Neil Martin Driving School
Show Me Tell Me Questions for the UK and NI Practical Driving Test
Your practical driving test will include a section called "Show me; tell me" and is for you to show that you have some knowledge, not only of how to drive a car, but also of how to maintain it.
There are 19 questions of which you will be asked 2 before setting out on your test.
01
Tell me how you 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.
02
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 the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of your ears and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. NB - Some head restraints may not be adjustable.
03
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) and check with main beam warning light.
04
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights) and explain when you would use them. (No need to exit the vehicle).
Operate switch, turning on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary. Check warning light is on. Explain use.
05
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 relevant controls including fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen, to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
06
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. Turn on ignition, if necessary.
07
Tell me how you would check 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. 1.6mm of tread depth, across ¾ of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire circumference.
08
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 the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.
09
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit the vehicle.)
Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition, if necessary), then walk around the vehicle. (As this is a Tell Me question, there is no need to physically check the lights).
10
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and should be tested as you move off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
11
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need turn the ignition on. Please don't start the engine.)
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in window, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help. (May need to switch the engine on - prompt not to start the engine.
12
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. (May need to switch ignition on - prompt not to start the engine.)
13
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.
14
Show me how you would check that the horn is working. (Off road only)
Check is carried out by using the control, turning the ignition on, if necessary.
15
Identify 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.
16
Show me how you check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, making sure you keep safe control of your vehicle.
Apply the footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself and is not at the end of the working travel.
17
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 high / low level markings on header tank, where fitted, or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to the correct level.
18
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.
19
Show me / explain how you would check 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 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.