Driving Test Questions | Show Me Tell Me

Knowing the possible driving test questions for your upcoming practical driving test is important. A practical test consists of different parts which include the “Show Me, Tell Me” questions. If you’re a learner driver who’s about to take his driving test, then you please take your time and read each section of this page.

There will be only two “Show Me, Tell Me” questions during the entire duration of your practical driving test. There’s no way of knowing what the question will be but knowing the most common questions your examiner could ask will prove vital to the result of your test.

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Driving Test Questions ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ FAQ

The “Show Me, Tell Me” portion consists of driving test questions designed to know if you understand the different safety features of your vehicle which are important during an emergency or a possible break down.  This is a wonderful way to prove to your examiner that you’re not a liability in the driving community and you’ll know what to do to ensure your safety and the others.

The Basics of ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Driving Test Questions

• You will be asked one “tell me” question before the start of your practical test. This will happen in the car park of the test centre. You only have to explain to the examiner how you’d carry out the task safely.
• One “show me” question will be given while you’re driving. This could happen anytime during your practical driving test, including the part of your independent driving. Unlike the “tell me” question where you must only explain, this time you’ll need to show your examiner what to do to carry out the task.
• If you’re hesitant to perform the “show me” question, tell your examiner, and he will ask you to pull up on the left where it’s safe and convenient. From there you can carry on and perform the “show me” task.
• You will get one driving fault for failing to answer one or both of the “show me, tell me” questions.
• It’s important to know that you’ll get a serious fault if you lose control of your vehicle when you perform the “show me” question.

Now, it’s time to get to the driving test questions…

The questions below are meant to help you prepare for the “Tell Me, Show Me” portion of the driving test. They are divided into two main categories. Study them carefully!

Tell Me Driving Test Questions

The “Tell Me” questions are divided into inside the car, outside the car, and under the bonnet categories. You need not do anything other than explain and point the parts of the car to your examiner.

Inside The Car

1. Tell me how you’ll check the brakes are working.

Answer: Tell the examiner that you’ll check the brakes by driving slowly and you’ll press on the brake, it should not feel soft or loose. While driving the vehicle should not pull to one side.

2. Tell me how you’ll check if the headlights and tail lights are working.

Answer: Inform the examiner that first, you’ll turn on the ignition then turn the dipped headlights on. Also, tell that you’ll go out of the car and walk round to check if both the headlights and tail lights are working.

Note: Remember you do not have to go out; you only need to explain what you’ll do to the examiner.

3. Tell me how you’ll make sure your head restraint is properly adjusted for best protection if an accident occurs.

Answer: You’ll make sure the head restraint is in proper position by adjusting it, so the rigid part is as high as your eye or the top of your ear. You’ll be able to adjust the restraint by pressing the button at the base part, by then you can adjust it correctly.

4. Tell me how you’ll know if there is something wrong with the anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Answer: For this driving test question, you’ll simply tell your examiner that you’ll know when the warning light indicator for the ABS illuminates when you turn on your ignition. If nothing is wrong with your ABS, the warning light should go off if you turn the ignition on.

5. Tell me how you’ll check the direction indicators are working properly.

Answer: Explain that you’ll press the hazard warning lights button. (The red triangle) Then you would go out of the car and check if all the six indicators are working.

Note: Remember you do not have to go out; you only need to explain what you’ll do to the examiner.

6. Tell me how you’ll check the brake lights are working on.

Answer: Tell the examiner that you’ll turn on the ignition, then press the brake and look at the reflections in the windows or doors from outside. You can also ask someone to help check if the brake lights are working properly.

7. Tell me how you’ll check the power-assisted steering is working.

Answer: To know if the power-assisted steering wheel is working, give the steering a little pressure as you start the engine. You should feel a slight movement as the power steering operates. As soon as you move off,  the steering should feel light to turn and not heavy.

8. Tell me how you’ll switch on the rear fog light/s. Explain when you must use them.

Answer:  The rear fog light/s should be used when you can no longer see further than 100 metres. To switch it on you need to turn on the ignition, then the dipped headlights. Simply press the button for the rear fog light. You’ll know it’s on if a warning light is displayed on the dashboard.

