Show Me Tell Me

SHOW ME TELL ME

Below are all the DSA 2014 Show Me Tell Me questions and answers. At the start of the practical driving test, the examiner will ask you 2 'show me, tell me questions' based on basic vehicle maintenance.
One will be a 'tell me' question, you will be telling the examiner, for example explaining how to check the tyre pressure. The other question will be a 'show me' question. That's where you will have to physically show the examiner how you would do it, for example turning on the headlights and checking..
You can not fail your driving test if you fail to answer any of the questions correctly, but you could get one driving fault if you incorrectly answer one or both of the questions.

Some answers ask you to turn on the ignition. Just turn the key a little for the electrics but don't start the car completely (your instructor will show you how).

The examiner may ask you to open the bonnet of your car (your instructor will show you how to open).

Lets start with questions under the bonnet:

Question 1

Tell Me -
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 level.

Answer:
The dip-stick is identified in the picture just below. You will need to open  the bonnet first and show where it is. You would check by removing the dip-stick, wiping it clean with a clean cloth, dipping it back in, removing it again. The oil level should be between the maximum and minimum marker.

Question 2

Tell Me -
how you would check the engine coolant level, and tell me how you would check that it has the correct level.

Answer:
The coolant tank is identified in the picture just below. You will need to open the bonnet first and show where it is. The engine coolant level should be between the minimum and maximum marker.

Question 3

Tell Me -
where the windscreen washer reservoir is and how you would check the windscreen washer level.

Answer:
This is identified in the picture just below. You will need to open the bonnet first and show where it is. It can be checked by opening it up and checking that it has sufficient washer fluid inside.

Question 4

Tell Me -
where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Answer:
The brake fluid reservoir is identified in the picture just below. You will need to open the bonnet first and show where it is. It can be checked by looking at the maximum and minimum levels found on the side of the brake fluid reservoir.


Please note: the location of the items may be different in your car, as all cars are not the same under the bonnet.

Question 5

Tell Me -
How would you check that the brakes in your car are working before you start a journey.

Answer:
Tell the examiner you would start the car, drive forward slowly and try the foot brake. It should stop the car and the pedal should feel firm and not spongy.

Question 6

Tell Me -          

(Air pressure gauge)

Where would you find the information for recommended tyre pressure, and how would you check the correct pressure level.


Answer:

Tyre pressure information can be found in the car manual. You can check the tyre pressure by using a reliable tyre pressure gauge.

Question 7

Tell Me -
How you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on  the road.                

(A tread depth gauge) 

Answer:
The tread depth can be measured using a tread depth gauge. The legal minimum amount of tread should me no less than 1.6mm of tread in the central ¾ of the tyre and there shouldn't be any cuts or bulges on the edge of the tyre.

Question 8

Tell Me -
How you would make sure that the head restraint is correctly adjusted.

Answer:
Tell the examiner that the head restraint should be adjusted so that the middle part of the head restraint is level with your eyes (or top of your ears) and as close to the back of the head as comfortable.

Question 9

Tell Me -
Show Me-
How you would turn the headlights on, and how you would check if they are working.

Answer:
Turn the ignition on and turn the headlights on. Tell the examiner that you would then get out and check if they are working.
If examiner asks as a Show me question, then go outside and check the lights to see if they are working.

Question 10

Tell Me -
How you would know if there was a problem with your Anti-Lock braking system.

Answer:
Tell the examiner that you would start the engine and a warning light will come on, the light should go off after few seconds, if it stays on, then there is a fault with the Anti-Lock braking system.

Question 11

Tell Me -
Explain how you can check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Answer:
Tell the examiner that you would turn the engine on, and move the steering wheel to the left and to the right. It should feel easy and light to steer and not heavy.

Question 12

Tell Me -
Show Me -
How you would check that the brake lights are working on the car (examiner can help).

Answer:
Ask the examiner if they can check the back of the car while you turn the ignition on and press the foot brake to activate the brake lights (don't start the car though).
If the examiner asks as a Tell Me question. Tell the examiner, you will press the brake and ask someone to check for you, or you can use reflection such as windows to see if the lights are working.

Question 13

Show Me -
How you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

Answer:
Turn the ignition on and operate the windscreen washer lever. (your instructor will show you how)

Question 14

Show Me -
How you would check the directional indicators are working or not.

Answer:
Turn the hazard warning lights on, go out and check from the pavement that the front and rear indicators are working.

   
 

Question 15

Show Me -
How you would set the demister controls to demist the front and rear windows.

Answer:
Turn the fan on, turn the wheel to windscreen marker for front window. For back window, push the rear window button. (your instructor will show you how)

 

 

Question 16

Show Me -
how you can check the horn is working (off road only).

Answer:
Press the centre of the steering wheel (the horn) and you should hear that it works

 

 Question 17

Show Me -
How you would switch on the rear and front fog light(s), and explain when you would use them.

Answer:
Turn the ignition on. Turn the dipped headlights on and then turn the fog lights on. (your instructor will show you how).
Check that the warning light is on for the fog light (no need to go out or switch the engine on). Explain that you would only use the fog light(s) if visibility was poor and below 100 metres.

 

Question 18

Show Me -

How you can check the handbrake (parking brake) for excessive wear.

Answer:
Press the foot brake, release the handbrake, re-apply the handbrake. Once applied, it should stay in position and not go up further.

Question 19

Show Me -

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

Answer:
Turn the ignition on. Turn the dipped headlights on, then turn main beam on (your instructor will show you how. Tell the examiner that you can see the (blue) main beam warning light is displayed on the dashboard.