Car: "show me tell me" questions

DVSA Educational Videos

We will start this section with the "official" versions of these questions before we move on to the more detailed answers that are specific to our vehicles

All cars are slightly different, but they all have the components and switchgear that the examiner may ask you about on your driving test

You will have used some, or maybe all of the components during your lessons, but you may not, depending on the time of year you learn to drive

Below, you will find a link to the specific leaflet (pdf) for the vehicle you are learning in (providing you are learning with us). However, the Ford vehicle range does have similar switchgear throughout their product range

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    SHOW ME TELL ME QUESTIONS

    You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your car driving test

    The examiner will ask you one:

    • ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
    • ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving

    You’ll get one driving fault (sometimes called a ‘minor’) if you get one or both questions wrong

    You’ll fail your driving test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the ‘show me’ question.

     

    TELL ME QUESTIONS

    Q1 - Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working properly 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

     

    Q2 - Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?

    Check 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

     

    Q3 - 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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable

    Q4 - Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road?

    No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre

    Q5 -Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle?

    Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), you no longer need to walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

    Q6 - Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system?

    Warning light should illuminate (Near the 140mph marker if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system

    Q7 - Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle?

    Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights)

    Q8 -Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car?

    Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help

    Q9 - Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey?

    If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 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

    Q10 - Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle?

    Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use. Rear fog lights should be used when visibility is below 100 metres. (Tell tale will illuminate in the rev counter section of the instrument panel)

    Q11 - Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on?

    Operate switch with ignition on. Push the indicator arm away from you (with headlights on) to switch to high beam, and the same to cancel (toggle switch). Pulling towards you only 'flashes' the high beam. Check with (blue) main beam warning light (circled)

    Q12 - OPEN THE BONNET and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil?

    Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level (when engine is cold and after cleaning the dipstick) against the minimum and maximum markers on the bottom of the Dipstick

    Q13 - OPEN THE BONNET and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant?

    Identify high and low level markings on the front of the large tank with orange fluid, and describe how to top up to correct level. (When engine is cold, remove cap and add required amount of fluid)

    Q14 - OPEN THE BONNET and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?

    Identify reservoir (small tank with 2 black pipes), check level against high and low markings on the side of the tank

    SHOW ME QUESTIONS

    Q15 - When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

    Push the wiper arm away from you for 2-3 seconds. Fluid will spray onto rear screen, and wiper will operate several times to clean the rear windscreen

    Q16 - When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

    Pull the wiper arm towards you for 2-3 seconds. Fluid will spray onto front screen, and wiper will operate several times to clean the front windscreen. Afterwards, if drips/trails drip onto the screen, press the wiper arm down and release for a single sweep of the wiper blades

    Q17 - When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?

    Rotate the light bezel 2 click clockwise from position 1 to position 2 to activate dipped headlights. A green telltale light will appear at the bottom of the rev counter dial

    Q18 - When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

    The rear demister (heated screen) is located in the upper section of the ventilation panel to the left of the A/C button. Press the button to activate the heated screen, which will switch itself off after a set time. DO NOT take your eyes off the road for more than a glance as this is a common fault which can be marked SERIOUS

     

    Q19 - When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

    The horn can be operated by pressing ANYWHERE on the centre panel of the steering wheel. Two short 'polite' beeps is the recognise way of attracting another drivers attention. Avoid using the long, single angry sounding beep that some drivers use

     

    Q20 - When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

    The front screen can be quickly demisted by using the heated front screen (yellow arrow). To prevent the screen misting up again, direct the air flow onto the front screen by using the button indicated by the orange arrow, and adjust airflow with the fan - and fan + buttons

    Q21 - When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

    The window buttons are located on the drivers door panel below the mirror adjustment switches. The top right button is for the drivers door, push down and pull up for the operation required