Contact Us
Com'Pass Driving School
24 Branson Court
Plympton
Plymouth
PL7 2WU
Tel:: 01752 339922
info@compassdrivingschool.co.uk
Show Me Tell Me
Before you set off on your practical driving test, your examiner will take you throught the 'show me, tell me' section of the test. He or she will ask you a number of questions relating to the safety and maintenance of your vehicle.
What is 'show me, tell me'?
These questions are designed to show that you have basic knowledge about your vehicle. You might be asked to open the bonnet, but do not expect to be asked questions that only an experienced mechanic would know.
The examiner will ask 'show me' or 'tell me' questions relaing to four specific topics:
- under the bonnet
- inside the car
- lights
- tyres
There are 19 possible questions in 13 combinations.
How to prepare
It is important that your vehicle is safe and roadworthy, so carry out regular safety checks as a matter of routine. Your instructor will take you through all the checks during your lessons.
The 19 questions are as follows:
1. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Apply the hazard warning lights and check function of all indicators.
2. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Brakes should be tested as you set off. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
3. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (May need to switch ignition on)
4. Show me / explain how you would check that 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 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.
5. Tell me where you would 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.
6. Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear; make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle
Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
7. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
8. 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.
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
9. 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 high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
10. 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.
11. 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 reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
12. 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.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
13. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Press the horn (turn on ignition if necessary).
14. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.
15. Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle.
16. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
17. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.
Turn on the dipped head lights and then turn on the rear fog lights. Check warning light is on. Explain use- if visibility.
18. Tell me how you would 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.
19. Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
