"Show Me, Tell Me" Questions & Answers With
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"Show Me, Tell Me?"

The "Show Me, Tell Me" part of the driving test is where the driving examiner will ask you questions on how to carry out basic maintainance checks on a car. The type of questions the driving examiner could ask are below with answer provided.

Example 1

Driving Examiners Question

• 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?

Pupils Answer

• Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe how to check oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

Example 2

Driving Examiners Question

• Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey?

Pupils Answer

• Before starting a journey two 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. If the steering is heavy the system is not working properly.

Example 3

Driving Examiners Question

• Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level?

Pupils Answer

• Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or the radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Example 4

Driving Examiners Question

• Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, keeping safe control of the vehicle?

Pupils Answer

• Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Example 5

Driving Examiners Question

• Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Pupils Answer

• Identify reservoir and explain how to check level

Example 6

Driving Examiners Question

• Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)?

Pupils Answer

• Check is carried out by using control. (You may need to switch the ignition on, but you should not start the engine.)

Example 7

Driving Examiners Question

• 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?

Pupils Answer

• Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Example 8

Driving Examiners Question

• Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?

Pupils Answer

• Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (You may need to switch the ignition on, but you should not start the engine.)

Example 9

Driving Examiners Question

• Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you with this if you wish.) If you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine?

Pupils Answer

• Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (The examiner is allowed to check for you.)

Example 10

Driving Examiners Question

• Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?

Pupils Answer

• With the engine running, brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.

Example 11

Driving Examiners Question

• Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?

Pupils Answer

• With the engine running, brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.

Example 12

Driving Examiners Question

• Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit the vehicle)?

Pupils Answer

• Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round the vehicle. (As this is a 'Tell Me' question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)

Example 13

Driving Examiners Question

• Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?

Pupils Answer

• Manufacturer's guide (usually to be found somewhere on the vehicle) or owner's manual; use a reliable pressure gugage; check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold; don't forget the spare tyre; remember to refit valve caps.

Example 14

Driving Examiners Question

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

Pupils Answer

• 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.

Example 15

Driving Examiners Question

• Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. (You may need to switch the ignition on, but you should not start the engine.)?

Pupils Answer

• Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. (You may need to switch the ignition on, but you should not start the engine.)

Example 16

Driving Examiners Question

• Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively. This should include both front and rear screens?

Pupils Answer

• 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.

Example 17

Driving Examiners Question

• 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.)?

Pupils Answer

• Operate switch; turn on dipped headlights (and ignition, if necessary, but without starting the engine). Check warning lights is on. Explain when to use for lights.

Example 18

Driving Examiners Question

• Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car?

Pupils Answer

• Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary); check with main beam warning light.

Example 19

Driving Examiners Question

• Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car?

Pupils Answer

• Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary); check with main beam warning light.

Example 20

Driving Examiners Question

• Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash?

Pupils Answer

• The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as hight as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. NB: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Example 21

Driving Examiners Question

• Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system?

Pupils Answer

• Warning light should be illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

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