Safety check questions for the Car Driving Test (Show Me Tell Me)
For the past six years, the D.S.A has made it a requirement that before every driving test taken in the United Kingdom, a candidate must answer two of a range of “show me, tell me” questions designed to allow the candidate to demonstrate their knowledge about the operation and maintenance of their vehicle. These questions tend to be in two types, one will require a demonstration (show me) and one will be a explanation (tell me).
These are fundamental parts of the driving test and your driving instructor will run you through the majority of these steps both in advance on your driving lessons and they will take you through them again if you have a final driving lessons before the test. However if you are learning independently of a driving school you should take time to familiarise yourself with these style of questions.
On the day of your driving test your instructor will quiz you on the questions below before you leave the driving test centre. Driving Schools like Oneway will provide you with a sheet prior to the test for you to learn but it could be worth just printing these out prior to this. If you are getting near to the time of your driving test and your instructor hasn’t taken you through these steps (good driving schools like Oneway will) it would be worth asking the question.
To download these questions please click here
You will be asked to describe (‘tell me’) how to perform a check on the condition and safety of one component and demonstrate (‘show me’) an actual check on the condition of another. Incorrect or incomplete answers will be marked as a fault. In the practical learner test, only one driving fault is allocated to this section of the test.
SAFETY: The engine must be turned off before opening the bonnet and the coolant filler cap must never be removed when the engine is hot. Concerning the driving test the examiner does not want you to touch anything under the bonnet.
Some checks may require the ignition to be on – you must check that the handbrake is on and the gear lever is in neutral before touching the key. DO NOT start the engine except for question 2.
You must always read your cars manufacturer’s handbook before driving it. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can alter for each make and model of car. The source material for the following advice can be found in the Official DSA publications: ‘Guide to Driving, the Essential Skills’ and ‘Guide to Learning to Drive’.
1. 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 oil dipstick / oil level indicator, and describe how to check that the oil level is between the
minimum / maximum markers
2. Show me and explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before
starting a journey.
If the steering is 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.
3. 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 minium/maxium level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe
how to top up to correct level. With the engine COLD and ideally parked on a level surface, carefully
unscrew the cap and top up with the correct coolant (see manufacturers guide) to the maximum marker.
4. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure
you keep safe control of the vehicle?
Apply the foot brake firmly. Demonstrate by applying the handbrake so that when it is fully applied it
secures itself, and is not at the end of it’s working travel.
5. Tell: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the
windscreen washer level.
Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level. On some cars, if you can’t see the level, top up
with windscreen washer fluid until you can see the level.
6. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using the horn. (Turn on ignition if necessary, do not start the engine)
7. 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 reservoir, check that the level is between the maximum and minimum markings.
8. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working
Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (Hazard lights do not require the ignition on but using the indicator stalk does).
9. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
(I can assist you. You will need to switch the ignition on, please do not start the engine)
Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc., or ask someone to help.
10. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
With the engine running the brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off and check that the vehicle does not pull to one side. When testing it is also better to press down the clutch as to disengage any engine braking
11. Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle.
(As this is a ‘Tell Me’ question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
12. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car
and how tyre pressures should be checked.
In the Manufacturer’s guide (driver’s handbook). 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. (Bar approx = Kilogram force per square centimetre. PSI = Pounds per square inch)
13. 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.
Use a tread depth gauge. Some tyres have built in tread gauges in the rubber:
- There must be at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the width of the tyre
and around the entire outer circumference.
- There must be no cuts or bulges on the inner or outer tyre walls.
14. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on)
15. 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 fan, temperature, air direction / source & heated screen to
clear windscreen and windows. (Turn ignition on).
16. 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; turn on dipped headlights (turn on ignition, if necessary, but without starting the engine). Check warning light is on. Explain use, only when the visibility is less than 100 metres.
17. 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.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
18. 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.
NB: Some head restraints might not be adjustable.
19. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system. (Point to the position of this
Light).
Before your test you must be able to read, in good daylight, with glasses or contact lenses if you wear them a car number plate from a distance of 20 metres. Older style number plates should be read from a distance of 20.5 metres. If you cannot read (or write down) the number plate at this distance of at least one of three different cars, you will fail the test. If you read with the use of glasses or contact lenses you will be required by law to wear these throughout the test and if you refuse, your test will be vetoed.
These are just a couple of elements that make up the driving practical test and once you complete these you will be required to pass the driving phase of the practical driving test.
Keep checking back as we are always updating our guides about learning to drive and driving lessons.
