About 'Show Me, Tell Me' |
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As part of your practical test, you will be asked to show or tell how you would carry out safety and maintenance checks on your car. You will need to answer two questions correctly. |
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Remember, answering one or both of your questions incorrectly will count as one driving fault in your test. |
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| Below is a full list the examiner will choose their two questions from. You instructor will go through these with you. You should learn all of them with either your instructor or a suitable relative/friend. They will be very valuable to you in your future driving. |
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| Questions for Category B tests from 1st July 2008 |
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Q1: 'Show me' 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: Open the bonnet, identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe how to check oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
(item 2 on engine pic - view)
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Q2: 'Show me' 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. |
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Q3: 'Show me' 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: Open the bonnet, identify high/low level markings on header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
(item 4 on engine pic - view) |
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Q4: 'Show me' Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
A: Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by taking off the parking brake (handbrake) then re-applying saying there should be some resistance/pressure without it coming up too far and that when it is fully applied it secures itself. If it was at the end of the working travel it would come up too far and not hold the car stationery.
NB: It is not how hard or high you can pull the lever up as this will stretch the handbrake cable and wear it out quicker. It is just enough that is required to firmly hold the vehicle stationery. |
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Q5: 'Tell me' Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A: Open the bonnet, identify reservoir and explain how to check level. Check your car's manual to see how to do this.
(item 3 on engine pic - view). |
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Q6: 'Show me' Show me how you would check that the horn is working. (off road only)
A: Check is carried out by pressing the appropriate horn control.
(On Fiesta, anywhere in the centre of steering wheel will do, plus ignition must be on). |
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Q7: 'Show me' 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: Open the bonnet, identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
(item 1 on engine pic - view) |
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Q8: 'Show me' Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A: Apply the hazard warning switch and walk round the vehicle to check functioning of all indicators. |
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Q9: 'Show me' 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: Ask the Examiner to check the brake lights while you press the pedal. If you had no one to help, you can make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc.
(On Fiesta, ignition switched on is required). |
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Q10: 'Tell me' 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.
(This means you should do a 'static brake test' which involves applying the brake after engine is started and checking the pedal feels normal. Then you can do a 'moving brake test' where you would drive off and brake firmly to check the vehichle responds properly - this is not an emergency stop!) |
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Q11: 'Tell me' Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
A: Switch on headlights and then walk round vehicle to check.
(As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically switch on or check the lights. Just point to switch and explain what you would do - ignition turned on is required for dipped headlights to operate) |
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Q12: 'Tell me' Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A: Manufacturer's guide (sometimes there is a sticker inside door or petrol flap), use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures preferably when tyres are cold, don't forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps. |
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Q13: 'Tell me' 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, bulges, nails etc. The legal minimum is 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth (width) of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. |
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Q14: 'Show me' Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen.
(On Fiesta, ignition must be switched on, then press end of wiper stalk (on right) until sufficient water covers screen, then let go. Wipers will come on and stop automatically). |
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Q15: 'Show me' 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 (on full), temperature (on hot), air direction (towards screen) to clear windscreen and windows, also press heated rear screen button. Air-conditioning button will help speed up process but is not essential. (Ignition or does not have to be started for this demonstration and remember to re-set controls to required/original positions).
(On Fiesta, you also have a heated front screen button that would help and if you were to press the 'Max' button it would do everything for you. No need to actually switch ignition on to demonstrate, just point and explain) |
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Q16: 'Show me' 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: Turn on dipped headlights first then operate the rear fog light switch. Check the orange 'jelly fish' warning light is on. Fog lights should only be used if visibility is seriously reduced to less than 100 metres.
(On Fiesta, switch on ignition, turn on headlight switch and press button on right) |
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Q17: 'Show me' 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.
Turn on dipped headlights then pull or push indicator stalk to switch on main beam and check the blue main beam warning light is on, 'blue jelly fish'.
(On Fiesta, switch on ignition, turn on headlight switch and pull indicator towards you until it clicks - pull again to switch off) |
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Q18: 'Tell me' 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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable. |
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Q19: 'Tell me' Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
A: The 'ABS' warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system. |
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| IMPORTANT: DO NOT START THE ENGINE FOR ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS |
