Driving Questions : Chris Richards ADI :
Show Me Tell Me Questions

The ‘Show Me Tell Me’ Questions and Answers....

On your Practical Test after your paperwork has been Checked and you have read a number Plate you will be asked to ‘Lead your Way to your vehicle. When you are their the examiner will then ask you 2 questions from the list below. (1 Show me and 1 tell me). These question are relatively easy and after reading it through a few times you should find the answers quite easy. Also on your test you only get a ‘minor driving fault’ for an incorrect answer so don’t worry too much but a you should start as you mean to go on ... With a Clean Sheet!

The First part of the Answer to the question is the official DSA answer and the green text is my interpretation of the answer!

I am currently adding more pictures to show the steps to take to check and answer the questions.
The DSA’s printable Q&A’s can be seen here.

The Under Bonnet Tell me Q&A’s..

REMEMBER DON’T TOUCH ANY PART OF THE ENGINE AS IT MAY BE HOT!!!!

Also you should always make sure your engine is switched off and you are parked securely off the road.

• Q 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.

Basically you would take out the dipstick, wipe it and put it back in, then remove it and check that it is between the mini and maximum levels (remember oil is a liquid so checking it on a slope or when the engine is hot could result in an incorrect reading!)

• Q 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 min/max level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to
top up to correct level.

Point to the coolant reservoir and explain that the are two lines on side, one minimum and the other maximum. The coolant needs to be between these lines. If it is too low you need to top it up with a solution of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water. (remember coolant is liquid so checking it on a slope or when the engine is hot could result in an incorrect reading!).

• Q 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.

As you use the water washers a lot you need to keep your water toped up regularly. You top it up with a combination of water and windscreen washer liquid. Its also a good idea to clean you windscreen wiper blades with the fluid and a cloth at the same time.

• Q 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 Min/Max markings.

You should be able to tell that the level of the brake fluid is between the min/max markings. If not you can fill it up with the correct brake fluid(usually ‘dot4’, but you should always check first). You also should also immediately check your brake fluid level if the brake system warning light on your dashboard is illumined.

The rest of the Tell me Q&A’s..
• Q - 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.

(simple!)

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

A Check 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.

On most cars their is also a handy sticker telling you the required pressure which is located in the sill of the drivers door (see picture on left). Remember that the recommended pressure of the tyres is different if the car has a heavy load compared with just 2 passengers.

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• 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 of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.

This is to help prevent whip-lash and pain in event of an accident. Majority of head rests are not positioned high enough and may do the complete opposite. Actually flipping the head back over the top of the headrest resulting in a server neck injury.

• Q 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.

You can check the tyres tread depth by inserting a ‘tyre tread depth gauge in between the tread groves. If you don't have a tyre tread depth gauge then the majority of new tyres have their own gauge built in. In between the treads of the tyre you should be able to see small blocks of rubber which go through the breadth of the tyre ( you can see part of one clearly on the picture to the left). These are the tread wear indicators. When your tread is nearing the same depth of these you should defiantly get them changed. The is also a big campaign at the moment to inform people that tyres with a tread of 3mm or less don't perform as well in wet condition and also take longer to stop!

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• Q Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

A Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a
"Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)

This use to be a ‘show me’ question but now its an easy ‘tell me’ question (keeps you dry in the wet!).

• Q Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
A Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

(simple)

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The ‘Show Me’ Q&A’s..

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

A Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

I would always suggest using the hazard warning lights as it may lead to other drivers confusion if they can see your indicators are on (they may think you are about to pull out!) and if you use the hazards you can check all the light at once!

• Q Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)

A Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine).

As this is a ‘Show Me’ you will be best asking the examiner to check the brake lights while you keep the brake pedal applied.( don't worry they will be expecting you to ask them this and they don’t bite!).

• Q 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.

Simple!

• 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 foot brake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

If the parking brake is nearing the end of the working travel then you will need to get it tightened as eventually it wont work and you don't want to be on hill when that happens!

• Q 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).

Press the horn Firmly!

• Q Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.

A Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

Pull back the stalk for the wipers and keep it held back for a few seconds until the water sprays on top and under the wiping wipers!

• 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 relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear
windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

Starting with the first red circle on the left (of the picture on the left) this is the fan setting, increase it to max. The second red circle is the air conditioning switch, this can help to heat up the temperature quicker but is not always needed. The control in the third red circle is used to direct the air to the front window. The 4th circle is identifying the ‘rear headed window switch’. Press this to heat the rear window. The fifth and final(few!) is the heating control. Increase this to max heat . Now your windows should demist!!!!

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• Q Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.
(No need to exit vehicle)

A Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

You need to have your dipped headlights on in order for your fog lights to work. On the mini the second button from the left (on the picture of the demister settings their is another panel of silver switch below them) is the Front fog lights and the second from the right is the rear footlights You also get a warning light for each on you dash when they are on. You can only used them when vision is seriously reduced (when vision is less than 100 meters (328 feet) ) and must be switched off once the visibility improves.

• Q Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would
know the main beam is on whilst inside the car

A Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

In my mini you have to turn on the dipped headlights and then push the stalk forward to turn on your main beam. When main beam is on you get a Blue warning light on you instrument panel. To turn it of again you have to pull the stalk back to you.