Show Me Tell Me Questions

"SHOW ME, TELL ME" QUESTIONS

During your driving practical test, your examiner will ask you two vehicle safety check questions, which are known as “show me, tell me”. One of the questions the examiner asks will be a “show me” question where you have to show the examiner how you would carry out the safety check and the other a “tell me” question where you would explain how you would carry out the check.

There are 19 different questions in total, and below you will find them all. You will also find "show me, tell me" videos that are sure to help!

‘Show me’ questions

1 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. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

2 Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car, (if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine).

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).

3 Show me, or 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 assistance is functioning.

4 Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear; make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.

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.

5 Show me how you would check that the horn is working.

Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

6 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

7 Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them, (no need to exit vehicle).

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

8 Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

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

9 Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively.

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 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.

11 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 level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

12 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.