The vehicle safety questions known as “Show me tell me” will be asked at the start of the driving test, you will only be asked two of the questions if you get one or both wrong it will go down as 1 driving fault. Your skillz2drive driving instructor will help you with these.
The aim of the show me tell me questions is to show the learners knowledge of general safety and maintenance checks by being asked combinations of questions covering the tyres, fluid levels, brakes, lights, steering and horn. The pupil would respond by showing the examiner how the check would take place, or by telling the examiner how the check would proceed.
Q: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A: Press the hazard warning lights switch and check that the lights are working by walking round the car, alternatively you can turn each indicator on individually and check the relevant lights.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: Test the brakes at a low speed, they shouldn’t feel spongy, slack or the car shouldn’t pull to one side.
Q: Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working.
A: Turn on the ignition. Operate the brake pedal and use a reflective surface (shop window) to check that the brake lights are lit, alternatively ask somebody to check the lights as you hold the pedal down.
Q: Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A: There are two answers to this question. 1) Test the steering gently as you move at a low speed, the steering shouldn’t feel heavy. 2) With the engine off, pull gently on the steering wheel and hold it in place, then switch the engine on and you should feel the steering loosen as the power steering starts to work.
Q: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for your car and how to check the tyre pressures.
A: The recommended tyre pressure for your car will be in the owners handbook(manual). You should use a reliable tyre pressure gauge, or air pump in the garage, when the tyres are cold, remembering to replace the valve caps and don’t forget to check the spare!
Q: Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
A: Apply the footbrake firmly, demonstrate by releasing the handbrake then applying it again, explain that as the take your foot off the brake the car doesn’t move and the handbrake isn’t at the end of its working travel.
Q: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part is level with the top of the ears and the head restraint is as close to the back of the head as possible.
Q: Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A: There should be 1.6mm of tread across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. Also you should check that there are no cuts or bulges or scrapes anywhere on the tyre.
Q: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A: To Operate the horn press firmly down.
Q: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A: Turn on the ignition and hold the stalk in towards you(it will switch of when finished).
Q: Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
A: Turn on the ignition. Operate the switch then walk around the vehicle to check that all the bulbs are lit.
Q: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
A: Set all the relevant controls, including the fan and air con the temperature and air direction. Press the heated screen button to clear the rear screen(turn electrics on first).
Q: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you should use it/them.
A: Turn on the ignition. Turn on the dipped headlights then use the switch for the fog lights, check on the instrument panel that there is a warning light lit. You should only use the fog lights when visibility is reduced to less than 100m.(do not just say when its foggy)
Q: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system (ABS).
A: A warning light would illuminate on the instrument panel.
Q: Show me how you would switch your headlight from dipped to main beam, and how you would know it’s on whilst inside the car.
A: Turn on the ignition. Turn on the dipped headlights then operate the lever to switch to main beam. You will see a blue light on the instrument panel.
There are also 4 questions relating to the engine bay, however it can be a little difficult to remember which engine components relate to each question! Use this diagram of the vw polo engine bay as a summary to help memorise where each of your checks should be taking place (when using a different car the components may be in different places).if the levels are not between the min and max marks they must be topped up. you will not be asked to touch anything under the bonnet as it could be hot.
