The Show Me, Tell Me part of your test is made up of ONE ‘Show Me’ question and ONE ‘Tell Me’ question.
If you get one or both questions wrong, you will get 1 driver fault.
Below is a list of questions that are currently asked, and the answers can be found by clicking to reveal each section.
Show Me Questions
When safe to do so, can you show me how you would wash & clean the rear windscreen
Operate rear washer/wiper control, and switch off after use.
When safe to do so, can you show me how you would wash & clean the front windscreen
Operate front washer/wiper control, and switch off after use.
When safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights
Operate dipped headlight switch
When safe to do so, show me how you would switch on rear demist
Press rear demist button/switch
When safe to do so, show me how you would operate the horn.
Sound horn
When safe to do so, show me how you would demist the front windscreen
Operate the fan speed, air flow direction and temperature controls.
When safe to do so, can you show me how you would open & close the side window
Operate window switch to open & close the window
Tell Me Questions
Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working before starting a journey
Brakes shouldnt feel spongy or slack & should be tested as soon as you move off. Car shouldnt pull to one side
Tell me how you would check the head restraint is correctly adjusted to provide the best protection in the event of a crash
It should be adjusted so that the (centre) rigid part is at least as high as the top of the ears & as close to the head as possible
Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on the car
Explain that you’doperate the brake pedal and either check for reflections in windows/doors or ask someone to check
Tell Me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Ensure that the head restraint is as close to the back of the head as possible and that your eye line/top of your ears is near the middle of the head restraint.
(NOTE: some restraints might not be adjustable).
Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog lights, how you know they’re on from inside the car & when you’d use them
Explain how to switch on (including dipped lights if required), identify warning light & explain use
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe & legal to use on the roads
Should be 1.6mm across the central 3/4 (75%) of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference with no cuts or bulges
Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures for this car and explain how you would check them
Pressures are in the vehicles manual and test using a reliable gauge when tyres are cold, including spare, & refit dust caps
Tell me how you would switch from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know that they are on from with inside the car
Switch on dipped lights, operate main beam switch, identify blue warning light
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle
Explain that you would operate the switch then walk around the vehicle
Tell me how you would know that there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system
A warning light will illuminate on the instrument panel and stay on
Tell me how you would check that your indicators are working
Operate the hazard warning lights then walk around the vehicle to check
Tell me how you’d check the power assisted steering is working before stating a journey
Pull steering wheel to one side & start engine-there should be noticable movement. Alternatively, steer as soon as you move away
Under The Bonnet
There are a few questions that involve opening the bonnet of the car. It is important to ensure that the bonnet is securely fastened and that you do not touch anything as its likely to be hot, or dirty!
(Show me) Open bonnet & explain how you would check the engine has sufficient oil
Open the bonnet. Identify dipstick/oil level indicator & describe how you would check against the minimum & maximum markers
*This question may be asked from inside the car. If so, there is no need to exit the vehicle. An explanation will suffice.
(Show me) Open bonnet & explain how you would check the engine has sufficient engine coolant
Open the bonnet. Identify high & low level markers on header tank and describe how to top up to the correct level
(Show me) Open bonnet & explain how you know there is a safe amount of brake fluid
Open the bonnet. Identify reservoir and check level against the high & low markings