Show me/tell me questions ?

Vehicle safety check questions (random checks)

These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.

As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.

The source material is to be found in the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) publication 'Driving the essential skills' and ' The official DSA driving test'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook. 

Candidates will be asked two questions, one ‘show me’ and one ‘tell me’. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded. Please find examples of safety check questions for cars in the related content box.

If you have any queries about this part of your practical test you should contact the Technical Standards Branch.

Example two
1. 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.

Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

2. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Example three
1. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level. 

Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

2. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only). 

Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

Example four
1. 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. 

Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings. 

2. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. 

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.

Example five
1. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. 

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.

2. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear. 

Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Example six
1. Tell me how you would 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. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

2. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. 

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

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

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.

2. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working. 

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.

Example eight
1. 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. 

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

2. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. 

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

Example nine
1. 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. 

To cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

2. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only). 

Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

Example ten
1. 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. 

Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

2. Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey. 

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.

Example eleven
1. 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. 

Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum marker.

2. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. 

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

Example twelve
1. 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. 

Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

2. Show me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. 

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

The above is the full accredited DSA version of the Show me Tell me Questions.

Car Captain.

Drive Safely for life.