What are "Show Me, Tell Me" Questions?
Since 2003, the practical driving test has included questions on vehicle safety, popularly known as "Show me, tell me". This reflects the need for candidates to have the skills and knowledge to ensure they and their vehicles are safe to be on the road. You will only be asked two questions and you have to answer both correctly to avoid collecting your first driving fault.
This shouldn't be too hard because you will only be asked one of the set combinations which I have detailed below. If you are learning with me, we will over the course of your lessons practise those questions which require knowledge of where to find things in my car (assuming you are planning to sit the test in my car). In fact, I'll happily quiz you on all of the combinations if you like but I do recommend you to take the time to learn the answers to all these questions at home, rather than spend valuable lesson time on it.
The current questions, answers (in italics) and combinations to be used are as follows:-
Combination 1.
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Combination 2.
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc., or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on – prompt not to start engine)
Combination 3.
Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Tell me where you would find the information regarding the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Combination 4.
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Combination 5.
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.
Tell me where you would find the information regarding the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Combination 6.
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.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Combination 7.
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.
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.
Combination 8.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)
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.
Combination 9.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Combination 10.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working (no need to exit vehicle)
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front & rear screens.
Combination 11.
Show me how you would turn on the rear fog light (s) and explain when you would use it (them). (No need to exit the vehicle)
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Combination 12.
Show me how you would check to see if the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you. If you need to switch on the ignition, please do not start the engine)
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working (no need to exit vehicle)
Combination 13.
Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped beam to main beam and explain how you would know that the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
