Show Me/Tell Me Questions

It is important you are taught how to look after your vehicle, not just how to drive it. We will show you how to make certain checks before any journey is made, and whilst on your journey to ensure your vehicle is safe and working at it’s most economical and efficient capacity. Look after your vehicle and it will look after you!

There are a number of questions you will be taught to enable you carry out these checks, with three grades you will need to achieve with your answers in order to progress to your Practical Driving Test. At the beginning of your Test your Examiner will ask you ONE random Show Me question, and ONE random Tell Me question:-

Show Me

1. Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

• There are two ways you can check this. A) Start your engine and turn the Steering Wheel with a slight movement. The Steering Wheel should move without any struggle. B) Once you have moved off, turn the Steering Wheel and your Wheels should feel easy to turn. If there is a problem the Steering will feel heavy.

1. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you.) If you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine.

• If you do not have anyone to help you, then you can use the Reflections of a Window/Wall/Garage Door to see if your Brake Lights are working. The test will consist of pressing the Foot Brake. If you need to turn on your ignition, do not start your engine.

1. Show me how you check that the direction indicators are working.

• Turn the ignition on. Move the Stalk to the Left, and then the Right position. Look to see if the Indicators on the Selected Side are working. The Directions will also be Displayed on the Dash Board by a Flashing Light and you will hear a Ticking Sound. Another way is to switch on your Hazard Lights, the Indicators will all then Flash Simultaneously including the Display on the Dash Board.

1. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

• Simply Press Down on the Control for the Horn and it should Sound. If you need to turn the ignition on for any reason, do not start your engine.

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

• Ensure you Firstly Press and Hold the Footbrake. Apply the Parking Brake (Handbrake) without taking it to its full extent and Remove your Foot from the Footbrake. The Vehicle should Remain Secured if it is working properly.

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

• Simply Apply the Control for the Windscreen Washer and Wipers. The Cleaning will Complete Itself, you Do Not need to Re-Apply the Control. If you need to turn the ignition on, do not start your engine.

1. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear the windows effectively; this should include both front and rear screens.

• This check includes the Dashboard Controls and Settings, Fan, Temperature, Air Direction and Heated Screen. When operated effectively both front and rear screens will clear. You do not need to start the engine for this demonstration.

1. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (There’s no need to exit the vehicle or start the engine).

• Turn On the Ignition and Switch the Dipped Headlights On. Press the Control(s) for the Fog Light(s) and ensure the Correct Display comes on the Dash Board. The Use of Fog Lights is Governed by Law and Restricted to use in Poor Visibility Conditions.

1. Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

• Turn On the Ignition (and Engine If Necessary) and use the Settings on the Control to Switch from Dipped to Main Beam. Once on Main Beam it should be Displayed on the Dash Board, although Some Vehicles will also Use this Display in Dipped Mode. In this case there will be a Difference in Dash Illumination when Switching to Main Beam.

Tell Me

1. 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.

• Locate the Oil Dipstick. In order to Check the Level, Remove the Dipstick and Wipe Clean with a Dry Cloth. Fully Reinsert the Dipstick and Remove again. The Oil Level should then be Between the Minimum and Maximum marks.

1. 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.

• Locate the Coolant Tank. The Coolant Level should be Between the Minimum and Maximum marks. Coolant should only be Topped Up when the Engine is Cool.

1. 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.

• Locate the Brake Fluid Tank. The Brake Fluid Level should be Between the Minimum and Maximum marks. The Vehicle must be taken to a Qualified Mechanic if any Problems are Found with the Brake Fluid Level.

1. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

• Locate the Windscreen Washer Tank. You should be able to See the Level of the Liquid in the Bottle Neck. If you Cannot See the Liquid Level you may need to Top Up.

1. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

• The Vehicle’s Handbook provided by the Manufacturer will contain the Correct Tyre Pressures for the vehicle. A Reliable Pressure Gauge must be used to Check Tyre Pressures including the Spare Tyre. Valve Caps must be Replaced.

1. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe for use on the road.

• Tyre Tread Depth must be 1.6mm across atleast 3 Quarters of the Central Breadth, and around the whole Circumference of the Tyre. A Reliable Gauge can be used to Check the Depth. A Visual Inspection should Identify any Problems with the Tyre.

1. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

• Press your Foot down on the Footbrake. The Response should be Firm. If the Response is Loose there may be a Problem with the Brakes. The Brakes should be Tested once you Move Off to ensure they are Not Pulling to One Side. If any Problems are Identified with the Brakes they must be Inspected by a Qualified Mechanic.

1. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit the vehicle.)

• Turn On the Ignition. Locate the Control for the Lights and Switch them On. Walk Round the Vehicle to Check the Lights are Working. (You do not need to demonstrate this as it is a ‘tell me’ question.)

1. Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

• The Head Restraint must be at Eye or Ear Level and as Close to the Back of the Head as is Comfortable.

1. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-locking braking system.

• A Fault with the Anti-Locking Braking System would be Displayed on the Dashboard. The Vehicle must be Inspected by a Qualified Mechanic should this occur.

The Answers to these questions are graded as follows:-

Introduced – The Answer is Explained to you by your Instructor.

Prompted – You Require a Little Help with your Answer.

Independent – You are able to Fully Answer the Question Yourself.

You are required to achieve the Independent grade to enable you to be put forward for your Practical Driving Test.