What are the Show Me, Tell Me questions?
During your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions.
These questions are designed to check that you understand basic vehicle safety and that you
can operate important vehicle controls safely.
Tell Me
You will be asked one question before you start driving.
You will need to explain how you would carry out a vehicle safety check.
Show Me
You will be asked one question while you are driving.
You will need to demonstrate how to operate one of the vehicle controls safely.
Part One
Tell Me Questions
Study these questions and make sure you can clearly explain each safety check
before your driving test.
1
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer:
The brakes should not feel spongy or slack.
They should be tested as you set off and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
Test Tip:
Remember: firm brakes, test them as you move off and make sure the vehicle does not pull to either side.
2
Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures and how you would check them.
Answer:
Check the manufacturer's guide or vehicle information for the recommended pressures.
Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge and check the tyres when they are cold.
Adjust the pressure if necessary and remember to replace the valve caps.
3
Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.
Answer:
The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as your eyes
or the top of your ears and positioned as close to the back of your head as is comfortable.
4
Tell me how you would check that the tyres have sufficient tread depth and are safe to use.
Answer:
Check that the tyres have no cuts, bulges or other damage.
They must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters
of the tyre and around its entire circumference.
5
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Answer:
Switch on the lights, turning on the ignition if necessary,
and walk around the vehicle to make sure all the lights are working correctly.
6
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system.
Answer:
A warning light on the dashboard would indicate that there is a fault
with the anti-lock braking system.
7
Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Answer:
Operate the indicators or hazard warning lights, turning on the ignition if necessary,
and check that all of the indicators are working correctly.
8
Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working.
Answer:
Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows, garage doors or another suitable surface,
or ask another person to check the brake lights for you.
9
Tell me how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working.
Answer:
If the steering becomes unusually heavy, the system may not be working correctly.
Applying gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine should result
in a slight movement as the power assistance begins to operate.
10
Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.
Answer:
Operate the rear fog-light control after switching on the appropriate lights.
Check that the warning light appears on the dashboard.
Rear fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced.
11
Tell me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam.
Answer:
Operate the appropriate headlight control and check that the main-beam warning light
appears on the dashboard.
12
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer:
Identify the dipstick or electronic oil-level indicator.
If using a dipstick, remove it, wipe it clean, replace it fully and remove it again.
The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Practice Tip:
Ask your instructor to show you where the oil dipstick is located
on the vehicle you use for your driving lessons.
13
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient coolant.
Answer:
Identify the coolant reservoir and check that the level is between
the minimum and maximum markings.
Explain how you would safely top it up to the correct level if required.
14
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of brake fluid.
Answer:
Identify the brake-fluid reservoir and check that the fluid level
is between the minimum and maximum markings.
Part Two
Show Me Questions
These questions are asked while you are driving.
Only operate the requested control when it is safe to do so
and always maintain full control of the vehicle.
1
When it is safe to do so, show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.
What to do:
Operate the rear windscreen washer and wiper control
while continuing to drive safely.
2
When it is safe to do so, show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.
What to do:
Operate the front windscreen washer and wipers using the appropriate control.
3
When it is safe to do so, show me how you would switch on the dipped headlights.
What to do:
Use the vehicle's headlight control to switch on the dipped headlights
without losing control of the vehicle.
4
When it is safe to do so, show me how you would set the rear demister.
What to do:
Operate the rear heated-window or demister control.
5
When it is safe to do so, show me how you would operate the horn.
What to do:
Use the horn control when it is safe and appropriate to demonstrate it.
6
When it is safe to do so, show me how you would demist the front windscreen.
What to do:
Set the ventilation or climate controls so that air is directed
towards the front windscreen to clear mist or condensation.
7
When it is safe to do so, show me how you would open and close the side window.
What to do:
Use the electric or manual window control to open and close the side window
while maintaining safe control of the vehicle.
Practise Before Your Test
Knowing the answers is important, but practising the controls in the car
you will use for your test will help you feel much more confident.
Our instructors can help you prepare for every part of your practical driving test.
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