Show Me – Tell Me

Driving Test Vehicle safety check questions and answers

Vehicle safety checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive.

The source material can be found in the DSA publication ‘Driving the essential skills’ and ‘ The official DSA driving test’.

You’ll be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your car driving test.
The examiner will ask one ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving, and one ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving.

“Show me” vehicle safety questions and answers

  • Question

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

Operate control to wash and wipe rear windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

  • Question

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

  • Question

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check that the main beam warning light is not lit.

  • Question

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

Activate the rear demister button. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

  • Question

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

  • Question

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, and air direction / source screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

  • Question

When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

Press the side window button.

“Tell me” vehicle safety questions

  • Question

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.

  • Question

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.

  • Question

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

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.

  • Question

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).

  • Question

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.

  • Question

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).

  • Question

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.

  • Question

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

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 that they are only for use in seriously reduced visibility (100m or less).

  • Question

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.

  • Question

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.

  • Question

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

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.