Show Me Tell Me Questions

14 Official "Tell Me" Questions

Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. They should be tested as you set off, and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

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

In the manufacturer’s guide/manual. Check the pressures using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Remember to check the spare tyre and refit the valve caps.

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

A: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

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

A: The tyres must have no cuts or bulges. There must be a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference.

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

A: The ABS warning light on the dashboard should illuminate if there is a fault with the system.

Checking the Car Lights

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

A: Explain that you would turn on the light switch (turning on the ignition if necessary), and then you would walk around the vehicle to visually check the lights.

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

A: Explain that you would turn on the hazard warning lights or indicators (switching on the ignition if necessary), and then walk around the vehicle to check they are flashing.

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

A: Explain that you would operate the brake pedal and either look for reflections in windows or garage doors, or ask someone to stand at the back of the car to check for you.

Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them.

A: Operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition first). Check that the dashboard warning light comes on. Explain that you only use them when visibility is seriously reduced (less than 100 metres).

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 the light switch (with ignition or engine on), push or pull the stalk to activate the main beam, and check that the blue main beam warning light is lit on the dashboard.

Checking The Steering & Fluid Checks (Under the Bonnet)

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

A: If the steering feels heavy, the system may be broken. You can perform 2 quick checks: maintain gentle downward pressure on the steering wheel while starting the engine (there should be a slight, noticeable movement as the system starts), or turn the steering wheel just after moving off.

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A: Identify the dipstick. Explain that you would pull it out, wipe it clean with a cloth, put it all the way back in, pull it out again, and check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks.

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

A: Identify the coolant reservoir tank and check the high and low level markings on the side of the tank. If it’s low, it needs topping up when the engine is cold.

Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

A: Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the minimum and maximum markings on the side of the tank.

7 Official "Show Me" Questions

The examiner will ask one of these at random while the student is actually driving. The student must safely operate the control while maintaining full focus on the road.

When it’s safe to do so, show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.

Action: Operate the rear wiper and washer control (usually by pushing or twisting the wiper stalk).

When it’s safe to do so, show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.

Action: Operate the front windscreen washer control (usually by pulling the wiper stalk toward you).

When it’s safe to do so, show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights.

Action: Turn the light switch control to the dipped beam setting (usually a dial on the dashboard or indicator stalk).

When it’s safe to do so, show me how you’d set the rear demister.

Action: Press the heated rear window button (the rectangle symbol with 3 wavy lines).

When it’s safe to do so, show me how you’d demist the front windscreen.

Action: Turn on the fan, increase the temperature, and set the air direction to blow at the front screen (or press the dedicated front demist button).

When it’s safe to do so, show me how you’d operate the horn.

Action: Press the center of the steering wheel briefly to sound the horn.

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

Action: Use the electric window switch (usually on the driver’s door panel) to open and close the window.