Practical Driving Test Show me / Tell me Questions
Driving Questions
Practical driving test ‘show me tell me’ questions are an essential part of your driving knowledge. At the start of your practical test the examiner will ask you one of each of the following:
- To explain how you would carry out certain safety checks
- To demonstrate how you would carry out certain safety checks. You will need to open the bonnet of the vehicle for some of these checks.
You will be asked two questions from the following:
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Identify high / low markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings.
Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.
Tell me how you would 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 would check the tyres to ensure that they 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.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.Show me / explain 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 assisted steering is functioning.Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the washers and wipers.
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn on ignition if necessary)
Show me how you would 'Show me how you would switch from dipped headlight to main beam.'clean the windscreen using the washers and wipers.
Explain how you would the main beam is on whilst inside your car. Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary) check for the main beam warning light.
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear both front and rear windscreens effectively.
Set relevant controls which include: fan, temperature, air direction and source, plus heated screen control. (Do not start engine).
Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted to provide the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted to that the rigid part of the restraint is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears. The restraint should be as close to the back of the head as is comfortably possible. (Not all head restraints are adjustable).
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.
(Stay in the car), Operate switch, (turn on ignition if necessary and select dipped beam), Check fog warning light is on. Explain use.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti lock braking system.
The warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.Show me / Tell Me Videos
Introduction to the videos
How to use dipped headlights
Open and close the side window
How to use rear demister
How to clean the front windscreen
How to operate the horn
How to clean the rear windscreen
Tell me about front demister
Last updated: 18/04/2022