Viva Driving School
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. The 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!
Click on questions below:
Under The Bonnet
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.
Open the bonnet, identify where the Windscreen Washer reservoir is and TELL ME how you check the level?
Identify reservoir, lift off cap and make a visual check of level as there are no external markings on reservoir.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
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.
TELL ME how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on.
SHOW ME how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.
Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.
TELL ME where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
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.
SHOW ME how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary).
SHOW ME / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
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.
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.
SHOW ME how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition if necessary).
SHOW ME how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine).
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc., or ask someone to help.
SHOW ME how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
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.
Tell me how you’d 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. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
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).
Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
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).
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
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.
Tell me how you’d ensure tyres have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
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.
Tell me how you’d 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’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
Tell me how you’d 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.
‘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?