When getting ready for the driving test, many folks focus heavily on the main sections like independent driving and the manoeuvres, often overlooking another crucial part: the driving test ‘show me, tell me’ questions.
Even though you won’t fail the driving test questions just by missing a ‘show me’ or ‘tell me’ question, it’s still crucial to know them thoroughly. Your driving instructor will review these questions with you, but understanding show me tell me questions driving test well beforehand will help you feel more confident on the test day.
What are the ‘show me, tell me’ questions DVLA?
The ‘show me, tell me’ questions quiz is part of your driving test.
As implied by the name, there are two categories of questions. For the ‘show me’ question, you’ll need to demonstrate something about the car. For the ‘tell me’ question, you’ll need to answer a question verbally.
For example, you might be asked to show how to turn on the car’s dipped headlights. Or, you might be asked to tell the examiner how you would check if the car’s brake lights are working. You won’t need actually to test the brake lights with someone; just explain how you would check them.
The ‘tell me’ question comes first, at the beginning of the test, while the ‘show me’ question is asked during the UK practical driving test.
What if I get the ‘show me, tell me’ questions driving test wrong?
If you get one or both of the ‘show me, tell me’ questions quiz wrong, you will get a minor driving fault. Even if you miss both questions, it still counts as just one minor. You can have up to 15 minor faults before you fail the driving test.
What ‘show me’ questions might I be asked?
The examiner will pick from a list of questions during your test. Here are the possible ‘show me’ questions and how to respond:
Use the rear wash-wipe.
Activate the windscreen washers and wipers.
Turn on the dipped headlights.
Turn on the heated rear windscreen.
Press the horn.
Turn on the fan, set it to hot, and direct the airflow to the windscreen.
Open and close the driver’s side window.
What ‘tell me’ questions might I be asked?
At the start of your test, the examiner will ask you one of these questions:
I would check the brakes as soon as I start driving, making sure they don’t feel spongy or strange. The car should stop in a straight line, not veer to one side.
This information is in the car’s handbook or on a plaque inside the fuel filler cap or driver’s door. Use a dependable gauge to check the tyre pressures when the tyres are not warm. Don’t forget the spare tyre and replace the dust caps after checking.
The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears and as close to the back of your head as possible.
Look for cuts, bulges, or perished rubber. The minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, which should be checked across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s breadth and around its entire circumference.
Turn on the lights, with the ignition on if necessary, then walk around the car to check that all lights are working.
The ABS warning light would come on, showing the letters ‘ABS’ in a bracketed orange circle.
Walk around the car to see if all indicators are working when activated.
Ask a friend to look at the lights while you press the brake pedal or check for reflections in windows or doors.
If the steering feels heavy, there may be a problem. Slight pressure on the wheel after starting the car should result in a small movement of the wheels. You can also check by turning the wheel just as you move off.
Turn on the fog-light switch; the headlights and ignition may need to be on. A warning light will show that the fog lights are on. Use them only when visibility is below 100 meters and turn them off when visibility improves.
Explain the main-beam switch and mention that the blue light on the dashboard indicates the main beam is on.
Open the bonnet, point out the dipstick, and explain how to check the oil level between the minimum and maximum marks. Also, mention where to add oil if needed.
Open the bonnet, point out the coolant tank or radiator, and check the level between the minimum and maximum marks. Explain how to top it up if necessary.
Open the bonnet, point out the brake fluid reservoir, and check the level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the ‘show me, tell me’ questions DVLA might not seem as critical as other parts of the UK driving test, they are quite crucial for assessing your knowledge of vehicle safety and operation. Understanding these questions thoroughly can boost your confidence and ensure you’re well-prepared for the test.
Additionally, utilising resources such as a ‘show me, tell me’ questions quiz can help reinforce your understanding and identify any areas needing further study. Even if you don’t answer all questions correctly, it’s just a minor mistake, and you can still pass the test as long as you avoid too many errors. Therefore, focus on mastering both practical driving skills and knowledge of the rules to increase your chances of success.