The 'show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions
The 'show me, tell me' are vehicle safety questions that the driving examiners can ask.
You'll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your car driving test. The questions will be taken from their list.
The examiner will ask you one:
- ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
- ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving
You’ll get one driving fault (sometimes called a ‘minor’) if you get one or both questions wrong.
You’ll fail your driving test if your driving is dangerous or potentially dangerous while you answer the ‘show me’ question.
Tell Me Questions That You Could Be Asked
1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should feel firm not slack or spongy. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
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.
3. 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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
4. 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.
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 of the tyre.
5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
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).
6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate on the instrument panel if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
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).
8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
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.
10. 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.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.
Show Me Questions That You Could Be Asked
1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Push wiper stalk away from you towards the dash for 3-4 seconds.
2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Pull wiper stalk towards you for 3-4 seconds.
3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
Turn switch two clicks to the right, if lights are all ready on then turn lights off then back on again by turning two clicks to the left.
4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear
demister?
Press the rear demister switch on the centre console so the light illuminates, then press once more to turn off.
5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
Press the horn in the centre of the steering wheel, choose your moment don't press it as you're passing a horse or cyclist.
6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d de-mist the front windscreen?
Turn the air distribution switch all the way to the right to the window icon, turn the fan switch onto max and adjust the temperature.
7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Press down the right window switch until the window goes all the way down, then pull up the same switch up to close the window.
