-Show Me / Tell Me-



When you take your practical driving test you’ll be asked by your examiner to answer one ‘Show Me’ and one ‘Tell Me’ question. This can be at the beginning of the test, or during the test, and maybe even whilst you’re driving. These are safety questions set out by the DVSA to ensure you know the basics of maintenance on your car and/or you’re able to maintain control if you need to use any in-car controls.

Don’t worry, you can’t fail for incorrectly answering a ‘Show Me/Tell Me’ question. You can, however, if you were to lose control of the car while trying to use an in-car control.

Controls can vary from vehicle to vehicle so it’s a good idea to make sure you know how everything works in the car you use for the test – usually a tuition car, in which case you’ll go through the car controls plenty of times before your driving test.

You can find a full list of the potential ‘Show Me/Tell Me’ safety questions below and you can print out a copy for yourself HERE


‘Show Me’ Questions:

Q: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

A: Operate relevant control to wash and wipe rear windscreen.

Q: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

A: Operate relevant control to wash and wipe front windscreen.

Q: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?

A: Operate releavant switch.

Q: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

A: Operate switch to heat rear screen.

Q: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

A: Check is carried out by using control.

Q: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

A: Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen.

Q: When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

A: Operate relevant control on door armrest.


‘Tell Me’ Questions:

Q: Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the

vehicle.

A: 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).

Q: Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

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

Q: Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

A: 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).

Q: Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

A: you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to

help.

Q: Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A: 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.

Q: 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.

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

when you would use them.

Q: Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know

the main beam is on.

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

Q: Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A: Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum

markers.

Q: Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

A: Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe

how to top up to correct level.

Q:Tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

A: Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.



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