Show Me/Tell Me Questions for the Car Test
In 2003 the Department of transport introduced verbal questions relating to car maintenance and roadworthiness into the practical test of ability to drive.
You will be asked two Vehicle Safety Questions, commonly known as "Show Me" & "Tell Me".
These Standard questions with answers are published on the DSA website
Vehicle safety questions
These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked,pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.
As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures. You can find source material in the DSA publication 'The official guide to Driving - the essential skills' and 'The official DSA guide to learning to drive'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook.
Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
These questions are included in all practical driving tests and will be in the format of "Combinations" of two questions, some may not be used.
I have provided answers below each question Correct at 01/06/2010
| Type | Question |
Answer |
|
| 1 | Show | 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 |
| 2 | Tell | 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. |
| 3 | Show | Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to |
Activate the brake pedal and make use of reflections in garage doors etc to see if the brake lights come on or ask someone to help. (The Examiner will assist you if required) |
| 4 | Show | 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. |
| 5 | Show | Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear. |
Apply the Footbrake firmly. Apply the parking brake so when it is fully applied it should secure itself. and is not at the end of it's working travel |
| 6 | Tell | Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is, and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level. |
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.If when applying the washer no fluid appeared then it would indicate a top up is required. If the washer reservoir is not full then it could be topped up |
| 7 | Show | 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? | Identify using the dipstick/oil level indicator, describe the checking of the oil level against the minimum/maximum markers. |
| 8 | Tell | 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. |
| 9 | Show | 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 Minimum/Maximum level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to the correct level |
| 10 | Tell | 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. |
| 11 | Show | Open the bonnet, identify where the 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, check the level against Minimum/Maximum level markings |
| 12 | Tell | Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth that their general condition is safe to use on the road? | No cuts and bulges. 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breath of the tyre and around the entire outer circumferences. Appearance looks fully inflated not flat (Ask about the twenty pence test) |
| 13 | Show | Show me how you would check if the horn is working (off road only)? | This check is carried out by using horn control (turn on ignition if necessary) |
| 14 | Show | 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. |
| 15 | Show | 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. |
| 16 | Tell | 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. |
| 17 | Show | 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. |
| 18 | Tell | Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system. |
ABS Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.This is located on the speedometer dial. |
| 19 | Show | 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 light switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), switch indicator switch forward and to change from dipped to main headlights.- check the main beam warning light (Bright blue).illuminates on the dashboard warning panel |
Please Note: Failure on one or both of the show me tell me questions will result in one minor fault. |
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All these questions are available to download from theDSA Website Please check for updates or changes
Unofficial questions
These are questions that you should know and may save you costly garage bills
- Show me how you would change a fuse?
- Tell me how you would change a windscreen wiper?
- Tell me how you would know if your exhaust was faulty?
- Tell me how you would remove ice from your windscreen in winter?
