Show me - Tell me Questions
You will be required to answer two of the nineteen questions shown below during your practical test.
Failure to provide the correct answer to either question results in one minor fault.
Q1. 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.
Ans. Identify the dipstick/oil level indicator; describe check of oil level against the maximum and minimum markers.
Q2. 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.
Ans. Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up level.
Q3. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Ans Identify reservoir and check level against high/low markers
Q4. 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 fluid.
Ans. Identify reservoir and check against the high/low markers.
Q5. Tell me how you check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Ans. Operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors or ask someone to help.
Q6. Tell me how you would tell that the brakes are working before starting on a journey.
Ans. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q7. Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how the tyre pressures should be checked.
Ans. Manufacturers guide and the use of a reliable pressure gauge.
Q8 Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Ans. No cuts or bulges and there should be1.6mm of tread across the centre of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference.
Q9. Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Ans. If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is running 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 working.
Q10. Show me how you would check that the headlights and taillights are working.
Ans. Operate switch (turn the ignition on if necessary) walk round the car.
Q11. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Ans. Apply the indicator or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
Q12. Show me how you would check the horn is working (off road)
Ans. Check is carried out by using the control
Q13. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Ans. Demonstrate by applying the parking brake, that when it is fully applied it secures itself and is not at the end of the working travel.
Q14. Tell me how you would make sure the head restraint is correctly adjusted so that it provides the best possible protection in the event of a crash.
Ans. The head restraint should be adjusted so that the padded part of it is at the same height as thev eyes or the top of the ears – and should be as close to the head as is comfortable
Q15. How would you know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system
Ans. A warning light should appear on the dashboard if a fault occurred. Stop the car in a safe legal place and seek professional advice.
Q16. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
Ans. Operate the wash and wipe control until the windscreen is clear. Turn the ignition on – one click. Pull the window wiper stalk to you slowly and release
Q17. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively.
Ans. For the rear screen show the examiner the heated rear screen switch and switch it on. For the front screen show the examiner the temperature control, the selector which determines what part of the car you need air to circulate at and the air vents from which the air can be directed.
Q18. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog-lights and explain when you would use them.
Ans. Turn the headlights on. Half way down the lights/indicator stalk there is a switch which you must turn forwards. This switches on the fog light which can only be used whilst the visibility is below 100 metres.
Q19. Show me how you would switch the headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you know that the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Ans. Turn headlights on in the normal way so that they are dipped. Push the light stalk
away from you and the lights are then on main beam. You are warned of this by the blue
light in the control panel.
