Show Me / Tell Me Car Test.

At the start of your practical test you will be asked by the examiner one 'show me' and one 'tell me' question, the questions that you will be asked are below. It is very important that you understand the meaning and the terms that are used to pass this part of the test. Below are the main core questions but you can view and download a more comprehensive version including pictures from here in PDF format. (the free Adobe Reader is needed)

Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive Wear?

Make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle by using the foot brake). 

Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secured

itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

 

Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car (I can

assist you, if  you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine).

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or

ask someone for help (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

 

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

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack (indication of low brake fluid) Brakes

should be tested as you set off, the Vehicle should not pull to one side (incorrect

adjustment of brakes).

 

Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Check is carried out by using control (turn engine on if necessary).

 

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

(No need to exit vehicle.)

Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), Then walk

around vehicle. (This is a “Tell Me” question, there is no need to physically

check the lights).

 

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.

 

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, please don’t start the engine.)

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary).

Check warning light is on.  Explain use.

 

Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on it necessary).

 

Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear the windows effectively,

this should include both front and rear screens.

Set all relevant controls including fans, temperature, air direction/source and

heated screen to clear windscreen and windows.  Engine DOES NOT have to be

started for this demonstration

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

Warning lights should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

 

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

Applying the indicators or hazard warning lights and check functioning of all

indicators (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

 

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. 

Apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel when the engine is started or slightly turn the steering wheel as you move off give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

 

Tell me how you would 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 ridge part of the head restraint is at least

as high as eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head is comfortable. 

N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

 

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

Manufacturer’s guide/Drivers Side Door A Pillar, using a reliable pressure gauge. 

Check and adjust tyre pressures when cold and before a journey, not forgetting the spare and replacing the valve (dust) caps afterwards.

 

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.

There should be no cuts or bulges. Legal requirement is 1.6 mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

 

Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you

would check the windscreen washer level.

Open the bonnet and identify the reservoir, remove the cap and see if the additive is

noticeable or if low top up.  Assess how often you have used your wind screen washers. 

Use windscreen additive when topping up (Check every month).

 

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 (or radiator filler cap) and describe how to top up to the correct level.

Top up when cold/warm and before a lengthy journey. Never hot as could result to damage to the engine or scalding to yourself

 

Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would

check that you have a safe level of ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

Identify reservoir check level against high / low markings

 

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 dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against

the min / max markers.  

Always check when the engine is cold and before  journey.

(Oil is stored in the sump at the bottom of the engine)