Show me/Tell me
Your test begins with one Show Me question and one Tell Me question. These relate to the maintenance and operation of your car and failure to answer both correctly will result in a driver fault - remember you are only allowed 15 in total on your test report.
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Below are the questions you could be asked and examples of how they could be responded to on your test day
'Tell me' questions
Q1 : When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen? EH!???
A1 : At an appropriate opportunity, use the REAR windscreen washer
Q2 : When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
A2 : At an appropriate opportunity, operate the FRONT windscreen washer
Q3 : When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?
A3 : Use the headlight switch to change the light settings
Q4 : When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister?
A4 : Set the relevant control
Q5 : When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn?
A5 : When appropriate, use the horn
Q6 : When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen?
A6 : Set the heating controls to de-mist the front windscreen
Q7 : When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window?
A7 : Use the window control to open a window
Q8 : Tell me how you'd check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A8 : Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q9 : Tell me where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A9 : 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.
Q10 : Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A10 : 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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
'Show me' questions
Q11 : 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.
A11 : No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference.
Q12 : Tell me how you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A12 : The warning light would become illuminated on the instrument panel if there is a fault.
Q13 : Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
A13 : Explain you'd operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a 'tell me' question, you don't need to physically check the lights).
Q14 : Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
A14 : Explain you'd operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a 'tell me' question, you don't need to physically check the lights).
Q15 : Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car.
A15 : Explain you'd operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
Q16 : Tell me how youd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A16 : If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 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.
Q17 : Tell me how you'd switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you'd use it/them. You don't need to exit the vehicle.
A17 : Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Q18 : Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you'd know the main beam is on.
A18 : Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Q19 : Tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A19 : Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Q20 : Tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
A20 : Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Q21 : Tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A21 : Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.