Safety Check Questions – Show Tell Questions

As part of the UK driving tests you will be asked 2 out of 19 questions which are referred to by the Driving Standards Agency, the examiners, as Safety Check questions but known by us driving instructors as Show Tell questions. The reason we refer to them as Show/Tell is because the questions are always started with “Can you show me” or “Can you tell me”. Quite simple really.

Below I have listed all of the questions presently being asked. I would suggest that you revise these before your test as you do not want such a simple thing to be the cause of you not passing. Although in saying this you do only get 1 minor driver fault, out of a possible 15 for the whole test, for a wrong answer.

Q1) Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working properly.

A1) Apply the indicators or hazard warning switch and check that the direction indicators all work *You may need to turn on the ignition*

Q2) Tell me how you check the brakes are working properly before taking a journey.

A2) The brakes should be applied before you set off on your journey and should not feel spongy or slack. They should not feel spongy or slack and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q3) Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is ad tell me how you would check the windscreen washer levels.

A3) Show where the reservoir is explain about the levels. Each car will be different

Q4) Show or tell me how you check that your brake lights are working.

A4) Press the brake pedal and check for reflections in windows or garage doors etc or ask someone else to help. You may need to turn the ignition on.

Q5) Show me/explain how you would check the power assisted steering is working.

A5) If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey apply pressure to the steering wheel, maintain the pressure whilst starting the engine and there should be a noticeable movement in the steering. After starting your journey the steering should feel light.

Q6) Tell me where you would find the details for the recommended tyre pressures and how the tyre pressures should be checked.

A6) The details are in the manufacturers guide. Use a reliable gauge , check and adjust the pressure when the tyres are cold. Remember to refit the valve caps.

Q7) Tell me how you would check the parking (Hand) brake for excessive wear.

A7) Apply the foot brake and fully apply the hand brake and so it secures itself . It should not go passed the end of its working travel, on many vehicles this is 4 to 5 clicks.

Q8 Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine oil level and check there is sufficient.

A8) Identify the oil dipstick and explain hat the oil levels must be between the minimum and maximum markers.

 

 

Q9 Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine coolant levels. Tell me how you would check there is sufficient coolant.

A9) Identify the minimum and maximum markings on the header tank or filler cap. Describe how to top up the levels.

Q10) Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best possible protection.

A10) The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the restraint is at least as high as the eye

or top of the ears.It should be as close to the head as comfortably possible.

Q11) Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that the levels are correct.

A11) Identify the reservoir, check the levels against the minimum and maximum level markers.

Q12) Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and their condition is safe to use on the road.

A12) No cuts or bulges

and the tread depth is across the centre 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre is 1.6 mm, around the entire tyre.

Q13) Show me how check the horn is working, off road only.

A13) Press the horn, turn on the ignition if necessary.

Q14) Tell us how you would check the head and tail lights are working

A14) Turn on the lights and walk around the car to check the lights are bright. You may need to turn on the ignition.

Q15) Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear the windows effectively. This should include the front and rear screens.

A15) Set all the relevant controls – Fan, Temperature, Air Direction and Heated Screen to clear. The engine does not need to be started to demonstrate this.

Q16) Show me how you would switch on the fog lights and explain when you would use them.

A16) Turn on the dipped head lights and rear fog lights and check that the warning light is on the display. Explain that you would use them when visibility is down to 100 metres  You may need to switch on the ignition.

Q17) Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the Anti Lock Breaking System.

A17) The warning light will illuminate if the anti lock braking system is not working. Point out the warning light.

Q18) Show me how you would check clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers.

Q19) Show me how you switch the headlights from dipped to main beam. Explain how you would know the main bean is working whilst in the car. A18) Operate the controls to wash and wipe the windscreen.

A19) Operate the switch, if necessary turn on the ignition and point out that the warning light has changed from green to blue.

 

 

 

 

Go over these questions as much as possible as you will need to answer these at the beginning of the test, when you are likely to be at you most nervous.

Good Luck and Safe Driving!