SHOW ME, TELL ME

On the day of your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions, "show me" and "tell me" questions about safety and maintenance checks on your car. The "tell me" question will be asked before you start driving and the "show me" question will be asked while you're driving. The Smart Driving Academy Instructor will train you on these questions before the test. If you get one or both of them wrong, it will count as a minor driving fault on your practical driving test.

Show Me" Questions:

Q1:Can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?.

A: Control is on the right-hand stalk, refer to vehicle manual for specific instructions.

Q2:Can you show me how you switch on your dipped headlights?

A. Control is on the left-hand stalk, refer to vehicle manual for specific instructions

Q3:Can you show me how you demist the front windscreen?

A. Use the fan, middle dial, and rear demister button, refer to vehicle manual for specific instructions

Q4:Can you show me how you set the rear demister?

A:Control is typically a button on the center console, refer to vehicle manual for specific instructions

Q5:Can you show me how you operate the horn?

A: Make sure it is safe and legal to use the horn.

Q6:Can you show me how you demist the front windscreen? .

A. Use the fan, middle dial, and rear demister button, refer to vehicle manual for specific instructions

Q7:Can you show me how you open and close the side window? .

A: Refer to vehicle manual for specific instructions.

"Tell Me" Questions:

Q1:How would you check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?.

A.Test the brakes, they should not feel spongy or slack, and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q2:How would you check that the headlights and tail lights are working? .

A: Operate the switch, walk around the vehicle, and check for reflections on a wall or in windows

Q3.How would you check the direction indicators are working?

A: Turn on the hazard warning lights, get out and check the front and back indicators on both sides.

Q4: How would you switch on the fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them?

A. Operate the switch and check the warning light

Q5:How would you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on while inside the car?.

A: Twist the light switch, pull the left lever towards you, and look for the blue main beam warning light on the dashboard.

Q6:How would you check the handbrake (parking brake) for excessive wear?

A. Apply the parking brake, it should secure itself when fully applied.

Q7: How would you check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?

A: Start the car, drive forward slowly and test the brake pedal, it should stop the car and the pedal should feel firm

Q8: Can you tell me where the recommended tire pressure for this vehicle can be found and how to properly check the tire pressure?

A: The recommended tire pressure can be found in the vehicle manual. To check the tire pressure, a tire pressure gauge can be used.

Q9: Can you explain how to check the tires to ensure they are safe to use on the road with adequate tread depth and good condition?

A: To ensure the tires are safe to use, they should have no cuts or bulges on the sides. The legal tread depth must be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the tire and around the entire outer circumference, this can be checked with a tread depth gauge.

Q10: Can you explain how to adjust the headrest to provide the best protection in the event of a crash?

The headrest should be adjusted so that the rigid part of the headrest is at least as high as your eyes (or top of your ears) and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

Q11: Can you explain how to know if there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system?

A: If there is a problem with the anti-lock braking system, a warning light will illuminate on the dashboard.

Q12: Can you explain how to check for a safe level of brake fluid by opening the hood of the car?

A: A: By opening the hood of the car, you can identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the level against the high and low markings.

Q13: Can you explain how to check for sufficient engine coolant by opening the hood of the car?

A: By opening the hood of the car, you can identify the high and low level markings on the header tank or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to the correct level.

Q14: Can you explain how to check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey?

A: Before starting a journey, two simple checks can be made to ensure the power-assisted steering is working properly. 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.