At the beginning of the practical driving test your examiner will ask you two questions relating to basic car maintenance. One question will require you to demonstrate a safety check (‘Show me....’) whilst the other will simply require an explanation (‘Tell me...’). These questions are detailed below and in your Logbook. Answering either or both of the questions incorrectly will result in one driving fault, which in itself cannot lead to you failing the practical test. Bear in mind, however, that good answers here will show the examiner you are a serious candidate, and provide a positive and confident start to your test!
Check out the latest official DSA videos about Show me / Tell Me below.
Safety of You and Other Road Users
Q1. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
As you move off check the brakes. They should not feel spongy and the car 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
pressures should be checked.
Information will be found in the car manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the
tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare and remember to refit the valve caps.
Q3. Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general
condition is safe to use on the road.
A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q4. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Press footbrake to secure car. Disengage then re-apply the parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself.
Q5. Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. 1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. 2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.
Q6. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
Q7. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the
event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of
the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. (some restraints
might not move!)
Lights and Vision – seeing and being seen (and being heard!)
Q8. 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).
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help
Q9. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Turn on lights, walk around car and check that the lights are on
Q10. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.
Activate the hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.
Q11. Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the
main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Operate switch, internally can check with main beam warning light (blue in colour)
Q12. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it.
Turn on dipped headlight then rear fog light. Check warning light is on. Use in fog or when visibility reduced to less than 100m.
Q13. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreens (electrics will have to be turned on for this).
Q14. 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; fan, temperature, air direction / source and rear heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demo.
Q15. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Press the horn and listen.
Under the bonnet – are you topped up?
Q16. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check
the engine has the correct level.
Identify the engine coolant tank and check the coolant level against the min/max levels.
Q17. 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 the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels.
Q18. Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify the windscreen washer reservoir and check the fluid level visually (no min/max levels).
Q19. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that
the engine has enough oil.
Identify the dipstick, pull it out, clean it with a clean cloth, re-dip and check the oil level against the min/max levels.
Show me / Tell me - outside the car
Show me / Tell me - inside the car
Show me / Tell me - under the bonnet