How to answer the show and tell questions
The Driving Test Show Me Tell Me Questions
(Since writing this they have been updated, please look at New Show and Tell Questions)
At the beginning of your driving test you will be asked 2 of these questions, 1 ‘show me’ and 1 ‘tell me’. Listen to the question carefully, as some are similar. Many of these things will differ from car to car, so know how to do them on your own car as well as your instructor’s car.
1: 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.
A: Identify the dipstick, which often has a yellow loop on the top, without touching it, as the engine may be hot. Explain how when the engine was cool you would remove it, wipe clean, and then replace it, then removing it, check the clean level against the minimum/maximum marks.
2: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
A: Identify the engine coolant (often referred to as water) container, and describe how you check that the level is between the minimum/maximum marks. On older cars, there will be no ‘header tank’ and in this case, identify the radiator cap, and describe how to fill to the required level.
3: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A: Identify the reservoir and describe how you check that there is enough in there, check and fill this regularly.
4: Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A: Identify the brake fluid reservoir and describe how you check the levels against the minimum/maximum marks.
5: Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
A: Describe how you would operate the brake pedal, making use of reflections in cars/windows etc, or asking someone to look and check.
6: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. The brakes should be tested ask you set off. Once moving, when applying the brakes, the car should not pull to one side.
7: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car, and describe how tyre pressures should be checked.
A: The manufacturer’s guide will have the information for pressures for when the car is laden (full) or un-laden (empty). Always use a reliable pressure gauge, and only check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre, and remember to re-fit the valve caps.
8: 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.
A: There must be no cuts or bulges in the tyres (check the sidewalls of the tyres where they may have been kerbed). There must be 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
9: Show me how you would check that the Power Assisted Steering is working before starting a journey.
A: Demonstrate this by first checking the car is in neutral, with the handbrake on. Pull the wheel with your left hand until the steering becomes firm, and keeping this pressure on, turn on the engine. The steering wheel will loosen as soon as the Power Assisted Steering turns on. At slow speeds, the steering will be very heavy if the PAS is not working.
10: Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
A: Turn the headlights on (dipped beam, not just parking lights) and walk around the car, checking you have both bulbs working on each of the front lights, and a red light each site at the rear of the car.
11: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A: The examiner may suggest using the hazard warning switch, in which case turn the switch on and check that all 6 lights are working (2 front, 2 rear, 2 side). If this is not mentioned, then turn the ignition on (not the engine, just turn the key so that all of the warning lights on the dash come on), then ensuring that you are not going to confuse any road users, turn the indicators on in each direction and check the 3 bulbs on each side.
12: Show me how you would check that the horn is working.
A: This question will only be asked if the car is off the road, in a test centre car park for example. Sound the horn (turn ignition on if necessary).
13: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A: Hold the footbrake down while you do this. The parking brake in a car for a manual L-test means the hand brake. Take the hand brake off, and demonstrate that once the brake is re-applied and the button released, the brake secures itself in the on position. When pulled again from this ‘locked’ position, there should still be some movement against the cable which works the brakes, it should not hit any kind of ‘stop’.
All content © Tim Manwaring