9. Tell me how to switch your headlight from dipped to the main beam. Explain when the main beam is used.

Answer: Once again, this driving test question will require you to turn on the ignition. After which, you must turn on the dipped headlights then you’ll pull the stalk on the left towards you to switch to the main beam. Tell the examiner that a blue indicator light will be displayed on the dashboard to indicate that the main beam is on.

The high beams are used outside cities and in rural areas to see the road better when there are no oncoming vehicles. You must dim your lights when there are oncoming vehicles or approaching vehicles from behind.

Outside The Car

10. Tell me where to find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car. Explain how tyre pressures should be checked.

Answer: You’ll find the information in the car manufacturer’s guide/manual. Some vehicles also include sticker information for your tyres that can be found on either the driver or passenger side’s door pillar. Tell the examiner that you’ll need a reliable tyre pressure gauge to check and adjust the pressure when the tyres are cold, don’t forget to refit the valves. Fuel stations are the best options to add or reduce air from your tyres. Also, it’s a must to have a spare tyre in your car.

11. Tell me how to find out there’s sufficient tread depth on your tyres and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

Answer: To check the tread depth, you will use a depth gauge and make sure that there’s no less than 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre around the entire circumference. The tyres should be free of cuts, bulges, or smooth patches to ensure that they are safe to use.

Under the Bonnet

For these tasks, you’ll have to get out of the car and open the bonnet. You don’t have to do the tasks asked by the examiner; you just need to point and explain.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me where you’ll check the engine oil level. How will you know if the engine has sufficient oil?

Answer: After opening the bonnet point to the oil indicator or dipstick (normally, this has a yellow handle). Explain that what you’ll do is to remove the stick, wipe it clean, dip it back into the oil. Then you’ll know if the engine has sufficient oil if you remove it again to make sure it is between the minimum and maximum indicators.

13. Open the bonnet and identify how you will check the correct coolant level?

Answer: On the header tank or the radiator fill cap, you simply point to the high and low-level markings to check for the coolant level. Explain that you will never check if the engine is still hot, just when right after the vehicle has been running. Describe how to top up to the correct level.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how to check for the safe level of hydraulic brake fluid?

Answer: You must point to the reservoir, and say you’ll check the fluid levels against high and low markings.

15. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level?

Answer: Once again, you must point to the reservoir and explain that you’ll check if the level is above the minimum indicator. You need to regularly top it up to make sure you have enough to clean your windscreen for visibility.

Show Me Driving Test Questions

For these driving test questions, you’ll have to do the task instead of just pointing and explaining.

Inside the car

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

Answer: You’ll normally find the control on the right-hand stork. Slightly pull it towards you to turn on the rear wiper. Pull it firmer and hold it to turn the washer on. To stop, let go of the lever and put it back on the original position.

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

Answer: This is probably one of the easiest driving test questions for the “Show Me, Tell Me” portion. The control is on the same stalk as with the rear windscreen washer, only this time you have to press the end to let the fluid from the washer out. The wipers will either automatically be turned on and off — or you might have to manually turn the wipers on and off depending on the vehicle you’re driving.

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

Answer: To turn the dipped headlights on, simply switch the headlight stalk twice. You’ll know they’re on through the indicator from your dashboard. Don’t forget to turn them off once you’re done.

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

Answer: Press the demister control to turn it on. Press it again to turn it off.

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

Answer: The horn is usually in the centre of the steering wheel. Press it only when there are no other vehicles or pedestrians around.

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

Answer: Find the demister control and turn it on by pressing. Press it again to turn it off

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

Answer: You’ll find the controls on the driver’s door. Press it down to open the window, pull it up to close it. Try not to look at the controls when you’re driving.

Tips To Ace Your “Show Me, Tell Me” Driving Test Questions

1. To provide the correct answer for these driving test questions you have to listen to the examiner. He’ll say “show” or “tell” to determine whether the task is a “show me” or “tell me” question.

2. Give a detailed explanation instead of a vague one whenever you answer a question.

3. It’s important that you know the car you’re driving to the practical test. Show me questions can be tricky, and you might get surprised if you’re not familiar with the vehicle.

4. Keep practising! The examiner will only ask one of each “show me, tell me” question, you must know the right answer.

Getting the right answers to the “show me, tell me” driving test questions will not guarantee your passing, but it will put you in good light for the remainder of your driving test!

Take time to review these guidelines carefully and when you believe you’re ready to take your driving test, let us help you book a schedule!