Practical Driving Test - Show Me / Tell Me

Before you begin your practical driving test, you will be required to demonstrate to the examiner two aspects of vehicle safety.

The examiner will ask you two questions relating to vehicle safety and you will be required to either demonstrate your answer by showing the examiner the answer or telling him how you would check whatever it is you have been asked.

This part of the practical test is commonly referred to as 'Show Me, Tell Me'.

There are 19 possible questions, of which two are selected by the examiner on the day of your test. You can see all of the possible 'Show Me Tell Me' questions below along with answers. If you read this page frequently, you'll have no problems come test day!

Show Me, Tell Me Questions

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.

Identify the coolant tank and show the examiner the minimum and maximum markings. If the coolant is below the minimum mark then more coolant is needed. Ensure you never add too much coolant by keeping the level below the maximum marking.

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. 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.

Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

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, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

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 level against high/low markings.

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.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights(s) and explain when you would use them.

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain when visibility less than 100m and switch off when visibility improves.

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

Operate the switch (with ignition on if required), check main beam warning light.

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

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the system.

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

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

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

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Identify reservoir and minimum and maximum level markings. The level should fall between these two 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 minimum/maximum markers.

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 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.

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

Press the horn (turn on ignition if necessary).

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

Operate the control to wash and wipe windscreen.

Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk around vehicle and check all lights are on.

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 the controls including fan, temperature, air direction/source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started.

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

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.