The “Show me tell me” questions are basic safety and maintenance checks that you should carry out to ensure the vheicle is safe for use

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Before beginning your practical driving test your driving test examiner will ask you two questions, one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’ question. It is expected that you will know the answer to the two questions and by doing so may allow you to enter the vehicle with a greater degree of confidence.

Should you forget or if one or both questions are answered incorrectly, it will result in only one driving fault being recorded.

Q1. 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 the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against the minimum/maximum markings.

Q2. Show me / explain how you would check that 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 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.

Q3. 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.

Identify the coolant tank and check the minimum/maximum 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.

Q4. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle

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.

Q5. 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.

Q6. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Check is carried out by sounding the horn (turn on ignition if necessary).

Q7. 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 reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Q8. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and walking around the vehicle to check functioning of all indicators.

Q9. 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

Q10. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working 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.

Q11. Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

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

Q12. 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 tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.

Q13. 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.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Q14. 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.)

Q15. 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.

Q16. 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.

Q17. 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.

Q18. 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.

Q19. 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.