Show Me / Tell Me questions
The examiner will ask one “Tell Me” question before driving and one “Show Me” question while you drive.
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Tell Me questions
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off; the vehicle should not pull to one side.
Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures and how they should be checked.
Use the manufacturer’s guide and a reliable gauge. Check and adjust cold tyres, include the spare where applicable and refit the valve caps.
Tell me how to adjust the head restraint for the best crash protection.
The rigid part should be at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Some restraints are not adjustable.
Tell me how you would check tyre tread and general condition.
There should be no cuts or bulges and at least 1.6 mm of tread across the central three-quarters and around the entire circumference.
Tell me how you would check the headlights and tail lights.
Operate the switch, turning on the ignition if necessary, then walk around the vehicle to check the lights.
Tell me how you would know there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system.
The ABS warning light should illuminate when the system has a fault.
Tell me how you would check the direction indicators.
Operate the switch or hazard lights, turning on the ignition if necessary, then walk around the vehicle to check them.
Tell me how you would check the brake lights.
Operate the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering before a journey.
Steering becoming heavy can indicate a fault. Gentle pressure on the wheel while starting the engine should produce a slight movement, or check the assistance immediately after moving off.
Tell me how to switch on the rear fog lights and when to use them.
Operate the switch with dipped headlights and ignition on if necessary, check the warning light and explain they are used when visibility is seriously reduced.
Tell me how to switch from dipped to main beam and identify that it is on.
Operate the switch with the ignition or engine on if necessary and check the main-beam warning light.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine oil.
Identify the dipstick or oil-level indicator and describe checking the level against the minimum and maximum marks.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine coolant.
Identify the high and low marks on the header tank, or the radiator filler cap where applicable, and describe topping up to the correct level when safe.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the hydraulic brake-fluid level.
Identify the reservoir and check the level against its high and low markings.
Show Me questions
When it is safe to do so, the examiner may ask you to demonstrate one of these controls:
- Wash and clean the rear windscreen.
- Wash and clean the front windscreen.
- Switch on the dipped headlights.
- Set the rear demister.
- Operate the horn.
- Demist the front windscreen.
- Open and close the side window.