© 2008 Altash Ltd and Hall Driving School Scarborough
(Driving lessons in Scarborough)
Before you start your driving test you will be asked two ‘Show me, Tell me’ questions.
Below are some examples of the sort of question you may be asked.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Identify (TELL) where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would
check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level. Look in the bottle to see if any
water, if no markers on bottle.
4. Open the bonnet, identify (SHOW) 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,
on level ground.
5. SHOW me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Apply the
indicators (turn on ignition if necessary) or hazard warning switch and check functioning
of all indicators.
6. SHOW me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Operate
brake pedal and make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone
to help (they may need to turn the ignition on but tell them not to start the engine)
7.
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.
8. TELL me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
Operate
switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.
(no need to demonstrate, as this is a ‘tell me’ question)
9. 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 handbook, use
a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don't
forget spare tyre. Remember to refit valve caps.
10. 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/or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the
CENTRAL ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
11. SHOW me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is
carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
12. Open the bonnet, identify (SHOW) 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.
Check when cold and on level ground.
13. Open the bonnet, identify (SHOW) 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 header tank where fitted
or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level. Check when cold
and on level ground.
The following six questions have been added to the ‘Show me, tell me’ test from the 1st of July 2008
14. TELL me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so that it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid (centre) part of the restraint is level with your eyes or top of your ears and as close to the back of head as is comfortable. Some head restraints, however, may not be adjustable.
15. SHOW me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers.
Turn the ignition on (if necessary) and operate the wash/wipe control.
16. SHOW how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively including front and rear windscreens.
Set all the relevant controls (fan, temperature, air direction and heated screen) to clear windscreen and windows. The engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
17. SHOW how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them (no need to exit the vehicle).
Turn on the dipped headlights and ignition (if necessary) and operate the fog light switch. Check that the fog light warning light is displayed on the dashboard display. Explain that only use fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced to 100 metres (328 feet) or less. Do not use the in any other circumstance as they can dazzle and distract other road users.
18. TELL me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-
A warning light should show up on the dashboard display.
19. SHOW me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how
you would know that main beam was on whilst in the car.
Turn ignition on (or engine if necessary) and operate the switch. When main beam
is selected a warning should be displayed on the dashboard display.
