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What Are the Show Me, Tell Me Questions?
During your car practical driving test, the examiner will ask you two vehicle-safety questions.
You will be asked:
One “Tell Me” question before you start driving, where you explain how you would carry out a vehicle safety check.
One “Show Me” question while you are driving, where you demonstrate how to use one of the car’s controls when it is safe to do so.
Getting one or both questions wrong will normally result in one driving fault. If you lose control of the vehicle or create a dangerous situation while carrying out the “Show Me” task, this can result in failing the test. GOV.UK
The exact position and operation of controls can vary between cars, so make sure you practise these checks in the vehicle you will be using for your test.
1. How would you check that the brakes are working properly?
The brake pedal should not feel excessively soft or loose. Test the brakes as you move off and make sure the vehicle does not pull to either side.
2. Where would you find the correct tyre pressures and how would you check them?
Use the vehicle manufacturer’s information. Check the pressures with a reliable gauge when the tyres are cold, adjust them if necessary and replace the valve caps. Check the spare tyre where applicable.
3. How should the head restraint be adjusted?
The solid part of the 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 comfortably possible.
4. How would you check that the tyres are safe?
Check that there are no cuts or bulges. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its complete circumference.
5. How would you check that the headlights and rear lights work?
Switch them on, turning on the ignition if necessary, and explain that you would walk around the vehicle to check them.
6. How would you know there was a fault with the ABS?
The ABS warning light would indicate a problem with the anti-lock braking system.
7. How would you check the indicators?
Operate the indicators or hazard warning lights and explain that you would check that all the indicators are working.
8. How would you check the brake lights?
Press the brake pedal and use reflections from windows or another surface, or ask another person to help check them.
9. How would you check that the power-assisted steering is working?
If the steering becomes unusually heavy, there could be a fault. Depending on the vehicle, you should notice the steering assistance operating when the system is active.
10. How would you switch on the rear fog lights and when would you use them?
Operate the appropriate control, with the dipped headlights or ignition on if required, check the warning light and explain when rear fog lights should be used.
11. How would you change from dipped headlights to main beam?
Operate the correct control and check the main-beam warning symbol on the instrument panel.
12. Open the bonnet and explain how you would check the engine oil level.
Identify the dipstick or electronic oil-level indicator and explain how you would check that the oil is between the appropriate minimum and maximum levels.
13. Open the bonnet and explain how you would check the engine coolant level.
Identify the coolant reservoir and its minimum and maximum markings and explain how the level would be topped up correctly if necessary.
14. Open the bonnet and explain how you would check the brake-fluid level.
Identify the brake-fluid reservoir and make sure the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum markings.
These are the current DVSA car-test subjects. GOV.UK
While you are driving, the examiner may ask you to demonstrate one of the following when it is safe to do so:
The current DVSA examiner guidance lists these seven Show Me tasks. GOV.UK
Knowing the answer is useful, but you should also know where the controls and under-bonnet components are in the car you will actually drive.
Your Just Drive instructor can practise the Show Me and Tell Me questions with you during your lessons so that you understand both the answer and how the controls work in your training vehicle.
Just Drive provides manual driving lessons, intensive driving courses and refresher lessons in and around Huntingdon, St Ives, Ramsey and our local Huntingdonshire service area.
We have been best-rated for 12+ consecutive years, and lessons are provided by fully qualified DVSA Approved Driving Instructors — not trainee instructors.
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