Show me Tell me
Before the you are taken out on the road for your test, the examiner asks one tell me question about car maintenance and safety. These are phrased in the form of “Tell me…”. Whilst you are out on your test you will be asked a “Show me” question. It will be phrased “When it’s safe to do so Show me…” you must show the examiner the answer.
The Questions and answers you need to be aware of are listed below:
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, take it out, clean it with a cloth and reinsert it, checking against the “MAX” and “MIN” levels. Make sure you have parked the vehicle on level ground and check when the engine is turned off and cold as this may affect the reading.
Q. 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 coolant level.
A. Check the coolant level when the engine is cold by identifying the maximum and minimum marks Be careful if you open it as the steam is dangerous.
Q. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A. Explain how you would check that there is adequate fluid in the tank.
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.
A. Make sure that the brake fluid level is between the “MAX” and “MIN” lines on the reservoir.
Q. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
A. Operate the brake pedal and if you are parked with a reflective surface like a brick wall, garage door or white van behind you, then you can use this to show they are working. If not ask the examiner to check they are working.
Q. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A. The brakes should be tested as you move off, they should not feel slack or spongy but should feel hard with pressure/resistance. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q. Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how the tyre pressures should be checked.
A. Look in the manufacturers guide, check and adjust the pressure at a garage or with a reliable pressure gauge when they are cold, not forgetting the spare tyre.
Q. 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. The tyres should be at least 1.6mm over the center ¾ of the tyre and around the entire circumference. Check carefully for excessive wear like cuts, bulges, glass, nails, stones etc.
Q. Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A. If the system becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey gently apply pressure to the steering wheel, if when you start the engine the steering goes from feeling heavy to light then the Power steering is working properly.
Q. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and taillights are working.
A. Turn the lights on and walk round the vehicle to check the bulbs are functioning correctly.
Q. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A. Turn the hazard warning lights on and walk round the vehicle to check the bulbs are functioning correctly.
Q. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A. Tap the horn to check it is working properly.
Q. Show me how you would check the handbrake / parking brake for excessive wear.
A. Press the brake pedal, take the hand brake off and reapply it. Check it secures properly, holds the vehicle and does not go to the end of the working travel.
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 eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
Q. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A. Operate control to wash and wipe the windscreen.
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 and heated rear screen to clear windscreen and windows.
Q. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it.
A. Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition). Check for the amber fog warning light is on. Use if visibility is less than 100 metres.
Q. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A. Warning light should light up if there is a fault.
Q. 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.
A. Operate switch with ignition on, check if blue main beam warning light comes on.
The “Show me” question you need to be aware of are listed below:
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
- When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?