Show
Me / Tell Me
At the beginning of your test, after
you have been asked by the DSA examiner to read a number plate 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 must demonstrate how and what you would do to check / adjust
something, and one “tell me” question where you will explain how you would check
/ do something.
An example of all the current “show
me / tell me” questions and the responses you should give are listed below.
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Q1,
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.
A1,
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against
the minimum / maximum markers.
Q2,
SHOW ME explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working
before starting a journey.
A2, 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.
Q3,
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.
A3,
Identify high / low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator
filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Q4,
SHOW ME how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear,
make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.
A4,
Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) that
when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the
working travel.
Q5,
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and TELL ME how you would
check the windscreen washer level.
A5,
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Q6,
SHOW ME how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A6,
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Q7,
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 fluid.
A7,
Identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings.
Q8,
SHOW ME how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A8,
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and checking functioning of
all indicators.
Q9,
SHOW 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).
A9,
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or
ask somebody to help.
Q10,
TELL ME how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a
journey.
A10,
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off.
Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q11,
TELL ME how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working.
(No need to exit the vehicle).
A11,
Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round
the vehicle. (As this is a “Tell Me” question, there is no need to physically
check the lights).
Q12,
TELL ME where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures
for this vehicle and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A12, Manufacturer’s
guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are
cold, don’t forget the spare tyre, remember to refit the valve caps.
Q13, 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.
A13,
Check that there are no cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central
¾ of the breadth of the tyre & around the entire outer circumference.
Q14, SHOW ME how
you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A14,
Operate control to wash & wipe windscreen. (Turn on ignition if necessary).
Q15, SHOW ME how
you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this
should include both front & rear screens.
A15, Set
all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source &
heated screen to clear windscreen & windows. Engine does not have to be
started for this demonstration.
Q16, SHOW ME how
you would switch on the rear fog light(s) & explain when you would use it /
them. (No need to exit the vehicle).
A16,
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights & ignition if necessary). Check
warning light is on. Explain use.
Q17, SHOW ME how
you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam & explain how you would
know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
A17,
Operate switch (with ignition on if necessary), check with main beam warning
light.
Q18, TELL ME how
you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best
protection in the event of a crash.
A18, 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.
Q19, TELL ME how
you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
A19, ABS
warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking
system.
Rookie Driver ,Show Me Tell Me Questions
