Know your Show Tell Me questions?

The show me / Tell section of your test lets the examiner know you understand how to perform basic safety checks and maintenance on your car.

This is not just important for passing your test though as this is an important aspect of driving and will keep you, your passengers and other road users safer.

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Show Me Question examples

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen

At an appropriate opportunity, use the REAR windscreen washer

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

At an appropriate opportunity, operate the FRONT windscreen washer

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd switch on your dipped headlights

Use the headlight switch to change the light settings

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd set the rear demister

Set the relevant control

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd operate the horn

When appropriate, use the horn

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you'd demist the front windscreen

Set the heating controls to de-mist the front windscreen

When it's safe to do so, show me how you'd open and close the side window

Use the window control to open a window

Tell Me Question examples

How you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Where you'd find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked?

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.

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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

How you'd check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road?

Check for cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference.

How you'd know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system

The warning light would become illuminated on the instrument panel if there is a fault

Tell me how you'd check the direction indicators are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

Tell me how you'd check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don't need to exit the vehicle

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

Tell me how you'd check the brake lights are working on this car

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help

Tell me how youd check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 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.