During your driving test, the examiner will ask you 1 tell me question, and 1 show me question. The tell me question will be asked at the start of the test before you start driving, and will require a verbal answer. The show me question will be a physical action while your driving out on the road, like operating a switch.
Show Me Questions
- When safe to do so, show me how you would clean the front windscreen?
- When safe to do so, show me how you would clean the rear windscreen?
- When safe to do so, show me how to switch on the dipped headlights?
- When safe to do so, show me how to use the rear demister?
- When safe to do so, show me how to demist the front windscreen?
- When safe to do so, show me how you would open and close the side window?
- When safe to do so, show me how you would check that the horn is working?
The answers to the above “Show Me Questions” will be specific to the car you are driving. Please ask your instructor for clarification.
Tell Me Questions
Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working?
Explain that you would apply the hazard warning switch while stationery to activate all the indicator lights, then walk around the car to check they all work.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
Apply the brakes they should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car?
Explain that while you are stationery, you would operate the brake pedal, and check by making use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
Tell me how you would check that 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 two 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.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?
Look up the pressure in the manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge to check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit valve caps.
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 the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Remember that some restraints might not be adjustable.
Tell me how to check the tyres are safe for road use?
They should have no cuts and bulges, a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle).
Operate the switch then walk round vehicle. (As this is a “Tell Me” question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them?
First turn on the dipped lights. Then press the fog lights. Check the warning light is on and explain that you would use them when visibility is less than 100 metres.
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.
Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car?
Operate the main beam switch, and check the warning light.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient oil?
Identify where the dipstick is and describe how you would check the oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Open the bonnet and tell me where you would check the engine coolant level, and describe how you would check that the engine has the correct level?
Identify the high/low level markings on the header tank and describe how to top up to the correct level.