Test Tips: “Show Me” and “Tell Me” Questions and Answers
‘Show me’ & ‘Tell me’ Questions DVSA Category B+E driving test
At the start of the test all candidates will be asked approx 6 questions from the list below.
The examiner will ask 3 ‘Show me’ and 3 ‘Tell me’ questions
Show me Questions
Q1: 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.
A: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings
Q2: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and checking functioning of all indicators (Vehicle and trailer)
Q3: Show me how you would check that your vehicle & trailer doors are secure.
A: Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, roof light and all doors, including cargo doors are properly closed
Q4: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A: Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary)
Q5: 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.
A: Identify high/low markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up to correct level
Q6: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A: Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself and is not at the end of the working travel
Q7: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers and explain how you would check the condition of the wiper blades.
A: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary) and inspect the wipers for wear and/or damage
Q8: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
A: Set all relevant controls including fan, temperature, air direction and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration
Q9: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit the vehicle)
A: Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary) Check warning light is on. Explain to use them when visibility is less than 50m > 100m
Q10: 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.
A: Operate switch (with ignition on if necessary) Check with main beam warning light
Q11: Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this vehicle. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine).
A : Operate brake pedal. Make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc or ask someone to help
Tell me Questions
Q12: Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.
A: The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should also be distributed evenly to give a suitable ‘nose weight’ at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications
Q13: Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle.
A: Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secured with straps/clamps so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking
Q14: 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.
A: No cuts and bulges. 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference
Q15: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A: The head restraint should be adjusted so that 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. (NB some restraints might not be adjustable)