Show Me / Tell Me

Part of your test includes a Show me, Tell Me' section. This is when your examiner will ask you one 'Show me' and one 'Tell me' question about general maintenance and safety checks on your car.

You can get an idea of the kind of questions you will be asked on this page and by clicking each of the questions, you can see the kind of response you would be expected to give. A wrong answer to one, or both of the questions counts as one Minor Fault.

Tell Me Questions

Remove the dipstick and wipe the end with a clean cloth or rag. Replace the dipstick and remove it again to check the oil on the end which must show between the minimum and maximum markers.

The fluid must show between the minimum and maximum marker levels on the side of the brake fluid reservoir.

The coolant fluid level must show between the minimum and maximum markers on the side of the coolant level reservoir.

The windscreen washer level should be topped up regularly using water with a screen wash additive (not anti-freeze) to help clear dirt and grime and to stop it freezing in Winter.

"I would operate the brake pedal when I have a reflected view, for example, off another parked car or a window, or I would ask a friend to press the pedal so I could check them."

"The brakes should not feel spongy or pull to one side and should be tested as soon as you pull away where safe to do so."

"Details in the manufacturers guide and on the passenger side door pillar. The pressure should be checked when the tyres are cold and the spare should be checked as well and valve caps should be replaced."

"There must be no cuts or bulges, a minimum of 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the width of the tyre and around the whole circumference."

Show Me Questions

"Gentle turning pressure on the wheel as as the engine is started would result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate"

Demonstrate this by applying the foot brake to keep the car steady, disengaging and re-applying the parking brake to show that it secures itself and is not at the end of its working travel.

By giving the horn a short burst taking care not to frighten any pedestrians.

Operate the hazard warning and walk around the car checking front, side and rear indicators are functioning.

Turn on the lights and walk around the car to check that they all work.