Show Me Tell Me
Your driving test will start with a short 'show me tell me' session, where the examiner will ask you to explain or demonstrate some simple vehicle safety checks.
The sample questions are listed below followed by the answers or explanations, don't worry if they seem to be complicated or technical as your driving instructor will make time to go through them one by one before your test day.
1. Open the bonnet & show where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
- Point to dipstick oil level indicator then tell how to check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markers. (You will not be required to pull out the dipstick)
2. Show me and explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting your journey.
- Explain that 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. This means that the steering should be light and not heavy.
3. Open the bonnet & show where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
- Point to the min and max level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level. (Never remove the cap when the engine is hot as you risk being scalded)
4. Show me how you would check the parking brake also called the handbrake for excessive wear.
- Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
5. Open the bonnet and show where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
- Point to the reservoir and explain how to check level.
6. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
- Check is carried out by sounding the horn (turn on ignition if necessary).
7. Open the bonnet & show where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
- Point to the reservoir and check level against min/max markings.
8. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
- Switch on the indicators or hazard warning lights and check functioning of all indicators by walking around the vehicle. Most cars will have 2 lights at the side 2 at the front and 2 at the rear.
9. Tell 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 or ask someone to help to see the lights working. (Please do not ask the examiner to assist you as they will be busy assessing!)
10. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
- Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
11. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
- Turn on the lights by operating the switch (most vehicles need the ignition to be turned on), walk round vehicle checking all lights. Make sure you switch on the headlights and not just the side lights.
12. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
- Check for the correct pressure in the 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.
13. 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.
- There should be no cuts and bulges in the wall of the tyre, at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.