SHOW ME TELL ME

At the beginning of your driving test, after you have been asked by the DSA examiner to read a number plate and then arrive at your car (or your Driving Instructors car), you will be asked 2 of the DSA Show me/Tell me questions.

If you are taking your driving test in a driving school car, during your driving lessons you should ensure that you become familiar with where to find the required aspects that you may be asked to identify.

These questions are designed to check your knowledge of basic car safety and will include one ‘show me’ aspect, where you actually have to demonstrate how and what you would do to check/adjust something, and one ‘tell me’ aspect where you would simply have to explain how you would do something.
‘show me, tell me’ questions are listed below. At the bottom of the page there is a list of the specific DSA combinations you will be asked (the examiners should only ask you the questions in these pairs).
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 dipstick / say you would pull it out wipe it clean put it back in then pull it out again to check the level of oil is between the minimum/maximum markers.
Question 2:
Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Maintain gentle pressure on the steering wheel whilst starting the engine, it should feel loose and easy to steer. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
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, and describe how to top up to the correct level.
Identify header tank and explain level should be between minimum/maximum markings. and describe how you would top up to the correct level.
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. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Question 5:
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Question 6:
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
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.
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (you may need to switch ignition on) Do not start the car.
Question 9:
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (the examiner can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, don’t start the engine)
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, but do not actually start engine)
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 around 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
Show Me/Tell Me Combinations
Here is the official list of the combinations you will 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