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Prepare for the "Show Me, Tell Me" Questions

This is the car used for your lessons, feel free to come for a refresher before your test.

Check the questions on the GOV UK website.

Car type

Automatic

"Tell me" questions

1. 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.

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Tread depth and general condition

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.

2. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil / engine coolant / break fluid / windscreen fluid.

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Engine coolant

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

Break fluid

Identify and describe topping up procedures for high and low level markings on a header tank or radiator filler cap.

Engine oil

Oil level should not be above or below the max/min line, respectively

Windscreen wiper fluid

Check the level either on the side of the tube or inside.

3. 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.

Fog lights should only be used in the fog, when visibility drops below 100 metres (328 feet) which is roughly the length of a football pitch, this is stated by the Highway Code (rule 226).

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Front fog lights

Front fog lights are located on the right of the steering wheel. Press on the button to turn them on.

Rear fog lights

Rear fog lights are located on the right of the steering wheel. Press on the button to turn them on.

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Front fog lights

This is how the fog light looks from outside the vehicle.

"Show me" questions

When the instructor poses these questions, they aim to gauge your readiness to respond while driving. The intentional use of "When it's safe to do so" in the questions is designed to ensure that you prioritise checking mirrors (left, middle, right) before taking any action.

  1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front / rear windscreen?

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Long push to wash rear windscreen

Long push the side of the wiper lever to wash the front windscreen

2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the front / rear demister?

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Front windscreen demister

Turn the switch until the white indicator aligns with the front defroster indicator in the image. 

Rear demister

Press on the button to set your rear demister on.

3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?

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Rotate the switch to the last lighting option. Look for the warning light on the dashboard. 

Dashboard Warning Lights

You won't be questioned about the meaning of these warning lights during your test, but it's beneficial for you to be aware of them.

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01. Front fog lights turned on

02. Power steering system problems

03. Rear fog lights switched on

04. Low level of windshield fluid 

05. Worn brake pads

06. Cruise control is activated

07. Signaling direction

08. Trouble on light sensor or rain sensor

09. Winter mode

10. Info indicator

11. The diesel auxiliary heater

12. Ice warning

13. Starting system problems

14. The key is not in the car

15. Key low battery

16. Warning distance to another car

17. Indicator to push the clutch

18. Indicator to push the brake pedal

19. Locked steering-wheel

20. Long beam turned on

21. Low tire pressure

22. Short beam on

23. Problems with headlight / taillights / signals bulbs

24. Problems with brake lights

25. Problems with the particulate filter (DPF) 

26. Error - disconnection of the plug from the trailer

27. Air suspension problems

28. Warning for exceeding the lane without signaling (anti sleep system, lane assist)

29. Problems with catalyst

30. Warning for seat belt (belt is not on)

31. Warning parking light

32. Alternator or battery problems

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33. Parking sensors turned on

34. Warning light that states you must go on service

35. Adaptive headlights turned on

36. Headlight inclination

37. Problems with variable rear spoiler

38. Problems in triggering electric roof

39. Front airbag is switched off

40. Handbrake is pulled on

41. Water in fuel filter

42. Airbag switched off

43. Mechanical problem or electrical error

44. Short beam turned on

45. Dirty air filter requires replacement

46. ECO mode turned on

47. Downhill assist on

48. Cooling system problems

49. Problem with ABS

50. Problems with fuel filter

51. Open door

52. Open hood

53. Fuel tank on reserve, need to fill the tank

54. Automatic gearbox problems

55. Speed limiter is on

56. Suspension problems

57. Low oil pressure

58. Front window defroster

59. Open trunk

60. ESP is off

61. Rain sensor

62. Engine problems or hazards

63. Rear window defroster

64. The automatic windscreen wiper

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