On the day of your Test you will be asked two questions about the operation and maintenance of the test vehicle,

One 'Show Me' and One 'Tell Me'.

These are straight forward to understand and learn, but are a crucial part of the test and your future driving as you may well need to know how to do these simple tasks when you are driving on your own.

Show Me Questions

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.

Show me how you would check that the brake

lights are working on this car.

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in

windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to

help.

Show me / explain how you would check that 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 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.

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.

Identify 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, 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 reservoir, check level against high/low

markings.

Show me how you would check that the horn is

working (off road only).

Check is carried out by using control (turn on

ignition if necessary)

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check

of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

Show me how you would check the parking brake

(handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you

keep safe control of the vehicle

Apply footbrake 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.

Tell Me Questions

Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is

and tell me how you would check the windscreen

washer level. Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

Tell me where you would 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.

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. N.B. Some restraints

might not be adjustable

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.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across

the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around

the entire outer circumference

Tell me 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.