The Show Me, Tell Me Q&As

At the start of your practical driving test the examiner will ask you two "Show me Tell Me" questions. The questions concern general maintenance and safety checks on your car.

One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded on your test.

Q) Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A) You can test the brakes as you set off, the brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the car should not pull to one side.

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Q) Identify the windscreen washer reservoir and tell me how you would check the washer level.
A) Identify reservoir and tell them you would open the cap and look inside and top up if needed.

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Q) Show me how you would check the indicators are working.
A) Operate the hazard warning switch and walk round the car checking they are working.

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Q) Show me how you would check the brake lights are working.
A) Turn on ignition do not start engine. Press the brake pedal and ask the examiner to check lights are working or make use of reflective surface, windows, garage doors etc.

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Q) Show me and explain how you would check the power steering in working.
A) When the engine is off the steering is heavy and hard to turn, but when the engine is running the steering should become lighter and easier to turn.

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Q) Identify the engine water coolant and tell me how you would check that its at the correct level.
A) Identify the water coolant and that you would check against the min / max markings.

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Q) Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this And when tyre pressure should be checked.
A) Use the car owners hand book,And pressure should be checked when tyres are cold.

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Q) Show me how you would check that the handbrake for excessive wear.
A) Apply footbrake firmly.Demonstrate by applying handbrake that it locks itself in place and it not at the end of its working travel.

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Q) Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A) The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part 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.

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Q) Show me where the brake fluid reservoir is and how you would check the level
A) Identify reservoir and check against min / max markings.

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Q) Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A) There should be at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the tyre & the entire outer circumference. And no cuts or bulges on the side walls.

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Q) Show me how to check that the horn is working.
A) Press the horn.

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Q) Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
A) Turn ignition on do not start car operate control to wash and wipe windscreen.

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Q) Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (no need to exit the car)
A) Turn on the lights and then tell him you would walk round the car checking that the lights are working.

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Q) Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear both front and rear windows.
A) Set all relevant controls including; Fan , temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windows.Engine does not have to be started.

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Q) Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.
A) Turn on ignition do not start car. Turn on dipped headlights and fog light switch. Point out fog warning light is on. And you would use fog lights when visibility is less then 100 meters.

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Q) Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system
A) Tell him a warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

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Q) Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.
A) Turn ignition on do not start car. Operate switch and point out that the main beam warning light is on.

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Q) Show me where and how you would check the cars engine oil.
A) Identify the oil dip-stick and explain that you would take it out, wipe it with a clean cloth then put it back in then take it out again and check against the high and low markings.