The driving test: show me, tell me questions

Contrary to some rumours, you do not need to change a tyre on test, but there are vehicle check questions asked at the beginning before you drive.
Some may say you will not fail the driving test for not knowing the answers to the questions, but the truth is, you can fail if you do not answer the questions correctly. You will incur a driver fault if one or both questions are incorrectly answered and this will count to your maximum allowed 15 Driver Faults, inducing a fail.
If you score a 16th Driver Fault you will fail.

The purpose is to see if the candidate (you) has a little working knowledge of the vehicle you are driving, encouraging you to learn about vehicles and maintenance.

As a candidate on test and you will want to do well, so learn them and have a great start!

There are 19 questions in total.

1.“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”

Open the bonnet identify dipstick /oil level indicator, describe how to check the oil level check against the minimum/maximum markers. ie remove dipstick, clean with rag, dip dipstick back in, remove and read.

2. “Open the bonnet, identify the windscreen washer reservoir and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level”

Open the bonnet, identify reservoir and explain how to check level, another minimum/maximum marker answer, also open the cap to see inside.

3. “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”

Open the bonnet identify high/low level markings on header tank or radiator filler cap where fitted, and describe how to top up to correct level. Radiators are only opened with a cold engine.

4. “Open the bonnet, show me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid”

Open the bonnet, identify brake fluid reservoir and explain how to check level, another minimum/maximum marker answer.

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

Demonstrate by applying parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures the car and is not at the end of its working travel. This means the handbrake is not too high when applied and when you release the button, it stays in the up/on position.
Keep your foot on the foot brake.

6. “Show me how you would check that the horn is working”

Sound horn by using the appropriate device

(off road only, turn on ignition if necessary).

7. “Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the washers and wipers”

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

8. “Show me /explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey”

Say: “If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly”.
After starting the engine two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. ie pull the steering wheel a couple of inches to the left and start the engine – this will result in the slight, but noticeable movement and mentions at this point “heavy steering, not working! Light steering, working!”
Or preferably, turn the steering wheel as you move off, you will get an immediate indication that the power assistance is working, if it isn’t the steering will be very heavy.

9. “Show me how you would check that the direction indicators / hazard warning lights are working”

Apply the indicators / hazard warning switch and check all indicators.

10. “Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car”

Use reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to check (turn on ignition).

11. “Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working correctly 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 when you brake.

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

Explain: Operate light switch and then walk around vehicle. It is not necessary for you to walk around the vehicle on test.

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

Consult the 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.

14. “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 or bulges on the tyre or its sidewall, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. Remember your spare tyre.

15. “Show me how you would switch from dipped headlight to main beam.

Explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside you car” Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary) check for the main beam warning light, usually a blue icon.

16. “Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear both front and rear windscreens effectively.

Set relevant controls which include: fan, temperature, air direction and source, plus heated screen controls. (Do not start engine).

17. “Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted to provide the best protection in the event of a crash”

The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part of the restraint is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears. The restraint should be as close to the back of the head as is comfortably possible (Not all head restraints are adjustable).

18. “Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them”

Operate switch (stay in the car turn on ignition if necessary and select dipped beam) Check fog warning light is on, this is usually green for the front (if iftted) and orange for the rear.

19. “Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti lock braking system”

The warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

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Tags: driving test changes, driving tips, learning to drive, pass the driving test, show me tell me