Show Me Questions

(asked on the move)

Question 1.

When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would sound the horn on this car.

Push firmly on the horn symbol.

Question 2.

When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would open and close your front window.

Lift the switch upwards and downwards. Window must fully open and close again 

Question 3

When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you would de-mist the rear window.


Push in the button (as shown)

Question 4

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


Pull the stalk towards yourself

Question 5

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would de-mist the front windscreen.

Twist the dial until the red marker reaches the symbol shown

Question 6

When it’s safe, can you show me how you would switch on your head and tail lights.

Twist the end of the stalk in the direction shown

Question 7

When  its safe, can you show me how to wash and clean the rear window

Push the whole stalk towards the windscreen

Tell Me Questions 

( asked at the start)

Question 1

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.


Question 2

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 or stickers placed on doors. Use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.


Question 3

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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.


Question 4

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.

 Each tyre must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer Circumference.

Check for any lumps or bugles in the side wall or any nails or screws in tyre.

Make sure that there are not any cuts or tears in the side wall

Question 5

Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain that you would operate the switch and then walk around the vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights)


Question 6

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.


Question 7

Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. 

Explain you’d operate the hazard warning lights switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights). You don’t need to exit the vehicle


Question 8

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


Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.


Question 9

Tell me how you’d check 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, 2 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.

Question 10

Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain you should use them if the visibility is less than 100 metres due to fog, mist or spray 


Question 11

Tell me how you would Switch your lights from dipped beam to full beam and explain how you would know full beam lights were on.

Explain you would push the indicator stalk forwards towards the windscreen. The blue lighted symbol should display on the control panel

Question 12. 
Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

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

Open the bonnet and secure. Locate the Engine Oil dipstick

It is Yellow in colour so it should be easy to see.

To check level, pull out dipstick and wipe clean with a cloth. Replace dipstick fully and then remove. Check that oil is between the max/min marker.

Question 13.

 Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

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


Question 14.

 Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.