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With the TotalDrive app, we utilise the premium features the app provided at no cost to you. With both 2 & 3 dimensional videos, we use these to help you to learn. The video shows an example of 2D Parallel Parking and 3D Moving Off and Stopping
Safe Driving for Life is a DVSA website packed with useful information.
Show Me & Tell Me Questions
At the beginning of your test you will be required to answer a Tell Me Question before you set off. You need to know the answers to avoid a driving fault being recorded against you on the examiners report. At some point during the test, while the wheels are moving and it is safe to do so, the examiner will ask you to show them how to do something that will require you to do something in addition to driving. This is done to ensure that you keep focus on the drive as well as perform a function that will require you to use an ancillary control within the vehicle. The questions and answers are provided below. We will test you on all of these during your lessons and particularly with the Show Me questions, you will know exactly where the ancillary control is so you remain focused at all times.
Tell me Questions.
1. Tell Me how You would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Explain that brakes should not feel spongy or slack and your vehicle shouldn’t pull to one side. Brakes should be tested as you set off.
2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
The manufacturer’s guide will explain how to do this. You must use a reliable pressure gauge, and check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre and remember to refit valve caps.
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The rigid part of your head restraint must be at least as high as your eyes or the tops of your ears and as close to the back of your head as possible – whilst still remaining comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Tyres shouldn’t have any cuts and bulges. There must be at least 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around its entire outer circumference.
5. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working
Explain how you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk around your vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
6. Tell me how you would if there was a problem with the antil lock braking system (ABS)
Explain how the warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
7. Tell me how you check that the direction indicators are working
Explain how you’d operate the switch (turn on your vehicle’s ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle or ask someone to check them for you.
8. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working
Explain how you would operate the brake pedal and then make use of reflections in nearby windows or doors to check – or ask someone to check for you as you operate the pedal.
9. Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If your steering becomes heavy suddenly, then the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, two simple checks can be made: gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively, turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning or not. If the steering is heavy, there may be a fault.
10. Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and when you would use it/them.
10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle. Operate the relevant switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check that the fog light indicator is showing on the dashboard. Explain that when visibility is reduced to less than 100 metres, the fog lights should be used.
11. Tell me how you switch the lights from dipped to main beam and how you would know the main beam is on.
Operate the relevant switch (with your engine and/or ignition on if needed). Check the settings using the main beam warning light. Switch from off to dipped headlights (green light on dashboard). to switch to main beam push the left stalk on the steering away. A blue light will illuminate on the dashboard.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
To answer this, you must first identify the dipstick/oil level indicator. Then, describe the check of your oil level against the minimum and maximum markers. Your instructor will show you how to do this throughout your lessons.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient coolant.
First, identify the high and low level markings on the header tank where it’s fitted or on the radiator filler cap. Then describe how to top it up to the correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydrauic brake fluid.
Identify the reservoir and then check the level against high and low markings.
Show me Questions
Your instructor will show you how to complete the Show Me elements throughout your driving lessons. It is very easy to fail the driving test by not being confident and safe in completing these. The main cause is looking away from the road and drifting left or right into danger. In 2022 around 15% of test failures were for this reason.
There are seven ‘show me’ questions that could be asked during your driving test.
1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?
Planning for your driving test
Beware of third party apps that sell driving tests. We do not recommend purchasing your test through this method. In the event that the DVSA cancel your test where they will refund the payment, you may only be able to recover the actual test fee of £62. Follow this link for the approved method. BOOK A TEST