Before your practical driving test you will be asked two Show me / Tell me questions from the following list. These may be 'show me' questions when you will be asked to demonstrate your answer, or 'tell me' when a full explanation must be given. Take your time and simply give the answers as explained below Click here to save as a .pdf file on your computer and read or print as you want
Show me / Tell me Questions (car) - 01.07.2008 
1. B08 Show
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Apply the indicators or use hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicator bulbs.
May need to switch on ignition (ask if necessary to start engine). Know how to identify faults (rapid clicking of indicator lamp).
2 . B10 Tell
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should be tested as you set off. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Vehicle should not pull to one side. Pulling to one side may show a fault in the dual brake system.
3. B05 Tell
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Open bonnet to Identify reservoir and explain how to check level / keep topped-up.
4. B09 Show
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc. or ask someone to
help. (Ask for assistance if offered – if you need to switch on the ignition, but please don't start the engine)
5. B02 Show
Show me / explain how you would check that 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 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 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. (May be asked to demonstrate)
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6. B12 Tell
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and
how tyre pressures should be checked.
Check in Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps (recommended tyre pressures may also be displayed inside the vehicle).
7. B04 Show
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you
keep safe control of the vehicle.
Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by releasing and applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself and is not at the end of its working travel (release footbrake).
8. B01 Show
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.
Identify the dipstick / oil level indicator. Remove and wipe dipstick, then check of oil level against the minimum / maximum markers
on the dipstick. (Make sure you also know where to top-up the oil)
9. B03 Show
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.
Identify high/low level markings on the ‘header tank’ where fitted, or point out the radiator filler cap, and describe how
to top-up to the correct level. (Make sure you understand the danger of opening filler cap when hot)
10. B18 Tell
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
11. B07 Show
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.
Identify the reservoir, and check level against high / low markings. (May be an indication of fluid leak or brake wear)
12. B13 Tell
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.
No visible cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer
circumference. Use a reliable gauge. (Can also check by using the ‘tread depth indicators’ between raised tyre treads)
13. B06 Show
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using / sounding horn control (turning on ignition if necessary).
14. B11 Tell
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (without exiting vehicle)
Give explanation: “Operate the light switch (turning on ignition if necessary) then walk round vehicle to check operation”.
N.B. As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically exit to check the lights.
15. B15 Show
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Set all relevant controls including the fan, temperature and air direction /source for the front screen, and press the ‘heated rear screen’ button.
This would clear the windscreen, windows and rear screen. N.B. Engine does not have to be started.
16. B16 Show
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it / them.
(No need to exit vehicle)
Operate switch (ask to start engine or ignition if necessary. Turn on dipped headlights. Check headlight warning light is on. Turn on fog lights. Check warning light is illuminated and explain the use of fog lights – when visibility is reduced to 100 metres and turned off when visibility increases.
17. B19 Tell
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
The ABS warning light would stay on, or come on when driving (as with all warning lights) if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
18. B14
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn on ignition if required / ask if necessary to start engine).
19. B17 Show
Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would
know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Turn on the ignition (and engine if necessary). Operate the light switch and use the main (full) beam control – check that the main beam
warning light (blue light) is on. Switch off lights when finished.
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