The 'show me tell me' questions where first introduced
on UK Driving
Tests in September 2003 by the DSA and require you to
explain to the driving
test examiner where and how to check the tyres, brakes, fluid levels, lights,
direction indicators, power steering, horn
etc. You will be asked two
questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'
question.
Question 1. 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.
Identify the coolant
tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant is
below the min mark
then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew
the cap and
pour in coolant until the max mark is
reached.
Question 2. 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.
Identify
the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the
min/max
levels.
Question 3. Show me/explain how
you would check that the power assisted
steering is working before
starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be
faulty. Before starting a
journey two simple checks can be made. 1) Gentle
pressure on the steering
wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started,
should result in slight but
noticeable movement as the system begins to
operate. 2) Turning the steering
wheel after just moving off will give an
immediate indication that the power
assisted steering is functioning
correctly.
Question 4. Identify where the
windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me
how you would check the
windscreen washer level.
Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the
level.
Question 5. Open the bonnet
identify, where you would check the engine oil
level and tell me how you
would check that the engine has enough oil.
Identify the dipstick, pull it
out and check the oil level against the
min/max
markings.
Question 6. Show me how you
would check that the horn is working (off road
only).
Press the horn
and listen (turn on ignition if
necessary).
Question 7. 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).
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage
doors, etc,
or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on,
prompt not to start
engine)
Question
8. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before
starting
a journey.
As you move off check the brakes. They should not feel spongy and
the car
should not pull to one side.
Question 9. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights
are working.
Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car
and check that
the lights are on.
Question 10. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are
working correctly.
Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk
around the car to
see if all the indicators are working
correctly.
Question 11. Tell me where you
would find the information for the
recommended tyre pressures for this car
and how tyre pressures should be
checked.
Information will be found
using the car manufacturer's manual. Check the tyre
pressures by using a
reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don't
forget the spare
and remember to refit the valve caps.
Question 12. 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 safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should
be at least
1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and
around the entire
outer
circumference.
Question 13. Show me how
you would check the parking brake for excessive
wear.
Apply the
parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure
itself.
Question 14. Tell me how you make
sure your head restraint is correctly
adjusted so it provides the best
protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted 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. N.B.
Some restraints might not be adjustable.
Question 15. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen
washer and wipers .
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn
ignition on if
necessary.
Question
16. 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. Engine does not have to be
started for this demonstration.
Question 17. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your
anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a
fault with the anti lock
braking
system.
Question 18. 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.
Operate switch (with
ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main
beam warning
light.
Question 19. 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).
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and
ignition if necessary). Check
warning light is on. Explain
use.
Note: Failure on one
or both of the show me tell me questions will result
in one minor
fault.
