During your driving test the examiner will ask you two questions. These are known as the show me tell me questions. One question will require you to demonstrate or “show” the examiner the answer on the move and the other will just need you to explain the answer to them at the test centre before you begin driving.
Here are the Show me questions. When you are able to use the control safely demonstrate to the examiner that you can use the control.
1) When it’s safe to do so can you show me how to wash and clean the rear windscreen?
2) When it’s safe to do so can you show me how to wash and clean the front windscreen?
3) When it’s safe to do so can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?
4) When its safe to do so can you show me how you would set the rear demister?
5) When it’s safe to do so can you show me how to operate the horn?
6) When it’s safe to do so can you show me how to demist the front windscreen?
7) When it’s safe to do so can you show me how to operate the side window?
Tell me questions and answers
1) Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
“I would test the pedal to make sure the pedal does not feel spongy or slack. Then I would move off and test the brakes. The car should stop in a straight line and should not pull to one side”.
2) Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
“I would turn on the ignition without starting the car and operate the headlights. I would walk round car to check that the lights are working”.
3) Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
“I would look in the manufacture’s handbook to find the correct tyre pressures. I would use a reliable pressure gauge, maybe at a garage and check and adjust the pressures. I should do this when tyres are cold and if I have one check the spare tyre. I should remember to refit valve caps”.
4) 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.
“I need to check the tyres to make sure there are no cuts and bulges. I also need to make sure there is at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference”.
5) 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 my eyes or top of my ears, and as close to the back of my head as is comfortable. Some restraints might not be adjustable”.
6) Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
“A Warning light will come up on the dashboard if there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system”.
7) Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
“I would turn on the ignition and press the brake pedal. I can ask someone to have a look to see if they are working. If I’m on my own I can make use of reflections in windows or garage doors to see if they are on”.
8) Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
“I can check that it’s working by starting the engine and putting some pressure on the steering. If the power steering is working the steering will go light as the car starts up. I can also check it by starting the car and moving off and give the steering a wiggle to see if the steering is nice and easy to turn”.
9) Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle, Please don’t start the engine.)
“If I needed to use the fog lights I would turn on the headlights first and then use the fog light switch. A warning light will come on on the dashboard. I would use the fog light when visibility is less than 100m”.
10) Tell 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
“If I need the main beam the headlights would be on, I would then operate the control and a blue light would appear on the dashboard reminding me that the main beam is on”.
11) 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.
Show the examiner where the water coolant bottle is and tell them “I would make sure the coolant is between the minimum and maximum lines”.
12) 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.
Show the examiner where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell them “ I would make sure the fluid is between the minimum and maximum lines”.
13) Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
“I would turn on the hazard warning lights and check all indicators are working”.
14) 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.
Show the examiner where the dipstick is. The explain, “I would remove the dipstick, wipe it with a cloth, put it back in again and then pull it out again. I would have a look at the oil level on the dipstick to make sure it’s between the low and high lines”.