Stanmore Driving School
Show me/Tell me Questions
At the beginning of your driving test you will be asked two of the DSA Show me/Tell me questions.
These questions are designed to check your knowledge of basic car safety and will include one 'show me' question, where you actually have to demonstrate how and what you would do to check/adjust something, and one 'tell me' question where you would simply have to explain how you would do something.
At the bottom of the page there is a list of the specific DSA variations you may be asked (the examiners should only ask you the questions in these pairs).
The answers and pictures below apply to Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 cars as used by Stanmore Driving School. Other makes and models will be similar but will probably differ in some respects.
Under The Bonnet
Question #1:
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 the oil dipstick. Explain that to check the oil level you would pull the dipstick out of the dipstick tube and wipe the end with a cloth to ensure an accurate reading. Then the dipstick must be pushed back fully into the dipstick tube and removed again to to ensure the oil level reading is accurate. If the oil level has dropped into the MIN range of the ladder the oil must be topped up. To do this, open oil filler cap and pour in oil until the level on the dipstick is withinn the MIN and MAX markings. Wait two minuets between each top-up to allow the oil to drain to the bottom of the engine for an accurate reading. DO NOT OVERFILL WITH OIL or you risk damage to the engine and the catalytic converter. On the other hand, if your engine gets too low on oil you risk fatal damage to your engine which means your car will need to be replaced - very expensive! CHECK YOUR OIL LEVEL REGULARLY!
Question #2:
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. NB If the power-assisted steering fails the vehicle can still be steered, but considerably more force is required.
Question #3:
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 and say that to top it up you would wait until the engine is cold, remove the filler cap and top up with tap water until the level reached the mark at the middle of the tank, and then replace the filler cap. NB Allow engine to cool before opening the coolant filler cap. Remove filler cap carefully so that pressure can escape slowly, otherwise there is a risk of scalding.
Question #4:
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle Apply foot brake firmly.
Push the foot brake firmly with your right foot to stop the car rolling if you are parked on a slope. Release the handbrake and then re-apply it to show that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of it's working travel.
Question #5:
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Look to the bottom of the washer filler pipe (see picture above) and you will see the windscreen washer reservoir. If you can see liquid in the reservoir that's fine. If not, then top up with tap water or in the winter special windscreen washer liquid from the garage that resists freezing up.
Question #6:
Show me how you would check that the horn is working.
Turn on ignition and push the Vauxhall logo (funny looking bird thing) in the centre of the steering wheel. The horn will sound. Turn ignition off..
Question #7:
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.
Question #8:
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Push the hazard warning button to activate the Hazard Warning Lights. Walk around car to see that all indicator lights (front and rear, left and right) are flashing. Return to driver's seat and turn off the Hazard Warning Lights.
Question #9:
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Switch ignition on. Push brake pedal. Make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, white walls etc, to see if all your brake lights are working. Or ask someone (the examiner?) to check that the brake lights are working. NB It is important that the brake lights are working. If they are not, another vehicle could smash into the back of you because the other driver doesn't know you are braking. You have been warned...
Question #10:
Tell me how you would 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 #11:
Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a "Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Question #12:
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.
Question #13:
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.
Question #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).
Question #15:
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.
Question #16:
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Question #17:
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
Question #18:
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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable
Question #19:
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate (on the dashboard) if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system
Possible Show Me/Tell Me Combinations
Here are the official list of the possible combinations you could be asked on the day of your driving test:
8 & 10, 5 & 9, 2 & 12, 4 & 5, 1 & 12, 3 & 18, 7 & 13, 6 & 13, 10 & 14, 11 & 15, 16 & 19, 9 & 11, 17 & 19.
If you should get either one or both of the questions wrong, you will receive one driver fault. This fault from the 'show me/tell me questions' would go towards your final total of driver faults received on your practical driving test. There is no 'larger' penalty for getting both questions wrong as opposed to only one.