The Show me, tell me questions

The Show me / Tell me safety check questions and answers can be found here. More details can be found in the DVSA publications Driving the Essential Skills and The Official DVSA Driving Tests. More DVSA books can be found at- 

https://www.dvsabooks.com/index.php?main_page=index

More advice and information can also be found in your manufacturer’s handbook.

One question from the tell me list will be used at the beginning of the test and before leaving the car park. The other one will be from the show me list and asked driving along.

The show me questions-

When it’s safe to do so…

  1. Show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen
  2. Show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen
  3. Show me how you switch on your dipped headlights
  4. Show me how you’d set the rear demister
  5. Show me how you’d operate the horn
  6. Show me how you’d demist the front windscreen
  7. How do you open and close the side window?

The Tell me questions-

Q1: Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working, before starting a journey.

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

Q2: Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures on this car and how you check the tyre pressures.

Tyre pressures can be found in the manufacturers handbook. Use a reliable gauge to check and adjust the pressures. Check them when they’re cold, and don’t forget the spare. Remember to refit the valve caps.

Q3: Tell me how you check that your head restraint is correctly adjusted to provide the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the level is at least as high as the eyes and  ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some might not be adjustable.

Q4: Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have enough tread depth. Also tell me how to check their general condition so they're safe

There should be no lumps, bumps, cuts, cracks and bulges in the side walls. There should be a minimum of 1.6mm depth of tread across the centre three-quarters breadth and around the circumference of the tyre.

Q5: Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Explain how to operate the switch (turn on the ignition if necessary). Walk around the vehicle if required. You shouldn’t need to.

Q6: Tell me how you would know if there's a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

The warning light on the dashboard should illuminate.

Q7: Tell me how you would check that all the indicators are working. You don't necessarily need to exit the vehicle.

Explain that you’d switch on the hazard warning lights. Walk around the car to check, if necessary.

Q8: Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working and I can assist you. If you need to switch the ignition on but please don't start the engine.

Brake lights

Check that the handbrake is on and the gear is in neutral. Turn on the ignition, but not the engine. Apply the footbrake and make use of garage doors, windows etc. for any reflections. Ask someone to help if it’s possible. You shouldn’t need to check the brake lights physically.

Q9: Explain to me how you would check the power assisted steering is working.

If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Drive forwards and turn the steering wheel. It should turn noticeably with you and shouldn’t feel heavy.

Q10: Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them. Do not start the engine.

Fog lights

Check that the handbrake is on and the gear is in neutral. Turn on the ignition until the lights come on the dashboard. Turn on the dipped headlights, then turn on the rear fog lights. Check the rear fog light’s orange warning light is illuminated on the dashboard. Fog lights should only be used when visibility is less than 100 metres.

Q11: Tell me how you switch your headlights from dipped beam to main beam headlights and explain how you know the main beam is on.

Check that the handbrake is on and the gear is in neutral. Turn the ignition until lights come on the dashboard, but don’t start the engine. Turn on the head lights. Switch to main beam. Check that the blue main beam warning light on the dashboard is illuminated.

Q12: Open the bonnet, and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.

The engine oil dipstick

Open the bonnet and identify the oil dipstick. Explain how to remove the dipstick, wipe it clean and replace it. Then describe how to remove it to check the oil level is in-between the minimum and maximum markers.

Q13: Open the bonnet, and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient coolant.

Coolant

Identify the high and low level markings on the header tank where fitted, or the radiator cap. Describe how to top up to the correct level with water and anti-freeze.

Q14: Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir and tell me how to check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Brake fluid

Open the bonnet and identify the brake fluid reservoir. Explain how to check the level between minimum and maximum markers.

The Show me / Tell me questions are current from May 2021

STUDENTS WORK STATION – view
THEORY TEST (From September 2020) – view
SHOW ME, TELL ME – view
HAZARD PERCEPTION – view