should be no cuts or bulges on the tyres.  Use a reliable tread depth gauge, and measure the tread depth.  The depth should be NO LESS than 1.6mm, around the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire circumference.

 

11. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working?
A. (As this is a tell me question, no need to get out of the vehicle.)  Explain that you would switch the ignition on, operate the light switch, and then walk around the vehicle to check all lights, or ask someone to help you.

 

12. Tell me how you would switch the rear fog light(s) on, and explain when you would use them?
A. Switch ignition on, switch the lights on full, and press the fog light button.  Fog lights should only be used when visibility is less than 100 metres. Examples would be in thick fog, torrential rain, and in a snow blizzard. 

 

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

 

14. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your ABS (anti lock braking system) ?
A.  Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system

 

 

 

Show Me Questions (Whilst On The Move) :-

When it is safe to do so...

1. Can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

A. Operate control to wash and wipe the windscreen.

 

2. Can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

A. Operate control to wash and wipe the windscreen.

 

3. Can you show me how you switch on your dipped headlights?

A. Operate light switch to first setting.

 

4. Can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

A. Press the button to activate rear heated windscreen.

 

5. Show me how you would check that the horn is working?

A. Operate the horn.

 

6. Show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

A. Press the button to activate front heated windscreen.

 

7. Show me how you’d open and close the side window?

A. Operate the open/close window control on the door.