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show me tell me

The DSA Show Me Tell Me Test - Questions and Answers.


The DSA Show me, tell me questions test your knowledge on basic car maintenance and safety. At the start of the practical driving test the show me, tell me questions will begin. The driving test examiner will ask you two questions, one show me and one tell me. Answer any of these two questions incorrectly and you will gain one driving test fault. There are 19 different questions which can be asked in 18 different combinations. Below are the show me, tell me questions and answers.

under bonnet

Q1. Open the bonnet identify, where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil.
A. Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings.

Q2. 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 is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached.

Q3. 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.
A. Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels.

Q4. Open the bonnet identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A. Open the bonnet and identify the windscreen washer reservoir and explain how to check the level.

Q5. 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 car manufacturer's manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare and remember to refit the valve caps.

Q6. 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 outer circumference.

Q7. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A. They should not feel spongy or slack, As you move off check the brakes the car should not pull to one side.

Q8. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working .No need to exit the vehicle
A. Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), do not start the engine


Q9. 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 top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Q10. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
A. Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system

Q11.Show Me / Explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A. Before starting the engine the steering will feel heavy, after starting the engine the steering will feel light and normal. If the steering becomes heavy the power steering may not be working

Q12. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car , I can assist you if you require, if you need to switch the ignition on please do not start the engine.
A. Turn on the ignition (do not start the engine) and press the brake pedal. Look for a reflection or ask the examiner to look for you

Q13. 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.

Q14. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A. Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary).

Q15. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A. Apply the parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself.

Q16. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers .
A. Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

Q17. 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 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.

Q18. 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).
A. Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

Q19. 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.
A. Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light