Driving Lessons Bridgend and Swansea | Show Me, Tell Me Questions | FiveDrive

Show Me, Tell Me Questions

On your Driving Test, you will be asked two Show Me, Tell Me questions.  

The examiner will ask you one:

• 'tell me' question at the start of your driving test, before you start driving
• 'show me' question while you are driving

If you get one question wrong, or even both wrong, you will only pick up one minor fault.

  YOU WILL NOT FAIL YOUR TEST ON THESE QUESTIONS!!  

You will not need any technical knowledge for the “Show Me, Tell Me” questions.  In fact, try to think of the really obvious answers.  If you have any questions, please ask your FiveDrive instructor.

These questions will apply from 4th December 2017

'Show Me' questions (asked while you are driving)

1. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
2. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
3. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?
4. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would set the rear demister?
5. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn?
6. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen?
7. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would open and close the side window?

'Tell Me' questions (asked at the start of your test before you start driving)

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

As you move off check the brakes. They should not feel spongy or slack and the car should not pull to one side.

Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Information will be found using the car manufacturer's manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.

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.  Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Explain that you would operate the switch - turn on ignition if necessary, then walk around car and check that the lights are on. 

(as this is a 'tell me' question, you will not need to physically check the lights)

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.

Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.

Explain that you would activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and then walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.

(as this is a 'tell me' question, you will not need to physically check the lights)

Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain that you would operate the brake pedal and then make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. 

Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made.

1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.

2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.

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

Explain that you would operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary).  Check warning light is on.  Explain use - when visibility is less than 100m.

Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

Explain that you would operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil.

Identify the dipstick, explain that you would pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings.

Tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient engine coolant

Identify the coolant tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached.

Tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Explain that you would identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels.