Show Me, Tell Me…

You will be asked two vehicle safety checks before starting the engine. These are called ‘show me tell me questions’. The examiner will ask you one tell me question; such as ‘where you would find the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle’ and then ask you physically to show them how to do or where something is on your vehicle; such as ‘ how to operate the fog lights’.

You cannot fail your practical driving test for getting one or both questions wrong, but you can pick up 1 minor driving fault as a result of one or two incorrect answers. You are allowed fifteen minor faults and would still pass the test however on your sixteenth minor you would be unsuccessful on that attempt.

With ‘It’s Drive-Time’, your instructor will show you where everything is on the car you are learning in, but this page is intended to be a valuable aid to that learning.

‘Show Me Tell Me’ Questions & Answers

Q1) Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

A1) Turn on the hazard warning lights, walk around the car to check they all work, ensure you check lights on doors and mirrors if necessary.

Q2) Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

A2) Press the footbrake, you will see the reflection of the lights in what ever is behind you. (or you could ask someone to stand at the rear of vehicle and check whilst you press the pedal.)

(you may need to switch ignition on, but do not start engine)

Q3) Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A3) If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two 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 turn the steering wheel after moving off, if it is easy to turn it works, if it is heavy it doesn’t .

Q4) Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.

A4) Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) fully, when you ease off the foot brake the vehicle shouldn’t move.

Carefully check when on a slight gradient.

Q5) (Show me) 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.

A5) Identify dipstick,(don’t touch it might be hot) explain there are minimum and maximum markers which the oil has to be in between. Remove the dip stick wipe with a cloth and re-insert, pull out once more and check the level.

Park the car on a flat surface and check when the engine is cold.

Q6) (Show me) Open the bonnet, where is the coolant flask, and how do you check there is sufficient water .

A6) Identify minimum and maximum markers and ensure the water is between the two .

Don’t check if the enginge is hot or you might get burnt.

Q7) (Show me) Where is the hydraulic brake fluid, how do you know if there is a safe level.

A7) Identify reservoir, check level against min and max markers.

Q8) Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

A8) If asked press the horn, check that there are no pedestrians or road users close by.

Q9) Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers

A9) Pull control towards the wheel for a couple of seconds until sufficient water has sprayed. (turn ignition on if necessary)

Q10) Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

A10) Set all relevant controls on to maximum. Operate demister for front and rear window.

Q11) Show me how you would switch on the fog light(s) and explain when you would use them. (No need to exit vehicle)

A11) Turn the headlights and tail lights on, and then turn on the front and rear fog lights.

Point out the warning light signaling your fog lights are on.

Q12) Show me how you switch your main beam on.

A12) Turn on your headlights and tail lights, then push control away from the wheel. Point out the blue warning light informing you that you have your main beam on.

Q13) Tell Me Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A13) When you press the brake pedal, it shouldn’t feel spongy or slack. Alternatively when you pull off, if it is safe gently brake and the car should not pull to one side.

Q14) Tell Me where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check it is a safe level.

A14) Identify reservoir and explain you would keep topping up.

Q15) Tell Me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A15) Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

Q16) Tell Me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

A16) Explain that the top of your head should be in line with the top of the head restraint. To help prevent serious neck injuries.

Q17) 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.

A17) No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Q18) Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.

A18) If this is a tell me question explain that you would turn the electrics on and turn the switch two clicks.(if it was a show me, you would then get out and check they all work)

Q19) Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

A19) A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.