Show Me,
Tell Me
Questions
Driving Test
Before you start your practical driving test you will have an eyesight check.
You will also be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your test, these are known as the “show me, tell me”
questions. Answer any of these two questions incorrectly and you will gain one driving test fault.
The examiner will ask you one “show me” question, where you will have to show them how you’d carry out a
vehicle safety check and one ”tell me” question where you will have to explain to the examiner how you
would carry out the check.
Your driving instructor will help you prepare for these questions and provide practice during your lessons.
The ‘show me’ safety questions
The show me safety question will be asked while you are driving. It can be asked at any time during the test,
including during the independent driving part. The examiner will ask the question in a location which gives
you enough chance to demonstrate the safety check.
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
• When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
The ‘tell me’ questions
1. 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. The vehicle should not pull
to one side.
2. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how
tyre pressure should be checked.
Recommended pressures can be found in the manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge. Check
and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, check all tyres including the spare and refit valve caps.
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in
the event of a crash.
Where possible 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.
The ‘tell me’ questions
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.
There should be no cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the
breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
5. Tell me where you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the
vehicle.
Explain that you would operate the switch (turn on the ignition if necessary), then walk round the vehicle
(as this is a ”tell me” question, you do not need to physically check the lights).
6. 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.
The ‘tell me’ questions
7. Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Explain that you would operate the switch (turn on the ignition if necessary), and then walk around the
vehicle (as this is a ”tell me” question, you do not need to physically check the lights).
8. Tell me where you would check that the brake lights are working on the car.
Explain that you would operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask
someone to help.
9. Tell me how you would check 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, 2
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.
The ‘tell me’ questions
10. Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.
Operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check the warning light is on
and explain use.
11. Tell me where you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know if
the main beam is on.
Operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check the main beam warning light.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Open the bonnet by activating the lever that is usually in the driver or passenger footwell. Identify the
dipstick/oil level indicator and describe how to check the oil level against the minimum and maximum
markers.
The ‘tell me’ questions
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify high and low level markings on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe
how to top up to the correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.
Good luck with your
driving lessons and test
https://www.geoffcapesdriving.co.uk