DVSA Show Me, Tell Me Questions
Below are the official Show Me / Tell Me questions exactly as used by the driving examiner.
Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Information is in the manufacturer’s guide, on a plate or sticker under the fuel cap, on the driver’s door frame or in the handbook. Tyre pressures should be checked using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is at least as high as the eyes or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.
Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
There should be no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Turn on the lights and check the warning light on the dashboard. Alternatively, turn them on and walk around the vehicle.
Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A warning light would illuminate on the dashboard if there was a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Activate the indicators and check the warning lights on the dashboard, or turn them on and walk around the vehicle.
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Press the brake pedal and ask someone to check the lights, or place the car near a reflective surface such as a wall or garage door.
Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine or turning the ignition on. There should be a noticeable change in resistance as the system begins to operate.
Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.
Turn on the dipped headlights and then operate the rear fog light switch. I would use it when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when it’s less than 100 metres, and switch it off when visibility improves.
Tell me how you’d switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate the main beam control, usually a stalk. A blue warning light on the dashboard indicates main beam headlights are on.
Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify the dipstick, remove it and wipe it clean, then reinsert it fully and remove it again. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks.
Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.
Check the coolant level against the minimum and maximum markings on the expansion tank when the engine is cold. Do not open the cap when the engine is hot.
Tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Check the brake fluid reservoir and ensure the level is between the minimum and maximum markings.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Operate the rear windscreen washer and wiper.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Operate the front windscreen washer and wipers.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
Turn the light control to dipped headlights.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
Operate the rear window demister control.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
Press the horn control.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
Turn on the heater controls and set them to direct warm air onto the windscreen.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Use the window control to open and then close the side window.