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tell me questions

All tuition is given on a private and individual basis. This means that whilst you are on your lesson, only you and your instructor will be in the car.

Show me tell me

Show me tell me questions in a simple step by step approach

These are questions the examiner will ask you at the start of your driving test. Having signed the declaration of insurance you will then walk towards your car and be asked to read a car number plate at 20.5 metres. You will then proceed to your own car and before entering it the examiner will ask you two questions about your car.

Here is a list of the examiners questions
from which only two will be chosen

Tell me questions

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.
Answer
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

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.
Answer
Identify high/low level markings on header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

3. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Answer
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level. Check your car's manual to see how to do this.

4. 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.
Answer
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Description of brake fluid reservoir including photograph.

5. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Answer
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help.

6. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

7. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Answer
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.
Research latest recommendations for tyre condition.

8. 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.
Answer
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.
Latest tyre legislation and a fuller explanation of the terms used

Difficult or Nervous pupils treated with patience

Show me questions
9. Show me/explain how you would check that the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Answer
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.

10. Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Answer
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

11. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Answer
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and walking around the vehicle to check functioning of all indicators.

12. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Answer
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

13. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Answer
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

What questions can you expect on your test? You examiner will ask you one Show Me and one Tell Me question, usually in the following combinations:

The learn to drive in 7 days course will train you in 40 hours spread over the 7 days. Taking your lessons at one per week will take you over a year to learn to drive, when you consider time off for holidays, sickness, lack of money or your instructor is overbooked. You will probably need around 50 to 60 hours using this method.