Show Me, Tell Me
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Anyone taking their driving test must now show the examiner that they
can carry out routine maintenance checks. The 'show me, tell me' questions
require test candidates to explain to the examiner how to find and check
the tyres, brakes, fluid levels, lights, direction indicators and horn.
All candidates will be asked two questions, one
'show me' and one 'tell
me' question.
The questions are asked in set combinations . . . see below the questions for details.
One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
Give
yourself a flying start on your test and get the ‘show me, tell me'
questions spot on! Learning what's required isn't hard and you can
give your confidence a boost by being well prepared
All the questions and answers are listed below, along with photo's to help you to identify the relevent parts of the car.
All Dash pupils approaching test
standard will be given a handout with full details and will have
the chance for plenty of practice . . .
Q1: 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.
A: Identify dipstick/oil level
indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum
markers.
Q2: 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.
A: Identify high/low level markings
on header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap, and describe
how to top up to correct level.
Q3: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how
you would check the windscreen washer level.
A: Identify reservoir and explain
how to check level. Check your car's manual to see how to do this.
Q4: 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.
A: Identify reservoir, check
level against high/low markings.
Q5: Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on
this car.
A: Operate brake pedal, make
use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to
help.
Q6: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before
starting a journey.
A: Brakes should not feel spongy
or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not
pull to one side.
Q7: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended
tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A: Manufacturer's guide, use
a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are
cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Q8: 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.
A: No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm
of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and
around the entire outer circumference.
Q9: Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering
is working before starting a journey.
A: 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 but 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.
Q10: Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights
are working.
A: Operate switch (turn on ignition
if necessary), walk round vehicle.
Q11: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are
working.
A: Applying the indicators or
hazard warning switch and walking around the vehicle to check functioning
of all indicators.
Q12: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road
only).
A: Check is carried out by using
control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Q13: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A: Demonstrate by applying parking
brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at
the end of the working travel.
Combinations of Questions:
Combination 1 – Questions
1 and 9
Combination 2 – Questions 2 and 13
Combination 3 – Questions 3 and 12
Combination 4 – Questions 4 and 11
Combination 5 – Questions 5 and 13
Combination 6 – Questions 6 and 10
Combination 7 – Questions 7 and 11
Combination 8 – Questions 8 and 10
Combination 9 – Questions 8 and 12
Combination 10 – Questions 4 and 9
Combination 11 – Questions 1 and 10
Combination 12 – Questions 2 and 10
All ‘Show me, tell me' information is © Crown Copyright 2003 Driving
Standards Agency