Learn to drive :

show me tell me questions

when you learn to drive, its very important to get a good mix of theory and practical training. udrive plus will always ensure full understanding of the theory side of things alongside comfort and confidence behind the wheel.

(4th December 2017)

this is when the show me tell me question format was changed.

The DVSA examiner will ask you about 1 tell me question at the beginning of the driving test. The examiner will also ask you 1 show me question during the test whilst the car is moving.

 show me question

this requires a demonstration of how you would check a particular area on your car – for example “When safe to do so, show me how you would check to the see the horn is working properly”. A tell me questions just requires an explanation.

U Drive Plus

we take everything about preparing you for your driving test seriously, so we have provided a printable show me, tell me question sheet so you can practice on your own as well as with your driving instructor. We will also try and cover all of your controls in the first couple of lessons and then continually ask you to reconfirm and demonstrate the controls throughout your lessons to ensure firstly you know where the controls are and secondly it doesn’t affect your driving while operating these controls.

The two videos below are provided from the DVSA, if you watch the videos you should grasp what is expected. It’s always good to start your test positively so it’s worth practicing the questions and understanding them fully so you get off to the best possible start on your driving test.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU GET ONE OR BOTH QUESTIONS WRONG?

In the event you answer both questions incorrectly, you will receive just one driver fault.

However, whilst you answer the show me question it’s important you do it safely as the car will be moving.

Let’s say the examiner asks you the following

“When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?” It would be very easy if you are unfamiliar with the car to turn on the full beam lights on some cars which could blind another road user, or you could accidentally put the direction indicators on, or even lose control of the steering under the pressure. If the examiner believes you have affected other road users in a serious or dangerous way, then they could mark you down for a serious fault.

Remember, the examiner will always say “When safe to do so” so if you are going round a bend or a hazardous area then think twice before performing the show me question straight away.

DVSA help videos

The DVSA published these videos in 2017 to help students grasp and understand the show me, tell me questions rather than just learning the answers.

Learn to drive in Coventry & west-midlands with quality driving lessons.

‘Tell me’ questions

Driving test: ‘tell me’ questions

1. Tell me how you’d 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.

2. Tell me where you’d 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.

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.

4. Tell me how you’d 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 three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

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

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

6. Tell me how you’d 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.

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the 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).

8. Tell me how you’d 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.

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.

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 use.

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

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.

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.

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.

Click here for video.

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