Show Me, Tell Me

When you go for your driving test, the examiner will ask some questions related to road safety, and will also expect you to be able to demonstrate how to check certain parts of the car

This part of your test is called 'Show me, tell me', and the examiner will perform this part of your practical test before you actually get in the car to drive off

Learn these questions and suggested answers thoroughly to make sure that you get your test off to a great start. Errors in the show me, tell me will lead to driver errors on the marking sheet, so take the advice of your driving instructor and make sure that you get these right!

 

Q1: 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

A: Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers

Q2: 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: Identify high/low level markings on header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level

Q3: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level

A: Identify reservoir and explain how to check level. Check your car's manual to see how to do this

Q4: 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: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings

Q5: Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car

A: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help

Q6: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey

A: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side

Q7: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked

A: 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

Q8: 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

A: No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference

Q9: Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey

A: 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 turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning

Q10: Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working

A: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle

Q11: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working

A: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and walking around the vehicle to check functioning of all indicators

Q12: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)

A: Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary)

Q13: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear

A: Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel

The examiner will ask you these questions in set combinations, they are not able to simply pick any questions at random. The set combinations are listed below . . .

Combinations of Questions:

Combination 1 – Questions 1 and 9
Combination 2 – Questions 2 and 13
Combination 3 – Questions 3 and 12
Combination 4 – Questions 4 and 11
Combination 5 – Questions 5 and 13
Combination 6 – Questions 6 and 10
Combination 7 – Questions 7 and 11
Combination 8 – Questions 8 and 10
Combination 9 – Questions 8 and 12
Combination 10 – Questions 4 and 9
Combination 11 – Questions 1 and 10
Combination 12 – Questions 2 and 10

All ‘Show me, tell me' information is © Crown Copyright 2003 Driving Standards Agency