Pupils must answer 2 vehicle safety  during their driving test. The questions cover basic maintenance and operation procedures for the vehicle being used.

‘Tell me ‘questions are asked at the start of your test, before you start driving.

‘Show me’ questions are asked whilst you are driving. You must only perform the task when it is safe to do so.

Below you will find all the show me, tell me questions and answers.

Tell Me Questions ( Before you start driving) 

Q1. Open the bonnet and secure it. Tell me how  you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.

A. Identify the coolant tank and check the min/max markings and describe how to top up to the correct level. Close the bonnet securely before driving.

Q2. Open the bonnet and secure it. Tell me how you would check the brake fluid reservoir and  how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

A. Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels and describe how you would top up to the correct level. Close the bonnet securely before driving.

Q3. Open the bonnet and secure it, identify where the Windscreen Washer reservoir is and tell me how you check the level?

A. Identify reservoir, lift off cap and make a visual check of level as there are no external markings on reservoir. Close the bonnet securely before driving.

Q4. Open the bonnet and secure it, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil.

A. Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings. Close the bonnet securely before driving.

Q5. Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

A. If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Firstly, gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Secondly, turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.

Q6. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. 

A. Explain that you would operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.

Q7. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

A. Explain that when you push down on the brake pedal, it should not feel spongy or slack and the car should not pull to one side when you move off.

Q8. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

A. Explain that you would turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on.

Q9. Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.

A. Explain that you would operate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.

Q10. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

A. Explain that you would refer to the information in the car manufacturer’s manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare and remember to refit the valve caps.

Q11. 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. Explain that 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.

Q12. Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A. Explain that tyres should not have any cuts or bulges and the tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Q13. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system (ABS).

A. Explain that a warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Q14. Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle).

A. Explain you would operate the switch. (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain when fog lights should be used.Remember to turn off after you have explained.

Q15. Tell 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. Explain how to operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check  main beam warning light is on (blue). Remember to turn off after you have explained.

Show Me questions (asked whilst you are driving. You must only perform the task when it is safe to do so)

Q1. When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn.

A. Check that you will not cause alarm or confusion to other road users and press the horn.

Q2.When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would wash and clean the  front windscreen.

A. Operate the front washer and wiper control. Remember to turn off the wiper when no longer needed.

Q3.When it is safe to do so,  can you show me how you would set the rear demister.

A. Operate the switch and check that the switch illuminates. Remember to switch off when the demister is no longer needed

Q4.When it is safe to do so,  can you show me how you would  demist the front windscreen.

A. Operate the switch and check that the switch illuminates. Set the controls to maximise warm air flow to the windscreen. Remember to reset the controls when no longer needed.

Q5.When it is safe to do so,  can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.

A. Operate the rear washer and wiper control. Remember to switch off the wiper when no longer needed.

Q6.When it is safe to do so,  can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.

A. Operate the front washer and wiper control. Remember to switch off the wiper when no longer needed.

Q7.When it is safe to do so,  can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights.

A. Operate the switch.  Check  that the relevant instrument  warning light illuminates. Remember to turn off when no longer needed.