Scottish Driving School |Practical Test Safety Questions

Show me tell me driving test questions

Show me Tell me questions
These are questions the examiner will ask you at the start of your driving test. Having signed the declaration of residency & insurance (driving test report)) 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 the full list of questions that the examiner will choose two questions from. They are called SHOW ME TELL ME questions. This means that the examiner will say "SHOW ME" & you have to do something such as switch on the cars headlights or "TELL ME" & in this case you have to explain something, such as the condition of the cars tyres.

Written below are explanations for you to learn from & understand the correct method of carrying out each task when you have passed your driving test. The examiner is not expecting you to be word perfect on any of the subjects, so long as you convey to the examiner in your own words that you understand the car safety checks you will be ok.

Here is a printer friendly version of the Show me tell me' questionsShow Me Tell Me Safety Questions printer friendly version

Here is the full list of the 'show me tell me questions'
from which only two will be chosen

NOTE!
When you hover your mouse over an image you will see a large scale version appear, if you want more time to study the large image simply click your mouse on the small image.

Show me tell me driving test questions
Question No.	Show/Tell	Question	Answer	Hover mouse to view image click image to lock
1	Show	Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.	Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
2	Tell	Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.	Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
3	Tell	Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.	Identify reservoir and explain how to check level
4	Show	Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)	Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
5	Show	Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.	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.
6	Tell	Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.	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.
7	Show	Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle	Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
8	Tell	Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.	Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
9	Show	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.	Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
10	Tell	Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.	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.
11	Show	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.	Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
12	Tell	Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash	The head restraint should be adjusted so 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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable
13	Show	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.	Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
14	Tell	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.	No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference
15	Show	Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).	Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary
16	Tell	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.	No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
17	Tell	Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.	Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
18	Show	Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers	Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.
19	Tell	Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)	Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
20	Show	Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens	Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration
21	Show	Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)	Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
22	Tell	Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system	Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system
23	Show	Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)	Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
24	Tell	Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)	Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
25	Show	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	Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light
26	Tell	Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system	Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system

New driving test

Prepare now for the new practical test which started October 4th 2010 with an intensive driving course in Scotland. The new practical test known as the Independent Driving test will test your ability to drive for 10 minutes without directional instruction.
Read more and watch the New Driving Test Video....A new driving test was introduced October 2010. Take a look at the details & video

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Weekend intensive driving courses are available on a regular basis. This type of course is ideal for the busy professional or people who are unable to complete their driver training in the week.

A weekend course can be taken as a Saturday or Sunday only and there is no commitment to book every weekend. You could even book a trial weekend to see if it is right for you.
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Weekend driving lessons Get results fast »»Weekend driving courses are perfect for the busy professional, or new driver

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Residential & local courses are available all year round in Perth, Dundee or Blairgowrie. Residential courses help to keep you focused whilst you are away from your normal daily routine.

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New drivers (beginners) are advised to start their driver training by having as many driving lessons as they can over a short period of time. This will help re-inforce the correct procedures for driving away fom the kerb, parking, gear changing & road procedures. A theory test pass is not required for this type of course. An intensive driving course for new drivers is not intended to get you through your test in a week. Those days have long since gone and if you see any websites out there that say any different, then treat them with suspician. You will learn to drive over a few weekend courses, but you may not be ready for your driving test.
How many lessons will you need?How many driving lessons will you need before you are ready to pass your driving test?
New driver courses »»»New learner driver courses for the absolute beginner. No theory test & no experience required
New driver weekend lessons »»»Weekend driving courses are ideal for the busy professional, or those wishing to spread the cost.

Previous driving lessons experience

Learner drivers with previous driving experience can sometimes book their driving test at the end of their driving course depending on what previous experience they have had and how long ago.
Your driving lessons may have been sometime ago & taken with a great driving instructor or one of the not so greats. You may have taken a driving test or two or had over 100 driving lessons of poor quality either yours through lack of concentration or your driving instructors lack of attention to your training. Either way, you might be best to book a trial lesson with me before you book your driving test. A trial lesson is not required to book your course unless a driving test is required at the end of your course. Learner drivers with a good driving record of training might only need to book one of the weekend courses.
Intensive courses for experienced learner drivers »»»Courses for learner drivers with some experience

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