Show and Tell

What is the show me, tell me?

The show me, tell me part of the practical driving test is 22 safety questions about the car. These safety questions are based on; fluids, tyres, lights, brakes, windscreens, steering and other safety aspects.

Your driving instructor should go through the show me, tell me questions and answers with you at the roadside and whilst driving.

When do I do the show me, tell me?

At the beginning of your practical driving test the driving test examiner will ask you one 'tell me' question. During your practical driving test whilst driving, the driving test examiner will ask you when safe, to 'show me' how you would do something i.e. set the demister controls.

What if I get the show me, tell me wrong?

You will not fail your practical driving test for getting the 'tell me' question wrong.

If you are unable to locate the requested control on the 'show me' part of the practical driving test, the driving test examiner will ask you to pull up on the left when safe. Once you have pulled up safely, the driving test examiner will help you to locate the requested control, confirm you know where it is, and then request that you drive on when ready. The 'show me' question will be asked again whilst driving!

You will only get one minor driving fault on your DL25 practical driving test report form even you get them both wrong, as long as you remain safe.

If whilst operating a control during the 'show me' question it becomes unsafe or dangerous i.e. you take your eyes of the road to look down at the demister control and the car veers to the left towards parked vehicles or right towards oncoming traffic, you'll be given a dangerous fault which will result in you failing your practical drivng test.

Where on the driving test report form is it marked?

It's marked under 7. Vehicle Checks on the DL25 driving test report.

NOTE: Due to the fact that you can fail your practical driving test on the 'show me' part. It is vitally important that you not only take the time to learn the questions and answers, but familiarize yourself with all the controls, especially the ones relating to the 'show me' part, not just at the roadside, but whilst driving too!


'Show me' questions

Front Wiper

Question: When it's safe, show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

Answer: Use the windscreen washer switch to trigger the front washer jets and activate the front wipers.

Rear Wiper

Question: When it's safe, show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

Answer: Use the windscreen washer switch to trigger the rear washer jet and activate the rear wiper.

Front Demister

Question: When it's safe, show me how you'd demist the front windsceen?

Answer: Turn switch to front windscreen position, set the temperature, then turn on and off the fan.

Rear Demister

Question: When it's safe, show me how you'd set the rear demister?

Answer: Press the rear windscreen demister button to turn on and off the rear demister.

Opening Window

Question: When it's safe, show me how you'd open and close the side window?

Answer: Use the window switch to open and close the drivers side window.

Dipped Headlights

Question: When it's safe, show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights?

Answer: Use the light switch to turn on and off your dipped headlights.

Horn

Question: When it's safe, show me how you'd operate the horn?

Answer: Sound the horn briefly as not to alarm other road users.

Cruise Control (if fitted)

Question: When it’s safe, show me how you’d operate the cruise control?

Answer: Momentarily turn on cruise control via switch.

ADI Part 2 Only!


'Tell me' questions

Tyre Pressure

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

Answer: I'd check the manufacturer’s guide and use a reliable pressure gauge to check and adjust the all the tyre pressures inclucing the spare when the tyres are cold, remembering to refit valve caps.

Tyres Condition

Question: 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.

Answer: There should be a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference with no cuts or bulge.

Brakes

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

Answer: I'd check the brakes as I set off. They should not feel slack or spongy and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

Brake Lights

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

Answer: I'd operate the brake pedal, and make use of reflections or I'd ask someone to assist me.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

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

Answer: The ABS warning light will stay illuminated if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Direction Indicators

Question: Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Answer: I'd apply the hazard warning switch and walk around the vehicle checking of all indicators bulbs. Alternatively, i'd check the indicator switch and indicator bulbs by using the indicators arm.

Head and Tail Lights

Question: Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

Answer: I'd operate the light switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle.

Dipped to Main Beam

Question: Tell 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.

Answer: I'd operate the light switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary) and check the main beam warning light is on.

Fog Light(s)

Question: Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)

Answer: When visibility is less than 100m, I'd operate the light switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary) and check the fog warning light is on.

Power Assisted Steering (PAS)

Question: Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Answer: I'd apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel whilst starting the engine, this should result in the steering becoming lighter. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after i've moved off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Head Restraint

Question: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

Answer: 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 the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Under the bonnet

Engine Oil

Question: Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check the engine has sufficient oil.

Answer: Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the min/max markers.

Engine Coolant

Question: Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that the engine has sufficient coolant.

Answer: Identify min/max level markings on the header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Brake Fluid

Question: Open the bonnet and tell me how you'd check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Answer: Identify reservoir/bottle, check level against min/max markings.

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