Show Me Tell Me.
Show Me Tell Me.
As part of your driving test, you will be asked to answer 2 of the DSA Show me/Tell me questions.
The Show Me Tell Me questions are designed to check your knowledge of basic car safety. They will include one 'show me' aspect, where you actually have to demonstrate how and what you would do to check/adjust something. You will also be asked and one 'tell me' aspect of car safety, where you will simply have to explain how you would do something.
Examples similar to the current (2010)'Show Me Tell Me' questions are listed below. (See foot of page to print only these questions). Examples of questions, with the appropriate answer, that you may be asked are:
Show Me Tell Me: Under The Bonnet.
Question 1:
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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.
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Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Question 2:
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Open the bonnet, identify how you would check the engine coolant level and how you would check that the level is correct.
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Identify high/low level markings on header tank, where fitted, or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to correct level.
Question 3:
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Open the bonnet, identify the brake fluid reservoir and tell me how you would check that there is a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
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Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Question 4:
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Open the bonnet, identify the windscreen washer reservoir and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
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Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Show Me Tell Me: Lights and Ancillary Controls.
Question 5:
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Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
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Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. (Turn ignition on if required).
Question 6:
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Show me how you would set the de-mister controls to clear all the windows effectively, to include both front and rear screens.
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Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. (Engine does not have to be running for the demonstration).
Question 7:
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Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
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Check is carried out by using control. (Turn on ignition if required).
Question 8:
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Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
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Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (You may need to turn on ignition).
Question 9:
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Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail-lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle).
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Explain - operate the required switch, turning on ignition if necessary, then walk round vehicle to check. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights).
Question 10:
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Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working.
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Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc., or ask someone to help. (You may need to switch ignition on, but don't actually start the engine).
Question 11:
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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).
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Operate switch to turn on dipped headlights (and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Question 12:
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Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
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Operate switch (with ignition or engine on, if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Show Me Tell Me: Car Maintenance and Safety.
Question 13:
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Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
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Warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Question 14:
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Show me and explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
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1. 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. 2. Turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Question 15:
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Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear. (Make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle. Apply foot brake firmly).
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Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Question 16:
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Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
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Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Question 17:
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Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
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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.
Question 18:
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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.
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No cuts and bulges. 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Question 19:
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Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted to provide the best protection in the event of a crash.
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The rigid part of the head restraint should be level with the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints may not be adjustable.
The examiner will ask you any of the above questions, so it's best that you learn them all. But remember, this is knowledge, and these are skills, that you'll need to have as a licenced driver, and they're things that you'll check regularly as a qualified driver, so you should know and be able to do them, for that reason alone, not just because you're sitting the driving test.
Our next page is about the actual
Driving Test
itself and explains in detail what happens at your driving test appointment, and what to expect from the Driving Examiner. Have a read - hopefully it'll make the driving test a bit clearer.
We hope this Show Me Tell Me page has been of some benefit to you and helps in your driving test preparation.
If you have any queries, or are interested in booking a course of driving lessons with
Antonine Driving School
, then please
contact us
. We'd welcome your call.
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