Show Me Tell Me Questions
At the start of your driving test, you will be asked one of the 14 "Tell Me" questions, from the selection listed below.
​
The following answers apply to my current car and the pictures are therefore related to an Audi Q2.
Question 1.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Start the car and make it move very slowly. Then press the brake pedal. Braking should be immediate and the pedal should not feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side or the other with the brake applied.
Question 2.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car & how should they be checked.
Information regarding tyre pressures will be found in the vehicle manufacturer's manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable tyre pressure gauge. If you don't have one, for a small charge you will normally find one at your local petrol station. Always check the pressures when the tyres are cold so as to obtain an accurate reading. Don't forget the tyre on the spare wheel.
Question 3.
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 centre part of the restraint is at least as high as the middle of your head, and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. Lift up or down to adjust the height.
Question 4.
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 safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges on the tyre wall, and the tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the width of the tyre, around its entire circumference.
Question 5.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Turn on the ignition; turn the light switch from auto, one click right to turn on the sidelights, and a further click right to turn on the headlights. Then walk around car and check that the lights are working. You can also look for reflections of the lights to confirm that they are working.
Question 6.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Turn on the ignition, and look for the orange ABS warning light illuminating. After staying on for a few seconds the light should then go out. If there is a fault with the anti lock braking system the ABS light will continue to illuminate. Should this happen, the anti lock breaking system should be investigated to rectify the fault as soon as possible.
Question 7.
Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.
Activate the indicators, and then walk around the car to check that the lights are flashing. Or better still; push the hazard warning switch to activate the hazard warning lights. This makes all the indicator lights flash at the same time. Now you only need to walk around the car once to confirm that all the lights are working correctly.
Question 8.
Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you. If you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine).
Switch on the ignition, but do not start the engine. Now press the brake pedal and whilst doing so you can make use of reflections in windows and garage doors etc, or you can ask someone else to help you to check that the lights are working.
Question 9.
Tell me and explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. 1) Gentle upward or downward pressure on the steering wheel should be maintained whilst the engine is started. A slight but noticeable movement will be felt as the system begins to operate. 2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that power assistance is functioning.
Question 10.
Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use them. (No need to exit vehicle).
Turn on the ignition. Switch on the headlights, and then push in the bottom of the two fog light switches, to the left of the headlight switch. The top switch operates the front fog lights. A warning light will indicate that these lights are operating. Fog lights should only be used when visibility is limited to 100 yards or less.
Question 11.
Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped beam to main beam, and explain how you would know that the main beam is working whilst inside the car.
Turn on the ignition. Turn on the headlights. Then push forward on the same control stalk used for the indicators. This will switch on the main beam for the head lights. You will see a symbol which looks a little like a blue jelly fish illuminate to confirm that the main beam in operating. Pull the control stalk backwards again to turn off the main beam.
Question 12.
Open the bonnet and Tell Me where you check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil.
Identify the dipstick, (yellow pull handle) located left of the Audi badge on the engine cover. Pull it out, wipe it, re insert it and then pull it out again to check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks on the bottom of the dip stick. Top up if required.
Question 13.
Open the bonnet, and Tell me how you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
Identify the coolant tank and check the minimum/maximum markings. If the coolant is below the minimum mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the maximum mark is reached.
Question 14.
Open the bonnet, and Tell Me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the brake fluid reservoir, located at the rear left of the engine compartment, as you look at it from the front. As it's a type of oil, the cap is coloured yellow, as is the engine oil cap and dipstick. Check the fluid level against the minimum and maximum levels.
One of the following "Show Me" Questions - will be asked whilst you are driving.
Question 1. Show Me
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
​
Pull the right hand control arm switch towards yourself. Holding it in that position will send jets of washer fluid onto the screen. Releasing the switch will stop the water flowing. The wipers will then activate a few more times and then stop.
Question 2. Show Me.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
​
Push the right hand control arm switch away from yourself. Holding it in that position will send jets of washer fluid onto the screen. Releasing the switch will stop the water flowing. The wipers will then activate a few more times and then stop.
Question 3. Show Me.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
​
Turn the switch from O to the right 3 clicks move it to the Head Light symbol.
Auto lights, sidelights, and then headlights.
Question 4. Show Me.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
​
The rear screen contains a heating element to clear the screen. Pushing the switch indicated activates it.
Question 5. Show Me.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
​
Press the horn anywhere around the outer circle of the Audi badge. Ensure that the horn sounds clearly, but only do this if you are on the test centre car park or off road, to comply with the Highway Code. Pressing in the centre of the badge under which the air bag is located will not make the horn sound.
Question 6. Show Me.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
​
On the central console, turn the centre button to "max" & the right button to the top in order to de-mist the front windscreen. This directs all the air to the windscreen and turns the fan on to maximum the screen quickly.
Question 7. Show Me.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
​
There are 4 switches (1 for each side window) located on the right hand door panel. Pushing down on any of these switches will open the selected side window. Puling up on the switches will close the appropriate window.
