The DSA Show me tell me questions test your knowledge on basic car maintenance and safety. After your sight test at the start of the practical driving test the show me tell me questions will begin. The examiner will ask you two questions out of a possible 19 - one will be a ’show me’ question and the other will be a ‘tell me’ question. If you answer one or both of the questions incorrectly you will incur one minor fault. Answer both correctly and no faults will be awarded.
All the 19 questions are listed below.
Q1) Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
A) Identify the coolant tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant level is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this unscrew the cap and pour in the coolant until the max mark is reached.
Q2) Open the bonnet and identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max marker levels.
A) Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid against the min/max markers.
Q3) Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A) If the steering becomes heavy then the steering could be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made - 1. Gentle pressure on the steering maintained whilst the engine is started should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. 2. Turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.
Q4) Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you check that the engine has enough oil.
A) Identify the dipstick, pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert the dipstick, pull it out again and check the oil level against the min/max markings.
Q5) Open the bonnet and identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you check the level?
A) Identify reservoir, lift off the cap and make a visual check of level as there are no external markings on reservoir.
Q6) Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A) Press the horn and listen (for the beep!) - turn on the ignition if necessary.
Q7) Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. Switch on the ignition if necessary.
A) Operate the pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc or ask someone to help.
Q8) Tell me how you check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A) As you move off gently apply the footbrake. They should not feel slack or spongy and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q9) Tell me how you would check that the headlights are working.
A) Turn on the headlights (turn on the ignition if necessary), walk round the car and check that the lights are on.
Q10) Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.
A) Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.
Q11) Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A) Information will be found using the manufacturer’s manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge (pronounced gayge NOT gorge!) when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.
Q12) Show me how you would check the parking/hand brake for excessive wear.
A) Apply the parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself and should not be at the end of its working travel.
Q13) Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A) the head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or the top of the ears and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B some head restraints might not be adjustable.
Q14) Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A) A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference.
Q15) Show me how you would clean the windscreen and rear window using the windscreen washers and wipers.
A) Operate control to wash the windscreen and rear window. (turn on the ignition if necessary).
Q16) Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
A) Set all the 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.
Q17) Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system (ABS).
A) A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with your anti lock braking system.
Q18) Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to full/main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
A) Operate the switch (turn on the ignition if necessary). A (usually blue) main beam warning light should illuminate.
Q19) Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)
A) Operate switch (turn on the ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Fog light(s) should be used in foggy conditions when visibility is reduced to less than 100 metres.