Last week we demonstrated the importance of getting your driving test off to the best possible start, by knowing all the ‘show me, tell me’ questions in a UK driving test. This week we’re going to help you out with the ‘Tell Me’ questions.

If you haven’t brushed up on all of the ‘Show Me’ questions, just jump back to our last blog post here.

Just as a reminder, the ‘Show me, Tell me’ section of the test is where you’ll be asked two vehicle safety questions.

The examiner will ask you a total of two questions only.

One ‘show me’ question – where you’ll have to show them how you’d carry out a certain safety check.

– where you’ll have to show them how you’d carry out a certain safety check. One ‘tell me’ question – where you must explain how you’d carry out the check.

‘Tell Me’ Questions – Inside the Car

As opposed to the ‘Show Me’ questions, the ‘Tell Me’ question you will be given will involve explaining the answer to the best of your ability, rather than actually demonstrating it.

There should be no need to turn the engine or ignition on, however you may need to open up the bonnet.

“Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so that it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.”

The head restraint should be adjusted so that the rigid part is in line with the top of your ears as close to the back of your head as is possible.

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

You should state that the brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Acknowledge that brakes should be tested as you set off. The vehicle should not pull to one side.

“Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail light are working.”

This is similar to a ‘Show Me’ question, but remember, since this is a ‘Tell Me’ question, there is no need to physically check the lights.

State that you should turn on the ignition, operate the light switches and walk around the vehicle.

“Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.”

A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

‘Tell Me’ Questions – Outside of the Car

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

Refer to the manufacturer’s guide for the appropriate pressure level and use a reliable pressure gauge to check the current pressure level. Check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.

“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.”

Check for any cuts or bulges and state that there should be 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference on the tyre.

‘Tell Me’ Questions – Under the Bonnet

“Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient oil.”

Be sure that you know how to open the bonnet prior to your driving test. Pick out the dipstick / oil level indicator, describe the oil levels against the minimum and maximum markers.

“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.”

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

“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.”

Identify the reservoir and check the level against the high and low markings.

“Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.”

Again, point out the reservoir and explain where the correct levels should be.

We know this is a lot to remember, however, if you do forget how to answer a question word for word, just use your common sense and answer it to the best of your ability. Don’t worry about getting it spot on every time.

Be sure to have your instructor quiz you on the ‘show me, tell me’ questions prior to your driving test.

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