Prepare for your driving test with our Tell Me Show Me guide. Learn the vehicle safety questions commonly asked during the practical driving test and watch demonstration videos when they become available.
How would you check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack.
Test the brakes as you move off.
Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressure should be checked.
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressure when they are cold, don’t forget the spare tyre, remember to refit all valve caps.
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 head restraints might not be adjustable
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 or bulges, 1.6 mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around entire outer circumference of the tyre.
How you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle?
Explain that you’d operate the switch (to turn the ignition if necessary), then walk around the vehicle (as this is a “tell me“ question, you do don’t need to physically check the lights.
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.
How you’d check the direction indicators are working. You do not need to exit the vehicle.
Explain that you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary). and walk around the vehicle (as this is a “tell me” question you do need to check the lights)
How you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of operate reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
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 well, maintained while the engine is started should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system starts to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
How you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when use it/the. You do not need to exit the vehicle.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
How you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how the main beam is on
Operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary). Check the blue warning light is on. Explain use.
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 tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient 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.
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.
Show me When it is safe to do so, can you show me how to wash and clean the rear windscreen?
Show me When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
Show me When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
Show me When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
Show me When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
Show me When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
Show me When it is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Note:
Vehicle controls may vary between makes and models. The demonstration videos for the Peugeot 208 GT, Toyota Yaris Cross and Lexus UX will be added soon