Show me tell me Questions & Answers

Show Me Tell Me with pictures

When you head out of the driving test centre waiting room towards your car, the examiner will conduct an eye test and when you arrive at your car, the examiner will ask you the Show Me Tell Me questions.
The DSA practical driving test Show Me Tell Me questions were originally introduced in September 2003 and the new 2011 version now consist of 19 car safety and maintenance questions to ensure that you have a basic knowledge of keeping your car legal and safe.
The examiner will ask you 2 of the possible 19 questions. 1 of the questions will be a 'Show Me' and the other a 'Tell Me'.

If you get 1 or even both of the Show Me Tell Me questions incorrect, you will incur only 1 minor from a possible 15. 16 minors or more on the driving test counts as a fail or 3 minors within the same category for example, 3 minors due to inappropriate use of indicators will count as a serious fault. 1 or more serious or dangerous fault will result in a failure. Most driving tests are failed due to serious faults and not exceeding the 15 minors allowed, so if you get the Show Me Tell Me questions incorrect, simply forget about it and concentrate of the driving part of the test that will follow.

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 1

Engine Coolant expansion tank, Should be filled to Max
with Antifreeze or in an emergency topped up with water

Q. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.

A. Identify the engine coolant tank and check the minimum and maximum level indicator. If the coolant is below the minimum mark, more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the tank cap when the engine is cold and pour in coolant until the maximum mark is reached.

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 2

Q. 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.

Brake Fluid Reservoir, is not under pressure so
level can be checked with a visual inspection,
there is usually a level guide on the side with
Min & Max

A. Identify the hydraulic brake fluid reservoir and check the brake fluid level against the minimum / maximum level indicator.

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 3

Steering Wheel

Q. Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A. If the steering becomes heavy, the power assisted steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made:

1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in 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 assisted steering is functioning correctly.

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 4

Q. 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, remove the dipstick and wipe clean the end where the minimum and maximum level indicator is and reinsert. Remove once again and check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markings.

Windscreen Washer is Blue

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 5

Q. Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell

me how you check the level?

A. Identify reservoir, lift off cap and make a visual check of level as there are no external markings on reservoir. Check reservoir regularly.

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 6

Q. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

A. Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary).

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 7

Q. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you. If you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine).

A. Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 8

Q. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A. Just as you move off operate brakes. They should not feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side.

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 9

Q. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

A. Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on.

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 10

Q. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.

A. Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly. Operating the hazard warning lights is the preferred method as the ignition will not need to be switched on.

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 11

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. Information will be found using the car manufacturer's guide/manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 12

Q. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

A. Firmly apply the foot brake to secure the car and apply the parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself and not be at the end of its working travel. (Should be tension whilst lifting.)

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 13

Q. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

A. 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 Tell Me driving test question 14

Q. Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A. A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 15

Q. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

A. Operate control and hold for approximately 3 seconds to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

Show Me Tell Me driving test question 16

Q. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

A. Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.