Learner driver tips: How to pass the 'Show Me, Tell Me' test

During your car driving test, you’ll be asked two questions about the vehicle.

‘Tell me’ question – you’ll be asked to explain how you would carry out a safety task.
‘Show me’ question – you’ll be asked to actually carry out a safety task.

If you give the wrong answer to one of both of the questions, you’ll be marked down with one minor driving fault.

Here are all the questions you can be asked, and some tips to help you remember them.

‘Tell me’ how to check the...

Brakes are working before starting a journey.

You could say something like:

‘Before starting the engine, I would press the pedal to make sure the brakes don’t feel spongy or slack.’

Head restraint is correctly adjusted to provide the best protection in the event of a crash.

You could say something like:

‘The head restraint should be positioned at eye-level, or at the top of the ears, and as close to the back of my head as is comfortable.’

Please note: Some head restraints may not be adjustable.

Tyres have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

You could say something like:

‘I would check for cuts or bulges in the tyres. I would use a depth gauge to make sure there was a minimum tread of 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference.’

Headlights and tail lights are working. (You don’t need to exit the vehicle.)

You could say something like:

‘I would turn on the lights on and walk round the vehicle to check the lights.’

Anti-lock braking system has no faults.

You could say something like:

‘A warning light will come on if there’s a fault with the anti-lock braking system.’

Direction indicators are working. (You don’t need to exit the vehicle.)

You could say something like:

‘I would turn on the hazard warning button and walk round the vehicle and check the indicators.’

Brake lights are working on this car.

You could say something like:

‘I would press the brake pedal and check in the reflection of windows or doors to check they’re working. Or, I would ask a passenger to help.’

Power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

You could say something like:

‘I would apply gentle pressure on the steering wheel while starting the engine. There should be a slight but noticeable movement. Or, I would turn the steering wheel just after moving off.’

Recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

You could say something like:

‘The correct tyre pressure can be found in the vehicle handbook or inside the fuel lid or front door frames. To check tyre pressure, I would use a pressure gauge and adjust when the tyres are cold. I would carry a spare tyre and refit the valve caps.’

Tell me how to switch on the…

Rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

You could say something like:

‘Rear fog lights are needed if you can’t see further than 100 metres. I would turn on the dipped headlights and press the button for rear fog lights. I would know the rear fog light is on because a warning light appears on the dashboard.’

Headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

You could say something like:

‘I would turn on the main beam by pulling the indicator towards me. I would know the main beam is on because a warning light would display on the dashboard.’

Please note: Check with your driving instructor on how to turn on the main beam. How you turn on the main beam depends on the car you’re driving.

Open the bonnet and tell me how to check…

The engine has enough oil.

You could say something like:

‘I would take out the dipstick (you should point this out to the examiner) and wipe it to remove any oil. I would then put the dipstick in for a second time and observe the oil level relative to the maximum and minimum markings.’

The engine has sufficient engine coolant.

You could say something like:

‘I would look at the side of the expansion tank to check the minimum and maximum levels.’

You have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

You could say something like:

‘I would look at the side of the brake fluid reservoir for the minimum and maximum levels.’

‘Show me’

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how to…

Wash and clean the rear windscreen.
Wash and clean the front windscreen.
Switch on your dipped headlights.
Set the rear demister.
Operate the horn.
Demist the front windscreen.
Open and close the side window.

Every make and model is different, so it’s important to familiarise yourself with the car you’ll be sitting your driving test in. Your driving instructor will be able to help you with this.

Remember, you can hire our dual control cars for your driving test, you just need to have hired with us for at least one hour previously.

Hire a dual control car.

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