show me tell me questions

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LATEST UPDATE:NEW QUESTIONS START JULY 1st 2008

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

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:

Meaning of terms

Listed below are some of the terms that are used by dealers who sell and buy cars. Some of the terms are also used by 'part-time' people who sell cars from their home. You need to understand these terms before you go into a deal. Not understanding the terms fully could have serious mis-understandings when haggling over a price of cars.

Original price of cars
Manufacturer's list price when new, including VAT and Car Tax not road tax, it's a special tax applied on all new cars. This is the price paid by the first owner of the car.

Franchised dealer
The typical price paid at a franchised dealer for a car in a 'Used Approved' scheme. is possibly lower than the price on the windscreen shown at the dealer because the dealer would have increased the 'screen' price so that some negotiation can take place when you decide to buy the car.
A franchise dealer is a dealer who exclusively deals with a large car manufacturer i.e. Ford, BMW, Audi etc.

Independent dealer
Typical price paid for the car at an independent dealer or car supermarket. Prices are slightly lower than main dealers because you don't get all of the 'Used Approved' benefits. This type of dealer may or may not offer you certain benefits, but they would usually be added on as extra's.
An independent dealer is a dealer who sells and buys any make or model of car and has no contract with the large car manufacturers.

Private good
Typical private sale value of a car in good condition with full MOT and service history, needing no work. With a private sale you will be getting exactly what you see, no benefits or guarantee. Once you pay your money and drive away you are on your own. This is why the price is usually lower on the private sale.
Beware of buying a used car from a private source

Private poor
Typical private sale value of a car in below-average condition, which cannot be restored to clean condition. May have mechanical defects or no service history; body may be rusty or have substantial damage; interior may be stained or torn.

Part exchange
The typical 'bottom-book' (the book dealers refer to value a car) price that a dealer offers for your car in part-exchange. The actual value can vary from deal to deal, depending on the price and desirability of your car, but this is a good indicaton of what to expect.