DSA Show Me/Tell Me

The DSA Show me, tell me questions test your knowledge on basic car maintenance and safety. At the start of the practical driving test you will be asked one 'tell me' question, and while you are driving you will be asked one 'show me' questions. Answer either of these two questions incorrectly and you will gain one driving test fault.  Below you will find all the show me, tell me questions and answers.

Q. 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. (Some examiners will refer to this as water coolant, or just coolant!)
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.

Q. 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. 

Q.  Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey. 
A. If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey a simple check can be made.
Gently turn the steering wheel while the engine is running, you will notice that steering wheel is light and easy to turn.

Q. 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.

Q. Open the bonnet, identify where the Windscreen Washer reservoir is and tell me how you check the level?
A. Identify reservoir, lift off cap and make a visual check of level as there are no external markings on reservoir.

Q. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (while driving).
A. Press the horn and listen.

Q. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. 
A. Switch on engine, Operate brake pedal and ask someone to stand behind car to check lights are working.

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

Q. Show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights. (while Driving)

A. Locate and turn on Headlight switch.

Q. Tell 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.

Q. 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.
Q. Tell 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 and it should not travel up too high.

Q. 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.

Q. 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.
Q. Show me how you would clean the windscreen. (while driving)
A. Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen.

Q. Show me how you would clean rear the windscreen. (while driving)

A. Operate control to wash and wipe rear windscreen

Q. Show me how you would open the drivers window (while driving)

A. Operate window control to open window.

Q. Show me how you would demist the windscreen. (while driving)

A. Operate control to demist windcreen, turn up fan speed, turn up heat or Air Con Switch if fitted,and divert air onto windcreen.

Q. Show me how you would demist the rear windscreen. (while driving)

A. A. Operate control to demist rear windcreen.

Q. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system (ABS).
A. Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system, and stay on permanently.

Q. Tell me when you should switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. 
A. If visibility is less than 100 meters use fog lights.