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PassMark Show Me and Tell me Questions

You will be asked two out of all the following questions before you leave the test centre. Please note that getting one or both of the questions wrong will result in you getting a minor fault before starting your test.

Under the bonnet

Q1. Open the bonnet; tell me how you would check that the car has sufficient coolant.
A. Identify the coolant tankCoolant Tank and check the min/max markings.

Q2. Open the bonnet; tell me how you would check that the car has got sufficient hydraulic brake fluid.
A. Identify the brake fluidBrake Fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels.

Q3. Open the bonnet; tell me how you would check that the car has got sufficient engine oil.
A. Identify the dipstick, pull it out, wipe it, replace it and remove once more then check the oil levelOil Level is between min/max markings. If it’s below minimum top it up through the filler cap on top of the engine.

Q4. Open the bonnet; tell me how you would check the car has sufficient windscreen washer fluid.
A. Identify washer bottleWasher Bottle and just make sure it has some in it. No max or min marks, it’s either got enough or it hasn’t.

Show me questions

Q5. 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. Reverse up to a reflective surface (garage doors or shop windows) and press the brake pedal. Brake lights should be visible in mirrors, or ask someone to help.

Q6. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A. Press the hornHorn and listen. On my Golf the ignition needs to be turned on, but do not start the engine.

Q7. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.
A. Activate the indicators or hazard warning lightsHazard Warning Lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.

Q8. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A. Apply the footbrake, release handbrake then reapply. Release footbrake and then say the following “the car is secure and the handbrake is not at the end of its working travel, if it was the car would roll”.

Q9. Show me how you would wash the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A. Ignition must be on but don’t start the engine. Pull the right hand stalkRight Hand Stalk on the steering column towards you for a couple of seconds to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary).

Q10. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively; this includes both front and rear screens.
A. To demist the windowsDemist The Windows effectively set the heater to max heat, the fan speed on high, the air direction to front screen and press the rear screen heater button. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

Q11. Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and tell me how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
A. Ignition must be on but don’t start the engine. Turn headlights onto dipped beam using switch located below right hand vent on drivers side, then push the left hand stalkLeft Hand Stalk on the steering column away from you. You would know if the main beam was on by a light illuminating on the dashboard.

Q12. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle).
A. Ignition must be on but don’t start the engine. Turn headlights on dipped beam and pull the fog light switchFog Light Switch out two clicks. A warning light will illuminate on the dashboard. Fog lights are used when visibility is below 100 metres, any other time the use of fog lights is illegal.

Tell me questions

Q13. Tell me how you would check the headlights and taillights are working on your car.
A. Ignition must be on but don’t start the engine. Turn switchTurn Switch (located below the vent on the right of the driver) on then walk around front and rear of car checking the lights are on.

Q14. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A. Brakes shouldn’t feel spongy or slack when stationary, I would drive a short distance and apply them, the car shouldn’t pull to one side.

Q15. 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 handbook. 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.

Q16. Tell me how you would check the tyres have the minimum tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A. Tyres should have visible treadVisible Tread all around. The central ¾‘s of the tyres width should have a minimum of 1.6mm and also around the entire circumference of the tyre. There should be no cuts or bulges. Tread depth can be checked with a tread depth gauge.

Q17. 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.

Q18. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
A. Warning lightWarning Light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

This last question is either a show me or tell me question.

Q19. Show me/tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A. The engine will be off at this point. Say “at the moment the power steering isn’t working. When I start the engine I should feel the power through the wheel. Or I can drive a short distance and turn the wheel. If it feels heavy it isn’t working.