Question 1

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.

Accepted Answer

Locate the dipstick (usually a brightly coloured handle). Pull it out, wipe it clean with a cloth, reinsert it fully, then pull it out again. The oil level should sit between the minimum and maximum markers on the dipstick.

Question 2

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.

Accepted Answer

Locate the coolant reservoir (a translucent plastic tank, usually with a coloured cap). The coolant level should sit between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the tank. If low, top up with the correct coolant mix.

Question 3

Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the brake fluid level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

Accepted Answer

Locate the brake fluid reservoir — a small translucent tank, usually with a yellow cap. The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side. If low, top up with the fluid type specified on the cap or in the owner's manual.

Question 4

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Accepted Answer

The brakes should be tested before driving by pressing the footbrake firmly. They should feel responsive and not spongy or slack. When you first move off slowly, apply the brakes gently to check the car does not pull to one side and that they stop the vehicle effectively.

Question 5

Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressure should be checked.

Accepted Answer

The recommended tyre pressures are found in the owner's manual, or on a sticker inside the fuel cap flap or driver's door sill. Pressure should be checked using a reliable gauge when the tyres are cold. Remove the dust cap, apply the gauge to the valve, check the reading and inflate or deflate to the correct pressure, then replace the cap.

Question 6

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.

Accepted Answer

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around its full circumference. Check using a tread depth gauge or by looking for the built-in tread wear indicators. Also check for any cuts, bulges, or damage to the sidewalls. Inspect all four tyres including the spare.

Question 7

Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Accepted Answer

Switch on the hazard warning lights, then walk around the vehicle to check all four indicator lights are flashing. Alternatively, switch on each indicator (left, then right) in turn and check the front and rear lights are working.

Question 8

Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car.

Accepted Answer

Ask someone to stand behind the vehicle while you press the footbrake, or use a reflection in a window, wall or garage door. Alternatively, use the vehicle's reversing camera or park close to a reflective surface.

Question 9

Tell me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

Accepted Answer

Apply the parking brake and check that it secures the vehicle firmly. It should not be at the end of its travel — it should have some clicks remaining. If the lever travels almost all the way up before engaging, it may need adjustment.

Question 10

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system.

Accepted Answer

When you switch on the ignition, the ABS warning light should illuminate briefly as a self-check, then go out. If the light remains on after the engine starts, or comes on while driving, this indicates a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

Question 11

Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Accepted Answer

Switch on the ignition. On vehicles with a PAS warning light, it should illuminate briefly and go out. When you first move off, gently turn the steering wheel. If the steering feels unusually heavy, this suggests a power steering problem.

Question 12

Tell me how you would check that the head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

Accepted Answer

The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as the top of your ears or eye level. It should also be positioned as close to the back of your head as comfortable — ideally no more than a hand's width gap.

Question 13

When it's safe to do so, show me how you would clean the windscreen using the car's controls.

Accepted Answer

Operate the windscreen washer/wiper controls (usually a stalk on the steering column). Pull or push to activate the washers. Make sure you do this safely at a suitable time — when stationary or in a safe stretch of road.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Locate and press the rear heated screen button on the dashboard (usually shown by a symbol of a rear window with three wavy lines through it). The indicator light should illuminate to confirm it's on.

Question 15

When it's safe to do so, show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.

Accepted Answer

Turn on the headlights first, then press the rear fog light button. Use rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced — generally when you can see less than 100 metres ahead. Remember to switch them off when visibility improves.

Question 16

When it's safe to do so, show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain when it would not be appropriate to use main beam headlights.

Accepted Answer

With the headlights on dipped beam, pull the indicator/light stalk towards you to switch to main beam. It is NOT appropriate to use main beam when there is oncoming traffic, when following another vehicle closely, in well-lit areas, or in fog.

Question 17

Show me how you would check that the horn is working.

Accepted Answer

Locate the horn — usually the centre of the steering wheel. Press it briefly to demonstrate it works. The examiner will only ask you to activate it in an appropriate location.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Turn the heater or air conditioning to blow warm air onto the windscreen (select the windscreen/demist setting if available). For quicker results, also switch on the air conditioning as it dehumidifies the air.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Locate the window control switches (usually on the door panel or centre console). Press the correct switch down to lower the window and pull/press up to raise it. Do this when it is safe — when stationary or on a quiet stretch of road.

Show Me, Tell Me Questions

How does it work on test day?

Tell Me

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Scoring

12 "Tell Me" Questions

7 "Show Me" Questions

Top tips for the Show Me, Tell Me

Know your car

Open the bonnet

Use the keywords

Don't panic

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