Show Me Tell Me

As part of your practical test, your examiner will ask you to complete two "Show Me Tell Me" questions. The examiner will ask you one question before you begin your test and the second question while on the move. Have a read over the questions below and hover over a question to reveal text and an image to help illustrate the answer, alternatively you can download a printable copy of all the Show Me Tell Me questions here

Explain that, when you push down on the brake pedal, it should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side when you use the brakes.

Explain you'd refer to the manufacturer's guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge. Check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare tyre. Remember to refit the valve caps after checking.

Adjust so that 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 (You can demonstrate as you explain).

Explain that tyres should have no cuts or bulges. There should be 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire circumference.

Explain that you'd operate the switch (after turning on the ignition if necessary), then walk round the vehicle to check the lights.

Explain that a warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Explain that you'd operate the indicator switch (after turning on the ignition if necessary) or turn on the hazard warning lights, then walk around the vehicle to check the lights.

Explain that you'd operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

Explain that if the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey; maintaining gentle pressure on the steering wheel while the engine is started should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate; alternatively, turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Explain that you'd operate switch (after turning on dipped headlights if necessary) and check the instrument warning light comes on. Explain when fog lights should be used.

Explain how to operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary) and check that the main beam warning light comes on. If safe, you can demonstrate as you explain - remember to switch off headlights when no longer needed.

Open the bonnet and secure it as necessary. Identify the dipstick/oil lever indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers. Close the bonnet securely before driving.

Open the bonnet and secure it as necessary. Identify the high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Open the bonnet and secure it as necessary. Identify the brake fluid reservoir and describe how to top up to correct level.

Operate the rear washer and wiper control. Remember to switch off the wiper when it is not longer needed.

Operate the front washer and wiper control. Remember to switch off the wiper when it is not longer needed.

Operate the switch. Check that the relevant instrument panel warning light illuminates. Remember to switch off the dipped headlights when no longer needed.

Operate the switch and check that it or the relevant instrument panel light illuminates. Remember to switch off the demister when it is no longer needed.

Check that it will not cause alarm or confusion to other road users. Operate the horn briefly.

Set the controls to maximise warm air flow to the windscreen. Remember to reset the controls when no longer needed.

Operate the switch or mechanism as appropriate to open and then close the window.

News and Resources Mock Tests Show Me Tell Me Competition
As part of your practical test, your examiner will ask you to complete two "Show Me Tell Me" questions. The examiner will ask you one question before you begin your test and the second question while on the move. Have a read over the questions below and hover over a question to reveal text and an image to help illustrate the answer, alternatively you can download a printable copy of all the Show Me Tell Me questions here "Tell Me" Questions - Before your test begins Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. 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. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working (No need to exit vehicle) Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system. Tell how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly (No need to exit vehicle) Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey. Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle). Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on. "Tell Me" Questions - Before your test begins - under the bonnet Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient engine coolant. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid. "Show Me" Questions - While you are driving When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen? When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen? When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights? When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister? When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn? When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen? When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd open and close the side window? Explain that, when you push down on the brake pedal, it should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side when you use the brakes. Explain you'd refer to the manufacturer's guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge. Check and adjust pressures when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare tyre. Remember to refit the valve caps after checking. Adjust so that 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 (You can demonstrate as you explain). Explain that tyres should have no cuts or bulges. There should be 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire circumference. Explain that you'd operate the switch (after turning on the ignition if necessary), then walk round the vehicle to check the lights. Explain that a warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system. Explain that you'd operate the indicator switch (after turning on the ignition if necessary) or turn on the hazard warning lights, then walk around the vehicle to check the lights. Explain that you'd operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help. Explain that if the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey; maintaining gentle pressure on the steering wheel while the engine is started should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate; alternatively, turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning. Explain that you'd operate switch (after turning on dipped headlights if necessary) and check the instrument warning light comes on. Explain when fog lights should be used. Explain how to operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary) and check that the main beam warning light comes on. If safe, you can demonstrate as you explain - remember to switch off headlights when no longer needed. Open the bonnet and secure it as necessary. Identify the dipstick/oil lever indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers. Close the bonnet securely before driving. Open the bonnet and secure it as necessary. Identify the high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level. Open the bonnet and secure it as necessary. Identify the brake fluid reservoir and describe how to top up to correct level. Operate the rear washer and wiper control. Remember to switch off the wiper when it is not longer needed. Operate the front washer and wiper control. Remember to switch off the wiper when it is not longer needed. Operate the switch. Check that the relevant instrument panel warning light illuminates. Remember to switch off the dipped headlights when no longer needed. Operate the switch and check that it or the relevant instrument panel light illuminates. Remember to switch off the demister when it is no longer needed. Check that it will not cause alarm or confusion to other road users. Operate the horn briefly. Set the controls to maximise warm air flow to the windscreen. Remember to reset the controls when no longer needed. Operate the switch or mechanism as appropriate to open and then close the window.