Show and Tell Questions

Vehicle maintenance is an important part of road safety and the driving test recognises that. The practical driving test now contains the 'Show Me Tell Me' questions testing your knowledge on how to maintain your vehicle. You will be asked two maintenance questions by your examiner at at the start of your practical test. Your Smart1 instructor will help you prepare your answers before the test. This list is also available as a printable download - download Show & Tell sheet.

Please note that during this part of your test you should not start the car engine; just turn the ignition when asked to do so. Also, when the car bonnet is open do not touch any part of the engine as it may be very hot!

Try testing yourself before clicking the question to display the answer!

• 1. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

  Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe how you would check the oil level against the minimum / maximum markers.

• 2. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

  Identify high / low level markings on header tank (where fitted) or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

• 3. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

  Identify reservoir and check level.

• 4. 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.

  Identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings.

• 5. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

  Operate brake pedal, make use of any reflections in windows, garage doors etc, or ask someone to help.

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

  Brakes shoud not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you move off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

• 7. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

  Tyre pressures are in manufacturers manual, use a reliable pressure gauge, check tyre pressures when cold (once a week), don't forget spare and remember to refit dust caps.

• 8. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and their general condition is safe to use on the road.

  No cuts or bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

• 9. Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

  If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two checks can be made. With the wheel turned slightly, maintained while the engine is started, you notice a slight movement in the wheel as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an instant indication the power steering is functioning OK.

• 10. Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

  Turn on ignition (if necessary), operate switch for lights, walk round the vehicle.

• 11. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

  Apply indicators or hazard warning lights and check all indicators.

• 12. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

  Turn on ignition (if necessary). Operate horn.

• 13. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

  Demonstrate by applying the handbrake and when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

This picture of the Smart1 training vehicle engine may help you remember where the key components are located in the engine bay.

Note that the DSA have the right to change these questions at any time. We cannot completely guarantee the accuracy of this information. The latest questions can be obtained directly from the DSA via their website.