Show me - Tell me
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You will be asked 2 vehicle safety questions as part of your car driving test. These are also known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions or mechanical check questions.
The examiner will ask you…
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one ‘tell me’ question, where you have to show them how you would carry out a check on your vehicle which may require you to open the bonnet. This will be asked at the very start of the test before you leave the test centre.
one ‘show me’ question, where you have to show the examiner how you would carry out the check or vehicle control. This will be done on the test itself whilst you are driving.
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1.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Answer: 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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.
2.
Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Answer: Open the bonnet and identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
3.
Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer: Open the bonnet and identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.
4.
Open the bonnet and identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Answer: Open the bonnet and identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings.
5.
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.
Answer: The side walls should have no cuts and bulges and 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
6.
Without taking your eyes off the road for more than a couple of seconds!
Show me how you would check that the horn is working.
Answer: Check is carried out by using control on steering wheel.
7.
Without taking your eyes off the road for more than a couple of seconds!
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Answer: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).
8.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle).
Answer: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary) then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights).
9.
Without taking your eyes off the road for more than a couple of seconds!
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Answer: 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.
10.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Answer: Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
11.
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Answer: Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
12.
Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle).
Answer: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
13.
Tell me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
Answer: Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
14.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Answer: 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.
15.
Tell me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Answer: 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.
16.
Tell 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).
Answer: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).
17.
Open the bonnet and identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Answer: Open the bonnet and identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
18.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
19.
Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Answer: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).
20.
Without taking your eyes off the road for more than a couple of seconds!
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Show me how you would open and close a side window.
Answer: Press the switch (probably on drivers door) to open and then close the side window.
