Vehicle Safety Questions
Master the "Show Me, Tell Me" part of your driving test. The examiner will ask you one "tell me" question at the start and one "show me" question while driving.
"Tell Me" Questions (Before You Drive)
Q1. Tell me how you’d check the brakes are working.
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q2. Tell me where you’d find tyre pressure information and how to check them.
Check the manufacturer’s guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge when tyres are cold. Check all tyres including the spare and refit valve caps.
Q3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted.
The rigid part of the restraint should be at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as comfortable.
Q4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres for sufficient tread depth and general condition.
No cuts or bulges. There must be 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference.
Q5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round the vehicle to inspect the lights.
Q6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The ABS warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault.
Q7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working.
Operate the switch (or hazard warning lights) and walk round the vehicle to check all indicators.
Q8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working.
Operate the brake pedal and use reflections in windows/doors or ask someone to help check the lights.
Q9. Tell me how you’d check the power-operated steering is working.
Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while the engine starts; it should result in a slight but noticeable movement. Alternatively, turn the wheel just after moving off.
Q10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and when you’d use them.
Operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights first). Check the dashboard warning light. Use when visibility is less than 100 metres.
Q11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.
Operate the switch and check for the blue main beam warning light on the dashboard.
Q12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine oil level.
Identify the dipstick. Wipe it clean, refit it, remove it again, and check that the oil level is between the min and max markers.
Q13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check the engine coolant level.
Identify the high and low level markings on the header tank and describe how to top up to the correct level.
Q14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the reservoir and check the level against the high and low markings.
"Show Me" Questions (While Driving)
S1. When it’s safe, show me how you’d wash and clean the rear windscreen.
Operate the relevant control for the rear washer and wiper.
S2. When it’s safe, show me how you’d wash and clean the front windscreen.
Operate the control for the front windscreen washer and wipers.
S3. When it’s safe, show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights.
Operate the light switch to the dipped beam position.
S4. When it’s safe, show me how you’d set the rear demister.
Operate the rear demister/heated rear window control.
S5. When it’s safe, show me how you’d operate the horn.
Press the horn (use a short blast).
S6. When it’s safe, show me how you’d demist the front windscreen.
Operate the controls to set the fan and temperature to clear the front screen.
S7. When it’s safe, show me how you’d open and close the side window.
Operate the window control for the driver or passenger side.