Show Me/ Tell Me Questions
During your Practical Driving Test, the examiner will ask you to answer two Show Me Tell Me questions. These questions are normally asked at the start or during the practical driving test. You have to answer the “Tell Me” verbally with the explanation of the answer to the examiner, but with the “Show Me” questions you will need to carry out the check in full to show the examiner you understand the required check. If you give the wrong answer for one or both questions, you’ll be marked with one driving fault.
Q: Show me, how you would check that your headlight and tail lights are working?
Operate the Light switch from off to sidelight and then to dipped headlight. Walk around the car show that front and rear tail lights are working.
Q: Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on while you are inside the car? (Video Link)
Switch on the headlights to dipped headlights and indicator stalk down for main beam to operate (blue light will illuminate to show main beam is on).
Q: Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system. (Picture)
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Q: Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car. (Video Link)
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Q: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use the rear fog lights? (Picture)
Switch on the dipped headlights and press the rear for lights to operate an amber light will appear showing the rear fog light is operating ( ignition has to be on for it to work). Rear fog light is used when visibility is less than 100meters.
Q: Show me how you would check that your director indicators are working? (Video Link)
Turn on the hazard warning lights and walk around the car to check that all of the indicator bulbs are operating. This test can also be carried out by using the indicator switch – but for this, the ignition must usually be on and it is not recommended that you turn on the ignition unless you are sitting in the driver’s seat.
Q: Demonstrates to me/ Show me how you check that the horn is working? (Picture)
Press the horn to show that it’s working.
Q: 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 to check the level by looking through the lid or spotting the level through the plastic of the container. The windscreen washer bottle will usually have a lid that is marked with a windscreen symbol.
The fluid in the bottle will usually be brightly coloured (Green, Yellow, Blue and Pink are all common colours for washer fluid).
Q: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen? (Picture)
Q: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).
Q: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively; this should include both front and rear screens?
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction/source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. The engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
Q: Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. (Video Link)
Before starting the engine, press the pedal: The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. After starting, and immediately after setting off and finding a safe place to do so, the brakes should be tested by applying them firmly.
Q: Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. (Video Link)
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.
Q: 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. (Video Link)
No cuts and bulges, 1.6 mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
Q: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. (Picture)
One have to adjust the head restraint so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: It’s not possible to adjust some restraints.
Q: Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, you have to make 2 simple checks. 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.
Q: Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on. (Video Link)
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Q: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil. (Video Link)
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Q: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant. (Video Link)
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level
Q: Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid. (Video Link)
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.