Driving Test Preparation
During your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you two vehicle safety questions known as the Show Me, Tell Me questions. We make sure all learners are familiar with these questions before test day.
One Tell Me question is asked before you start driving — you simply explain your answer. One Show Me question is asked while you are driving, where you will be asked to safely operate a vehicle control.
Getting a question wrong will usually result in a driving fault (minor fault). It will not automatically cause you to fail your driving test, but it is an easy mark to lose if you are unprepared.
The brakes should not feel spongy or slack. They should be tested as you move off and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
Look in the manufacturer’s handbook or vehicle information guide. Use a reliable pressure gauge and check the tyres when they are cold. Don’t forget the spare tyre if fitted and replace the valve caps afterwards.
The rigid part of the head restraint should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears and as close to the back of your head as is comfortable.
Check there are no cuts, bulges or damage. The tyre must have at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around the entire circumference.
Switch on the lights and walk around the vehicle to check that all lights are operating correctly.
The ABS warning light would remain illuminated on the dashboard.
Operate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the vehicle to check all indicators are functioning correctly.
Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows, doors or another reflective surface, or ask someone to help check the lights.
Apply gentle pressure to the steering wheel while starting the engine. You should notice a slight movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively, turning the wheel after moving off should confirm the steering assistance is working.
Turn on the dipped headlights and operate the rear fog light switch. Check the warning light appears on the dashboard. Rear fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres.
Operate the appropriate control and check that the blue main beam warning light appears on the dashboard.
Identify the dipstick or oil level indicator and check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
Identify the coolant reservoir and check that the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum markings.
Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check that the fluid level is between the minimum and maximum markings.
Operate the front windscreen washer and wiper controls.
Operate the rear windscreen washer and wiper controls.
Use the vehicle’s headlight control to switch on dipped headlights.
Operate the rear window demister control.
Press the horn control when it is safe to do so.
Adjust the heating and ventilation controls to clear the windscreen.
Operate the electric window controls to open and close the side window.
Every vehicle is slightly different — the location of switches, controls and dashboard warning lights can vary from car to car. During your driving lessons, your instructor will regularly practise Show Me, Tell Me questions with you in the same vehicle you will use for your practical driving test. By the time your test arrives, these questions should feel familiar and straightforward rather than something you need to memorise.