Show Me Tell Me Questions

At the beginning of your driving test, your examiner will ask you 2 questions relating the car.  You will be asked to either show them something, or explain something, relating to the car.  Here are some example questions, which will help you on the day of the test.

Q1: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level? 

Identify the coolant tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached. 

Q2: 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 the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels. 

Q3: Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey? 

If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. 1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. 2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly. 

Q4: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level? 

Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level. 

Q5: Open the bonnet identify, where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil? 

Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings. 

Q6: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)? 

Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary). 

Q7: 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)? 

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) 

Q8: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey? 

As you move off check the brakes. They should not feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side. 

Q9: Tell me how you would check that the headlights and taillights are working? 

Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on. 

Q10: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly? 

Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly. 

Q11: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked? 

Information will be found using the car manufacturer’s manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare and remember to refit the valve caps. 

Q12: Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road? 

A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. 

Q13: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear? 

Apply the parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself. 

Q14: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash? 

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. 

Q15: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers? 

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

Q16: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens? 

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. 

Q17: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system? 

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system 

Q18: 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? 

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

Q19: 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)? 

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

  

Note: Failure on one or both of the show me tell me questions will result in one minor fault.

Identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

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Identify where to check level, i.e. dipstick or sight glass. Explain that level should be between max and min marks. For dipstick remove dipstick and wipe clean, return and remove again to check oil level against max/min marks. For sight glass, ensure glass is clean when checking.

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

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

Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.

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Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Tell me how you would check that the lights and reflectors are clean and working.

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Explanation only: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), identify reflectors. Check visually for cleanliness and operation.

Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working.

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Operate brake, place hand over light or make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help.

Tell me how you would check the condition of the chain on this machine.

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Check for chain wear, correct tension and rear wheel alignment. Tension should be adjusted as specified in the machine handbook. Drive chain should be lubricated to ensure that excessive wear does not take place.

Show me what checks you would make on the steering movement before using the machine.

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Handlebars should be free to move smoothly from full left lock to full right lock without any control cables being stretched, trapped or pinched and without any snagging between moving and fixed parts.

Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they are correctly inflated, have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

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Correct tyre pressure settings can be found in the owner’s manual. Pressures should be checked using a reliable gauge. Tread depth must be at least 1mm deep, forming a continuous band at least 3/4 of the breadth of the tread and all the way around. There should be no lumps, bulges or tears.

Show me how you would check the operation of the front brake on this machine.

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Wheel the machine forward and apply the front brake.

Show me how you would check the operation of the brakes on this machine.

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Check for excessive travel on the brake lever and the brake pedal and for unusual play or sponginess.

Show me how you would check the operation of the engine cut out switch.

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Operate switch, without the engine being started.

Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it (if fitted).

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

Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam.

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

 

Please note:

At any point throughout the CBT course the instructor may stop training and ask the student to return another day. This may be due to a number of reasons. If this is the case the instructor will explain why he/she has chosen to do so and be available to give a full debrief and answer any questions. When returning for extra training, you must book back in to the same site you first attended.  If you have opted for the Guaranteed Pass option you will not be charged for returning for a second session. If you are required to return for more than one session you will be charged for each subsequent return after the first comeback.  If you have not taken up the Guaranteed Pass option you will be charged the full price for another attempt at the CBT.

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