Show Me / Tell Me
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 questions you will be asked on
this page and by clicking each of these ,
you can see see an example of the response
you would give.
A wrong answer to one, or both of the questions counts as one Minor Fault.
Printable PDF version is also available here
Tell me questions
|
 Tell
me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a
journey |
|
 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.
|
| Tell
me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre
pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked |
|
 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.
|
| 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 |
|
 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.
|
| Tell
me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted
so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash |
|
 Adjust
the rigid part of the restraint so that it is close to the back of your head
and level with your eyes or top of your ears
|
| Tell
me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are
working? (no need to exit the vehicle) |
|
 Operate
switch (turn on ignition if necessary), get somebody to walk round vehicle.
|
| Tell
me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock
braking system |
|
 The
ABS warning light would become illuminated on the instrument panel if there
is a fault
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
| Open
the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and
tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level |
|
 Identify
reservoir and explain how the washer fluid should be filled to a
level between the min and max markers on the side of the reservoir
|
Show Me Questions |
| Show
me / 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.
|
| how
me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive
wear, make sure you keep control of the vehicle |
 Apply
footbrake firmly, Demonstrate by applying parking brake so that when it is
fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
|
| Show
me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only) |
 Check
is carried out by pressing gently on the control (turn on ignition if necessary)
|
| 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. |
| 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) |
 Switch
ignition on, operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage
doors etc, ask someone to help.
|
| Show
me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers
and wipers |
 Operate
windscreen washer control button and then activate the windscreen wipers
(turn on ignition if necessary).
|
| Show
me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows
effectively, this should include both front and rear screens |
 Set
all relevant controls including air vents at both sides to point towards
the side windows, use the control switch to direct hot air onto the windscreen
then operate the fan, press the heated rear screen switch to clear the rear
window
|
| Show
me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when
you would use it /them (no need to exit the vehicle) |
 Operate
the rear fog switch after switching on dipped headlights check switch is
illuminated and explain that they should only be used when visibility is
reduced to 100 metres or less
|
| Show
me how you would switch on your headlight
from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main
beam is on whilst inside the car |
 Move
the stalk attached to the steering column forwards which will illuminate
a blue warning light on the instrument panel
|
