At the beginning of the practical driving test, the examiner will ask you two questions related to vehicle safety – the “Show me, tell me” questions. The questions your examiner asks will often cover the basic maintenance and operational procedures for the vehicle you plan on using for your test, and are designed to show your examiner that you are knowledgeable about the vehicle in general.
The questions may require that you open the bonnet of the car in order to identify fluid reservoirs, but you will not be required to physically touch any components under the bonnet as this may be dangerous – you only need show that you have identified the area in question.
You will be asked two ‘Show me, tell me’ questions out of a pool of 19, with the questions often asked in set combinations.
Once you have completed the vehicle safety question step of the practical test your examiner will ask you to take a seat inside your vehicle. The examiner will then take a walk around the car to make sure that the vehicle is road worthy before getting in to the passenger seat.
Show Me Tell Me Question Examples
As of 1st July 2008, 6 new questions have been added – before there were just 13 questions, now there’s 19 questions for you to know. Below is the complete list of the questions including the new show me tell me questions from which your driving examiner will choose two at random to ask you.
Note: Failure on one or both of the show me tell me questions will result in one minor fault.
Q1. 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.
Q2. 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.
Q3. Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made to ensure that the vehicle’s steering has not become faulty, these include, 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.
Q4. 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.
Q5. 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.
Q6. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary).
Q7. 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 the 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)
Q8. 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.
Q9. 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.
Q10. 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.
Q11. 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.
Q12. 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.
Q13. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Apply the handbrake brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself.
Q14. 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.
Q15. 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).
Q16. 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.
Q17. 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.
Q18. 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.
Q19. 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.
