At the start of the practical driving test
The driving test examiner will begin the test by asking you two Show me Tell me questions. One show me question where you are required to point out how something works and one tell me question, where you are required to talk through how something works. These test your knowledge of basic car maintenance and safety.
If you answer either of these two questions incorrectly you will gain one minor fault. Most driving tests are failed due to serious faults and not exceeding the 15 minors allowed. If you get the Show me Tell me questions incorrect, simply forget about it and concentrate of the driving part of the test that will follow.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 1
Q. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
A. Identify the engine coolant tank and check that the level of coolant is between the minimum and maximum level indicator. If the coolant is below the minimum mark then more coolant is needed. To do this, unscrew the tank cap when the engine is cold and add the coolant until the maximum mark is reached.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 2
Q. 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 the hydraulic brake fluid reservoir. Check the brake fluid level is at a safe level between the minimum and maximum level indicator.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 3
Q. Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A. Before starting a journey there are two simple checks that can be made to check that the power assisted steering is working.
1) Start the engine and apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel. You should feel a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
2) Turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly as the car will respond to the direction of travel.
This is important because if the steering becomes heavy, the power assisted steering may be faulty.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 4
Q. 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 the dipstick. Remove the dipstick and wipe the end where the minimum and maximum level indicator is clean and reinsert. Remove once more and check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markings on the dipstick.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 5
Q. Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you check the level?
A. Locate the windscreen washer reservoir. Lift off the cap and make a visual check of the level of fluid as there are no external markings on reservoir. This should be checked regularly.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 6
Q. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A. To check that the horn is working, press it and listen for it. (turn on ignition if necessary).
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 7
Q. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you. If you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine).
A. Apply force to the brake pedal. Making use of reflections in windows, garage doors look for reflections of the lights. Alternatively, ask someone to stand behind the car and help identify if the lights are working. (You will need to switch the ignition on.)
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 8
Q. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A. Just as you set off on a journey apply pressure to the brakes. They should respond. They should not feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 9
Q. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
A. Turn the ignition if necessary and then switch the lights on. Either exit the car and walk around it to check that the lights are on or ask someone to walk around the car for you.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 10
Q. Show me how you would check that the indicators are working correctly.
A. Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly. Operating the hazard warning lights is the preferred method as the ignition does not need to be on for the hazard warning lights to work.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 11
Q. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A. Information about the recommended tyre pressure will be found in the car manufacturer’s guide/manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 12
Q. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A. Firmly apply the foot brake to secure the car and apply the parking brake. When the handbrake is fully applied you should have noticed tension whilst lifting it. It should secure itself and not be at the end of its working travel.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 13
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.
A. The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears. It should be as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. However, some restraints might not be adjustable.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 14
Q. Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A. A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 15
Q. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A. It might be necessary to turn the ignition on. Operate control and hold for approximately 3 seconds to wash and wipe windscreen.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 16
Q. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
A. Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 17
Q. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A. A warning light will illuminate on dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 18
Q. Show 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 the headlight switch and turn this to main beam. You will know that the main beam is on because the main bean warning will light up on the dashboard. You may need to turn the engine on to operate the lights.
Show Me Tell Me Test Question 19
Q. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle).
A. Operate the switch (turn on the dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check the warning light is on and explain when you would use the fog lights, when visibility is reduced to 100m .
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