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 question and one tell me question. 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 you will find all the show me, tell me questions and answers.  

Q1. 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.

Q2. 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.

Q3. Show me/explain 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 two simple checks can be made.

1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.

2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.

 Q4. 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.

Q5. 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.  

Q6. 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).

Q7. 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).  

A.Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)

Q8. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.  

A. As you move off press the brakes. They should not feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side.

Q9. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.  

A. Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on.

Q10. 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.

Q11. 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 in 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.

Q12. How would you know  there was a problem with the ABS system.?

A There would be a light illuminated on the dash broad.

Q13 How do you  set the head restraint to the correct height?

A The main body of the head restraint  should be level with the tops of  your ears.

Q14 How do you change the headlights from dipped to main beam?

A Switch the headlights on  then move the control for the main beam to the on position a light will be illuminated on the dash.

Q15 How do you switch the fog lights on?  

A switch on the headlights and the push the button for the fog lights.

Q16 Tell me how you check the tread depth of  a tyre ?

A Use a tread depth gauge to check the depth. of  the tyre. The minimum depth should be 1.6mm across the middle ¾ of the tyre.

Q17 How do you check the handbrake is in good working order?

A Secure the vehicle by pressing the foot brake, release the handbrake and then re-apply it .Check the handbrake stays in the up position

and is not at the end of it’s travel.

Q18 How would you set the heating controls to demist the front and rear windows?

Q19 How do you wash the front windows?