Show Me Tell Me Questions

At the start of your driving test, the examiner will ask you a ‘Tell Me’ ques;on when you reach the vehicle. This will be asked before the driving element of the driving test begins. During the driving element of the test, the examiner will ask you to demonstrate you can operate one of the ancillary controls listed below. This is known as the ‘Show Me’ ques;on. By the ;me of your driving test, you should be familiar with the loca;on and use of the relevant controls. You should be fully aware of the method of using each control component on the vehicle you could be using on the day of your driving test.

DVSA Safety Check: Show Me Questions

Please note:
The ‘show me’ questions start by the examiner saying, “When it’s safe to do so…”.
It is important you choose an appropriate ;me to carry out the request. E.g. It would not be deemed ‘safe to do so’ if you operate the dipped headlights when another road user is in the immediate vicinity. This could mislead the other road user into thinking you are flashing your headlights at them. It would be safer to turn them on and leave them on a liMle longer to avoid confusion.

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

Twist the end of the lever all the way towards the front of the car.

Then twist all the way back if you don’t want to keep the wiper going.

rear wiper 1

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

Pull the lever towards the steering wheel and hold while the screen wash is sprayed onto the windscreen.

front wiper 1

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you switch on your dipped headlights?

Twist the end of the lever all the way until you see the dipped headlight warning light illuminate on the dashboard

headlights 1

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you set the rear demister?

rear demister 1

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you demist the front windscreen?

front demister 1

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you operate the horn?

horn 1

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you open and close your side window?

windows 1

DVSA Safety Check: Tell Me Questions

Tell Me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. You should test them as you set o8 and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

Tell Me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how the pressures should be checked.

In the manufacturers guide/user manual.

Use a reliable pressure gauge. Check and adjust the pressures when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.

tyre pressure stricker

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

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as your eyes or the tops of your ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

Tell Me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have suﬃcient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road.

There should be no cuts or bulges. A minimum of 1.6 millimetres of tread depth across the centre of the tyre and all the way around.

trye tread aguage

tyre tread image

Tell Me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Operate the switch to turn them on and walk around the vehicle and check the lights are working.

headlights 1

dipped headlights

Tell Me how you’d know if there is a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

A warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

ABS light

Tell Me how you’d check that the indicators are working.

Switch on the hazards lights and walk around the vehicle to check all of the indicator lights are flashing.

Tell Me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Press the brake pedal and make use of reflec;ons in windows, doors or ask someone to check for you.

Tell Me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before star5ng a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly.

Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.

Turning the steering wheel just after moving oﬀ will give immediate indication that the power steering is working.
With the engine oﬀ, turn the steering wheel a little and hold, while you switch on the engine should result in a noticeable movement of the steering wheel as it begins to operate.

Tell Me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them.

Switch on the headlights, then the fog lights. There should be a warning light on the dashboard. Use the fog lights when visibility is reduced to 100 metres ahead.

fog light symbol

Tell Me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them.

Switch on the headlights, then the fog lights. There should be a warning light on the dashboard. Use the fog lights when visibility is reduced to 100 metres ahead.

fog light symbol

Tell Me how you’d switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you know main beam is on.

Switch on the dipped headlights then move the lever to main beam. Check that the blue light is illuminated on the dashboard.

high beam symbol

Tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant

You check the level of coolant is between the maximum and minimum markers on the side of the tank.

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Tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of brake fluid

Point out the brake fluid tank. You check the level is between the maximum and minimum markers on the side of the tank.

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