SHOW ME TELL ME DRIVING TEST QuESTIONS

Think Road Safety

As part of your practical driving test you must be able to show the examiner that you are capable able of carrying out routine maintenance checks of your vehicle.
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The ‘show me and tell me’ questions that the test examiner will ask you will demonstrate how and where you can check tyres, brakes, fluid levels, lights, direction indicators and horns.

The learner driver will be asked two questions, one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’ question usually at the beginning or end of the driving test.

One or both questions answered wrongly will result in one minor driving fault being marked.

Question. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators on your car are working.
Answer. Applying the indicators or hazard warning button or lever and physically check functioning of all indicators.

Question. Tell me how you would check that the brakes on your car are working.
Answer. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. the car should not pull to one side.

Question. Show me or explain how you would check that the power steering is working.
Answer. If steering feels heavy the power steering 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 of the steering wheel as the power begins to start. Also just turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power steering is working.

Question. Identify where the windscreen washer fluid is kept is and tell me how you would check the windscreen fluid level.
Answer. Identify the windscreen washer location under the bonnet of the car and explain how to check the fluid level.

Question. Show me how you would check that you brake lights are working . 
Answer. Press the brake pedal and make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to view from behind. 

Question. 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.
Answer. Identify the location of the dipstick / oil level indicator under the bonnet of the car, describe how you would check of oil level against the minimum and maximum marker levels.

Q. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A. Manufacturer’s guide and is also written on the Tyre wall, check using a reliable pressure gauge, you should check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, also remember to put back valve dust caps.

Question. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, whilst maintaining safe control of the vehicle
Answer. Apply the  footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself.

Question. Open the car bonnet and identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level of engine coolant.
Answer. Identify high and low level markings on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to the correct level.

Q. Open the car bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of brake fluid.
A. Identify the brake fluid reservoir under the bonnet  and check level against the high and low markings.

Question. Tell me how you make sure your seats head rest is correctly positioned and adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a an accident.
Answer. The seats head rest 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. 

Question. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread and are in a safe condition to use on the road.
Answer. No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tyre tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

Question. Show me how you would clean the car windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Answer. Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (start car if necessary).

Question. Show me how you would check that the car horn is working (off road only).
Answer, Check is carried out by pressing the horn (start car if necessary).

Question. Tell me how you would check that the head lights & tail lights are working on your car. (No need to exit vehicle)
Answer. Explanation: Operate switch (start car if necessary), then explain you would then walk around the car. 

Question. Show me how you switch your car headlights from dipped to full beam and explain how you would know the full  beam is on.
Answer. Operate switch  or lever, check the  main beam dashboard warning light.

Question. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Answer. Select the relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. 

Question. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use them. 
Answer. Operate fog light switch (turn on car if necessary). Check the dashboard warning light is on and explain their use.

Question. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system (ABS).
Answer. A warning light should illuminate on the car dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

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OFFICIAL DVSA VIDEOS

HOW TO CHECK THE HANDBRAKE

How to check lights and indicators

How to check the fluid

How to check the tyres

How to check the oil

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