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Show me tell me

At the start of your practical driving test, you will have an eyesight test. You’ll have to correctly read a number plate on a parked vehicle from a distance of 20 Meters. Once this is done the “Show Me, Tell Me” questions will begin. T

he driving test examiner will ask you two questions, one “show me” question and one “tell me” question. Answer any of these two questions incorrectly and you will gain one driving test fault. Don’t worry if you get an answer wrong, focus on your driving. 

You may also be asked a “show me” question at any time whilst driving during the test so take care & only open windows or any ancillary controls when it is safe to do so & take care with your steering. You can get a serious or dangerous fault when answering the” show me” question while driving & you do not have full control of the vehicle!

Show me tell me

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and TELL ME how you would check that the engine has enough oil.

Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings.

Identify reservoir, lift off cap and make a visual check of level as there are no external markings on reservoir.

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

Outside the Car

TELL ME how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on.

Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.

Information will be found using the car manufacturer’s manual.

Inside the Car

TELL ME how you would know if there was a problem with your (ABS) anti-lock braking system.

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the (ABS) anti-lock braking system.

Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary).

A. 1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel maintained, whilst the engine is started should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. i.e Wheel is hard to turn when engine is off but easy to steer when engine is on.

2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.

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.

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition if necessary).

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc., or ask someone to help.

Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

General

Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

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.

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.

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

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.

‘Show me ‘ whilst driving

  • 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?