Show me Tell me

In the practical test, you will be asked two ’show and tell’ questions about safety and maintenance checks on your car. Your examiner will ask you one ’show me’ and one ‘tell me’ question Getting one or both of them wrong will count as a driving fault in your test.

Tell me’ questions

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.
A: Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, the oil level should be between the minimum/maximum markers.

Q2: 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.
A: Identify high/low level markings on header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap, the correct level should be between the minimum/maximum markers.

Q3: Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is, and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A: Identify reservoir, the correct level should be between the minimum/maximum markers. . Check your car’s manual to see how to do this.

Q4: 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.
A: Identify reservoir, the correct level should be between the high/low markings.

Q5: Open the bonnet, identify where the battery is, and tell me how you would check the correct level of battery fluid.
A: Identify battery make sure the metal plates are covered by battery acid

Q6: Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
A: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help.

Q7: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q8: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A: Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

Q9: 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.
A: 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.

Q10: Tell me how would you know there is a problem with the Anti-lock Braking System
A: if there is a problem a warning light should illuminate

Show me’ questions

Q11: Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A: Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in the steering wheel becoming lighter as the system begins to operate. If this doesn’t happen the power steering is not working properly.
Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Q12: Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
A: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

Q13: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and walking around the vehicle to check functioning of all indicators.

Q14: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off-road only).
A: Check is carried out by using the control (turn on ignition if necessary).

Q15: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A: Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Q16: Show me how you would operate the windscreen washer & wipers
A: operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on but do not start engine)

Q17: Show me how you would operate the front & rear demister
A: set controls including temp, fan, air direction to clear windscreen and windows (without engine on).

Q18:  Show me how you would operate the front & rear fog lights
A: Switch on, check warning light is on. Fog lights are only used in fog! You must turn them back off! (Demo without engine on)

Q19: Show me how you would operate the main beam
A: switch headlights on from dipped to main beam. A warning light will show. (Demo without engine on)

Q20: Show me and explain what position the head restraint should be
A: The firmest part of the head restraint should be level with your eye or top of ear and comfortable (some restraints are not adjustable) this helps prevent whiplash in the event of an accident