As part of your practical driving test the examiner will ask you one ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving and one ‘show me’ question where you show how you’d carry out a safety task while you’re driving
Part of your test includes a Show me, Tell Me’ section. This is when your examiner will ask you one ‘Show me’ and one ‘Tell me’ question about general maintenance and safety checks on your car.
You can get an idea of the kind of questions you will be asked on this page and by clicking each of the questions, you can see the kind of response you would be expected to give. Alternatively, you may watch the official ‘Show me, Tell me’ video by the DVSA Agency which is shown on this page.
Q1 – Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey?
Ans – Brakes should be tested as you set off by applying gentle pressure at slow speed. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q2 – Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?
Ans – Recommended pressures can be found In the manufacturer’s guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Q3 – Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road?
Ans – Tyres should be checked to ensure there are no cuts or bulges. There should be 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. This can be checked with a tyre depth guage or the depth markers in the tyres themselves.
Q4 – Tell me how would know there is problem with your anti locking braking system.
Ans – On the main dashboard with the dials and warning lights, a Warning light will illuminate if there is a fault with the anti locking braking system.
Q1 – Show me how you would check that direction indicators are working.
Ans – Turn on the vehicle engine, begin to apply the direction indicators as well as the hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators, walking around both front and back of the car.
Q2 – Show Me/Explain how you would check the power assisted steering (PAS) is working before you start a journey.
Ans – As you start the engine, the steering wheel should require a gentle pressure to turn. You should notice the steering become lighter and easier to turn. The other way to know if the steering is working correcting is when you move off in your vehicle. The PAS should be fully operable at this point. You will know if the PAS is malfunctioning when the steering becomes heavy and difficult.
Q3 – Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are functioning correctly.
Ans – Turn on your vehicles ignition. Now proceed to activate your headlights switch. Next, making show your vehicle hand brake is on and the gear is in neutral (vehicle must be parked and stationary), step out of the vehicle and walk around it to examine all headlights and tail lights are working correctly.
Q4 – Show Me how you would you would check the engine oil level and identify whether the Vehicle’s engine has sufficient oil or not.
Ans – In order to check the engine oil levels the following steps must be followed:
